How to Install Wired Security Cameras?

One of the best ways to keep your home and family safe from intruders is by installing security cameras. Once you are past the initially struggle of selecting the appropriate security camera for your home, you will try to explore different ways in which you can install the wired security camera. A wired security camera uses a hardwired cable to connect to the network, whereas a wireless security camera connects to a network through Wi-Fi.

Due to this reason, installing a wired security camera is slightly more complicated when compared to the unwired security cameras. This article will help you by giving you a clear picture about how you can effectively install wired security cameras in your home.

Overview of Wired Security Cameras

When it comes to security cameras, you can either go for wired security cameras or wireless security cameras. Out of the two, the wired security cameras are much more reliable since their functionality will never be affected due to instances like loss of signal. They generally are of very high quality since they would be directly connected to the internet. Another advantage offered by wired security cameras is that they can withstand extreme weather conditions, providing longevity and optimal performance.

In any instance, if the power supply to your home is cut and your camera does not have a backup power source, it will stop functioning. However, it might be challenging to install a wired security camera since they do not offer the placement flexibility which a wireless security camera offers. A wired security camera would also need to be placed near a power source.

You can install wired security cameras yourself or take professional help for the same. If you choose to do it yourself, this article can help you out.

How to Install Wired Security Cameras?

You can follow the detailed steps given below to install wired security cameras in your home properly.

1. Ensure Proper Placement

The very first step in installing the security camera is looking for an appropriate location for placement. Placing the camera properly is a must to ensure that the camera captures the footage from the necessary angles for maximum surveillance coverage. The key factors to consider while carrying out this step are,

• Identify the entry points of your home, like windows, doors, garage entrances, and any other such areas where an intruder can potentially gain entry into your home. Cameras at such points will give you a clear view of anybody who approaches these points in an attempt to break into your home.
  
• Have your cameras positioned to capture and monitor any kind of suspicious activity in outdoor areas like your yard, pathways, or garden. These areas are generally used by an intruder to hide.
  
• Protect your high-value areas like swimming pools, outdoor patios, and storage sheds, from vandalism or theft by installing security cameras in these areas.
  
• Make sure that the cameras you install have a clear line of sight and no trees or bushes are blocking or hindering their view.
  
• Take the lighting of the area into account before installing the security camera. Adequate lighting, especially during the night, is a must for getting clear footage. If you feel any area is poorly lit, you need to install a few light sources to enhance the night vision capacity of the security camera.
  
• You need to make sure that the location where you install your camera has a power source nearby so that it is easily accessible to connect the camera.
  

Once you have taken into consideration the above points, you can draw a diagram to give you a clear picture of your home’s camera security system. You can move onto the next step after this.

2. Collect Necessary Tools

Before you start the installation process, you need to collect all the required tools and materials needed for it. This makes the entire installation process smooth and fast. Here are a few tools and materials that you can consider keeping handy.

• Select the security cameras that suit your budget, functionality needs, and other requirements. While selecting a camera, you can make the comparison on the basis of their field of view, camera resolution, night vision capability, and waterproof rating. The camera you pick needs to be compatible with your DVR system.
  
• Get a good DVR system to connect with the security camera for footage recording. Make sure that the DVR you pick can support the number of security cameras you wish to install. It should also offer features like motion detection and remote viewing capabilities.
  
• Depending on the security camera you pick, you may have to invest in additional mounting brackets for securing the cameras in different locations. Such brackets would ensure proper camera positioning and stability.
  
• If your security camera needs power adapters and cables, you need to make sure that they should be of appropriate length and type to effectively connect the camera with the DVR system.
  
• For camera bracket mounting and running the wires through ceilings and walls, you will need a power drill with multiple sized drill bits.
  
• For mounting the camera brackets properly and making any kind of adjustments, you will need a screwdriver.
  
• To strip and cut the wires for optimum connectivity, you will need strippers and cutters.
  
• You may need a ladder if you choose to install the camera at a height.
  
• To secure and organize all the wires going to and coming from the security cameras, you will need cable clips and ties. This prevents the wires from hanging loose and getting entangled.
  
• For ease in troubleshooting and for other maintenance work in future, markers and labels may come handy.
  

Ensure all the above tools are in good working condition before you start the camera installation process to prevent any unexpected delays.

3. Mounting

Once you have all the necessary tools, you can move onto mounting the camera brackets. Follow the below steps carefully to ensure optimal positioning and stability of the security cameras.

