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3 Common CCTV Installation Mistakes to Avoid

Today, businesses cannot rely on security personnel only to keep their facilities safe. Almost every other industry relies on a combination of security guards and surveillance system to deter burglars. Moreover, remote access to a surveillance camera system means that business owners can monitor activities in their premises from the comfort of their homes. That said, CCTV cameras are only as effective as their installation. Therefore, any mistakes you make during CCTV installation expose your facility to security breaches. This article highlights the common mistakes people make when installing a CCTV system. 

Blocking Infrared Beams -- It is common for people to install surveillance cameras in spots that block infrared lights. For instance, if you install a surveillance camera where infrared rays hit a reflective surface, such as a white wall or glass, the images will be completely overexposed. Unfortunately, overexposed images are useless in the event of a security breach. Therefore, avoid installing CCTV cameras close to anything that redirects infrared lights back to a camera. It means that you must be careful with walls, glass, and sources of light when installing CCTV cameras. 

Forgetting about Protective Film -- New CCTV cameras come with a protective film inside or outside a camera housing and lens. Protective films outside the housing are easily noticeable and easily removable. However, it is easy to forget about protective films inside a camera, consequently affecting the system's image quality. There are many cases where clients complain about image clarity only to realise that a technician forgot to remove the protective film. Therefore, ensure that you locate all protective films in a CCTV camera before installation and remove them when conducting system testing. Most importantly, the film prevents fingerprint smudges on sensitive surfaces such as the lens. 

Forgetting to Waterproof Cables -- Modern camera housings are made from IP66 or IP67 dust and waterproof materials. However, CCTV camera cables are not waterproof, but most users are not aware of it. It means that network ports and power cables are exposed, making them susceptible to water damage. Similarly, the SD card slot could rust easily if the cover is not installed correctly. Water vapour or can also accumulate on a camera lens, rendering it useless. Waterproofing CCTV camera cables is easy since all you need is a waterproof tape, which is included in a CCTV camera's packaging. If you are not a DIY enthusiast, leave the task to a technician. 

To learn more, contact a CCTV installation team.


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