TOP 5 mistakes when installing video surveillance systems and how to avoid them
Cameras allow you to monitor your home, office or warehouse around the clock, but even expensive equipment loses its effectiveness if mistakes are made at the installation stage. In this article, we analyze the five most common mistakes, their consequences and quick ways to prevent them. Are you planning to install a Video surveillance system “turnkey”? Read these recommendations in advance.
1. Incorrect camera placement
The camera is placed too high - and the person's face turns into the crown of the head; too low - it can easily be blinded by a flashlight. Consider glare from the sun and headlights.
How to avoid
- Create a plan with viewing angles and blind spot coverage.
- Keep the lens at a height of 2.7-3 m: out of the vandal zone, but with a detailed frame.
- Install vandal-proof dome models at vulnerable points.
2. Underestimating Power and PoE
Long twisted pair cables without taking into account voltage drop lead to reboots in night mode when IR illumination is turned on.
How to avoid
- Do not exceed 100 m according to category 5e/6 or install PoE extenders.
- Power remote cameras with 24/48 V with a step-down module in place.
- Consider the IR inrush current - it is twice as high as the nominal.
3. Lack of backup power
Power outages are a favorite trick of intruders. Without a UPS, the system “goes blind” at a critical moment.
How to avoid
- Use an uninterruptible power supply with a reserve of 120 minutes.
- Separate the power lines of the recorders and switches.
- Test the batteries once every six months under load.
4. Weak network protection
Open ports and admin/admin passwords make the system an easy target. A hacker can erase the archive.
How to avoid
- Organize VPN access instead of port forwarding.
- Disable factory accounts and enable two-factor authentication.
- Encrypt the TLS or SRTP stream, if supported.
5. Ignoring maintenance
Dust, cobwebs and displaced brackets spoil the picture gradually. The problem is noticed when the recording is no longer readable.
How to avoid
- Clean the lenses and housings once a quarter.
- Check the recorder's hard drive and update the firmware.
- Record changes in the landscape: overgrown bushes can block the view.
What else is important when choosing equipment
In addition to proper installation, pay attention to the characteristics of the cameras themselves:
- Resolution of at least 4 MP - allows you to recognize a face at a distance of up to 15 m.
- WDR from 120 dB - saves from backlighting.
- Minimum illumination of 0.005 Lx - will provide a color image in the twilight.
- Operating temperature range -30-60 °C and protection class of at least IP66.
- Support for the H.265 codec saves up to 50% of disk space without loss of quality.
Careful design, high-quality cables and network protection ensure uninterrupted recording and clear detailing of faces and numbers. Do not skimp on UPS and professional setup - this is an investment in security. Order an audit of the existing system or installation of a new one from specialists, and in a week the facility will be reliably protected.
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