• Identify the placement location of the cameras and ensure that the line of sight is clear.
  
• Place the camera brackets in the predetermined location and mark the points where the holes need to be drilled using a pencil or a marker. Ensure proper level and alignment of the marks.
  
• Use the appropriate drill bit and drill the holes on the marked points. Ensure that you do not damage any wiring or plumbing which is running through that wall area.
  
• Place the wall anchors at the drilled holes and secure it to the wall using bolts and screws. Make sure that they are sturdy enough to take the weight of the camera.
  
• Adjust the camera brackets by swiveling and tilting it as per your preferred camera angle.
  
• Once you have the right angle, secure the camera brackets by tightening the screws using a wrench or a screwdriver.
  

Repeat all the above steps for every camera bracket you install in different positions of your home.

4. Run Cables to Camera

Once you have placed and secured the camera brackets, you need to run the wires appropriately to connect your camera to the DVR system. Follow the steps below to run the wires properly and ensure an organized installation process for a reliable and secure connection.

• Determine the most discreet and efficient path for running the cables from the camera to the DVR system. Try to hide the wires along any walls or run them through crawl spaces or attics. You can even use conduit to protect the wires.
  
• Cut the wires after measuring the distance between each camera to the DVR system. This ensures organized and neat installation.
  
• Thread each wire along the cable path by either creating discrete holes in the ceilings or walls or use any existing openings.
  
• Secure all the wires running along the cable path by using ties and clips. This ensures that no wires are hanging loose and are neatly organized. This prevents tripping hazards and accidental damages.
  
• Follow the manufacturer’s instruction manual to appropriately connect the wires to the marked points on the camera bracket.
  
• For troubleshooting or future maintenance, label the wires correctly as per the location of the camera that they are connected to.
  
• Run the wires appropriately to reach the place where the DVR system is located. The wires running along the entire path need to be properly organized and secured in place.
  
• Refer the instruction manual to properly connect every wire to their corresponding terminals on the DVR system.
  
• Plug in the power adapters to the power source to start the cameras.
  

Double check every connection you make to ensure proper functioning of the security cameras.

5. Connect to DVR Box

Once the camera brackets are mounted and the wires are run properly, you need to now connect all your security cameras to the DVR system to start the surveillance. You can follow the steps given below to do this.

• Locate the ports for video input in your DVR system. These ports will be labeled with indicators or numbers corresponding to every location where cameras are installed.
  
• Use your diagram as reference for determining which channel on your DVR system corresponds to which camera wire. The camera channels on the DVR system need to match the camera locations.
  
• Tightly and securely connect the video cables from every camera to their corresponding port on the DVR system for a reliable video signal.
  
• The power adapter of each camera needs to be plugged into the proper DVR power terminals.
  
• Once you have connected all the cameras to the ports and terminals of the DVR system, power up your security camera by following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
  
• Go to the DVR settings and configure the cameras to have all the necessary surveillance features as per the guidelines provided in the instruction manual.
  
• Monitor every camera feed to make sure that a stable image is being displayed on every camera. If not, make necessary adjustments.
  
• Perform a test run to check the camera’s recording functionality.
  

Make sure that you familiarize yourself with the configurational settings of the DVR system.

6. Test Camera Recordings

Now that each of the cameras are connected to the DVR system, you need to check whether they are functioning fine and make necessary adjustments if they are not. You can use the steps given below to test your security cameras.

• Monitor the live camera feeds through your DVR system and check if the image quality is satisfactory.
  
• Check how your camera functions in low light areas and during night time.
  
• Check whether all the cameras are aligned in appropriate angles so that they are capturing all the areas which you intended to monitor through them.
  
• Test the motion detection feature by moving right in front of your camera. It should get triggered and send necessary alerts or notifications.
  
• Check the playback function of the DVR by reviewing any recorded footage. Look for any skipped frames or missing recordings.
  
• Based on the above observations, make the necessary adjustment in your cameras. You can use the manufacturer’s guidelines to make changes in the camera angles, motion detection sensitivity, and recording settings.
  
• Once you have made the adjustments, you need to check whether the cameras are functioning as per your expectations.
  

You can continue to make necessary changes in the configurational settings of the security cameras through the DVR system until the functionality of the cameras are as per your requirements.

Wired Security Cameras – FAQs

Conclusion

Once you have the security cameras installed, you will now have provided a deterrent for any potential theft or intrusion. By carefully installing the security cameras using the steps given in the above guide, the safety and security of your house and your family would have improved tremendously.