You may have recently decided that your home is in need of some extra security. Wireless security cameras are an easy and modern way to keep an eye on what’s going on around your home.
Wireless security cameras are preferred amongst users as installation takes minimal hassle and requires barely any equipment. Right after installing a wireless security camera your home will turn from an ordinary home to a smart home.
In this article, you will get a full idea of how to install a wireless security camera system at home.
Tools Required For The Security Camera System
Generally, the following tools will be needed to install your CCTV camera:
- Electric drill
- Drill bits
- Screws
- Wall anchors
- Cable clips
- Marker
- Ladder
- Measuring tool
But before you get to drilling, here are some things you need to consider about these cameras. Stay tuned!
How To Power Wireless Security Cameras?
Though it’s named wireless, all wireless cameras are not necessarily wire free. Generally there are three ways a wireless camera can be powered:
Power Cables
Here a cable is plugged into an electric outlet, supplying power to the Wireless camera.
Considering that wireless cameras require quite the amount of energy, power cables are very efficient for the job.
Though one thing to keep in mind is that power cables do limit where and how far you can place your camera.
Battery
Batteries are used to supply energy to the surveillance camera. This option enables the camera to be 100% wire free. This is best for people who don’t want to compromise the positioning of the camera. Nor want to deal with all the drilling mess.
But all is well until the battery.. Runs out. Batteries tend to drain quite quickly, so this may not be the most reliable option.
Most consider this option as high maintenance as well. Also, the distance between the camera and the receiver is an important factor. The further away the camera is from the wifi connection, the worse the quality will be.
Solar Panels
Solar panels are a great way to power your camera. A high-end camera can give you a week’s worth of surveillance with just a single charge.
The camera just needs to be placed under direct sunlight for one entire day and it’s good to go. For this reason, the placing of the camera must have direct access to sunlight.
Initially these cameras can be quite expensive compared to the normal ones. But they are overall low maintenance and cost effective. Which helps with the bills in the long run.
Outdoor or Indoor Camera
When you are choosing a wireless camera system, you need to think about where you will be needing your camera to be placed.
If you choose a cable powered camera for indoors, you will need to set up the wires carefully so that they don’t get trampled on, tripped over , or disconnected by children, pets, etc.
However, an outdoor security camera setup will ensure that you can have a watch on your vehicle and others stuff in your garage.
For that you need to buy a wireless camera that is specifically designed for outdoor weather. You wouldn’t want your camera to freeze up and stop recording just when you were about to catch the theif that’s been stealing your packages all winter !
How To Install Wireless Security Cameras
Now that you know a bit more about which wireless camera is best for your home , here’s how to actually set it up.
Plan
The first and most important step is to work out exactly where you want to place your wireless camera.
Here are some key points you will want to take note of:
- Decide which area of your home is in of need surveillance. And whether it’s indoors, outdoors or both.
- If your wireless camera requires cables, you must place your camera near an power outlet.
- Also measure the distance between your camera’s desired location and the power source, to help you calculate how long your cord has to be.
- Consider the strength of the Wi-Fi signal. The closer the camera is to the router, the better the footage.
- Choose a spot high enough that it covers a large area and gives a clear view. Try to include as many entrees/exits as possible. This will overall reduce the amount of cameras needed, hence reduce cost.
- Find a secure place to fit your wireless camera. Somewhere that is well out of reach of any trespassers, theives, and also mischievous children.
- place your camera away from any bright lights, etc. This may prevent your footage from coming out crystal clear.
Mount Your Camera
As I mentioned in the beginning, not much equipment is required to mount your camera.
Some cameras do come with adhesive pads to stick your camera to the wall, but this isn’t the most secure option when it comes to a security camera.
So now that you have a solid plan, it’s time to bring out your toolbox.
- Place the camera in the location you’ve chosen
- Using a marker, mark each spot that needs screws.
- Now find a drill bit that matches the size of the anchors. Using an electric drill, drill holes in the spots you marked. Put the anchors in the holes.
- Fit the camera in place, and screw in the nails.
- Attach your external antenna if your camera comes with one.
- (For the cameras that require a cable)
- If the cable can’t reach the electric outlet due to a wall for example, you need to drill a hole through the wall, big enough for the cables to pass through. Use cable clips as necessary to secure the cord neatly to the wall.
- After that, connect the power cable to the adapter and plug it in.
- Now direct the camera to the desired angle.
Connect And Activate The Camera
In the following step I am gonna show you how to connect and then activate the camera for your security.
- Connect the wireless camera to your router through the Wi-Fi network. Or if necessary, plug the network cable directly to your router.
- Download a security camera software. Preferably the app provided by the manufacturer.
- Link your smart device to the app. Configure the settings. And set the notifications to your preference.
- Check if the camera is working properly. And see if the position or angle of the camera needs any adjusting.
Double check if anything needs tweaking. You may need to keep a close eye over the next few days to check if everything is running smoothly.
Final Words
Wireless security cameras are a great way to add some extra safety to your home. With installation this easy, everyone can purchase a wireless camera and get to installing it right away!
Hopefully after reading this short article you will have an idea of how to install a wireless security camera system at home.
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