How to Plan a CCTV System for Your Home, Shop or Office
A CCTV system is only useful if it records the right places, clearly, when you need it. A little planning before installation avoids blind spots and missing footage.
Decide what must be covered
- Every entrance and exit
- Gates, parking and the area outside the main door
- Cash counters and high-value shelves in shops
- Corridors and stairs that connect key areas
Choose the camera type
HD analog cameras with a DVR are cost-effective for many homes and small shops. IP cameras with an NVR give higher resolution and suit larger premises or setups that need network flexibility. Dome cameras suit indoor ceilings; bullet cameras suit outdoor walls.
Plan for night and light
Check how each spot looks at night and whether bright light from windows or headlights will wash out the image. Cameras with good night vision matter for outdoor coverage.
Work out the storage
How many days of footage you can keep depends on the number of cameras, the resolution and the hard disk size in the recorder. Decide the number of days first, then size the disk.
Mobile viewing and backup power
Remote viewing on your phone needs a stable internet connection at the recorder. Connect the recorder and cameras to a UPS or inverter so recording continues during power cuts.
