Where to Place Security Cameras
The most optimal security camera placement depends on your property. However, there are some universal tips that everyone should follow. After all, if installed in the wrong area, a security camera can be relatively useless. Whether you’re placing your security cameras inside or outdoors, the main tip is to focus on specific areas of interest.
Think back to your security assessment – the path leading up to your front and back doors (home or business), the different ways people access the building, and any blind spots. In some cases, you may need multiple cameras to capture specific areas. A general rule of thumb is to install the security camera at a downward angle to allow for accurate motion detection. It’s important to note, this won’t always be necessary, especially if you’re using a wide-angle dome camera.
At a bare minimum, you will want at least one camera covering your front door, and potentially one monitoring your backdoor, as these are often the primary points of entry. Windows with ground floor access are also key points of vulnerability and could be monitored with cameras, window sensors, or both. Keep in mind that the gate or garage (if applicable) are also primary access points to a house or business and should be monitored as well. Security coverage of all access points should be maintained so that you can be alerted if someone attempts to enter your property.
How to Install Security Cameras Outdoors
Placing security cameras outdoor has a few additional and unique considerations:
1- Avoid backlighting and lens flare
- Backlighting occurs when there is a very bright light that bleeds the footage out resulting in a very pale, almost white image.
- Backlighting can be created by any bright light such as the sun, security light, or street light.
- Reflection from the sun or other lights can cause lens flare which results in circles or dots on your security footage.
- Make sure to face the security camera away from direct sunlight to avoid poor security footage.
2- Mount the security camera out of reach
- Make sure you position the cameras where they are hard to reach. You don’t want easy access to the camera, as an intruder could easily break or disarm it.
- However, be careful not to mount the camera too high as this can inhibit your ability to identify people caught on camera.
3- Check Wi-Fi connection strength*
- The further from your router the camera gets, the more difficult it can be to achieve an adequate signal. As such, check your signal strength at each camera location. If the signal is weak or dropping out, you can install a Wi-Fi extender or try these tips to optimize your Wi-Fi signal.
- *Note: This only applies to Wi-Fi connected cameras.
4- Be aware of privacy implications
- Make sure you know the surveillance laws in your county, state, and country. Although most U.S. states don’t have any specific laws around surveillance, make sure security cameras do not point inside a neighbors property—this is an invasion of privacy.
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