Installing CCTV cameras is about more than just covering the points of entry around your property. You may position a camera perfectly to cover your back door, for example, but if you don’t account for factors like light changes throughout the day or the size and quality of the camera, your system may end up doing nothing to improve your home security.
To get into all the finer details that go beyond the simple question of where to place security cameras, we spoke to our head technician, Isaac.
What are the legal considerations for installing a home security camera system?
There are a few legal factors to consider when determining where to install CCTV surveillance cameras at home. First, you must be careful about the types of cameras you install. “Some cameras are fitted with audio and video features. By law, you are allowed to take footage from your own property, but you are not allowed to record voice without permission from a third party. You must let someone know if their voice is being recorded.”
While you are within your rights to install cameras on your property, Isaac clarified that you still have obligations under The Privacy Act (1988). “You cannot point a camera into another property and view footage of their windows, doors, backyards, or other areas.”
Finally, it’s essential for the installer to have a security licence. “This means they have qualified various checks and tests to ensure they are suitable to install security systems.” One of the biggest factors is that the installer must not have a criminal record. As Isaac explained, “If a technician can install or repair a system, they may also know how to alter, break, or hack the system.”
How do you decide where to place security cameras?
According to Isaac, the first step must always be a thorough site inspection. This allows the technician to assess things like external lights, the size and dimensions of the property, trees and plants, walls, and privacy requirements.
From here, there’s an art and a science to determining how many cameras are needed and the ideal spots in which to place them. On the science side of the equation, Isaac gave some examples of the factors that come into consideration.
“You should never install a camera in front of a strong source of light such as floodlights with motion sensors which will turn on at night and point into the camera. You also don’t want to place cameras facing each other less than four metres apart as the infrared of each camera will interfere with the other and create a glare around the image.”
The size and dimensions of the area you want to cover should inform the type of lens you select, while every object in the space can have an impact on the ideal placement of the camera. “Remember, what your eyes can see from the point of the camera is what the camera will see. So before positioning the camera, look look look! And make sure you look around properly.”
On the art side of the equation is the beauty of the installation. “There should be no conduits, cables should be hidden, with aesthetically unobtrusive cameras in the right position so they look great. And the workplace should be left clean and tidy after the installation.”
Of course, many more details go into the planning, design, and installation of a professional home security system. Though it is possible to throw some cameras up yourself, Isaac says the biggest concerns with DIY installs are that they do not last in an outdoor environment and they do not come with a warranty on labour.
For an aesthetically pleasing setup that offers seamless integration with other security features and a warranty on parts and labour, you can’t beat the peace of mind that comes with professional home security camera installation.
If you have questions about CCTV cameras for the home, feel free to get in contact with us for an obligation-free discussion about your security needs.
