The evolution of automated security systems has been an outcome of our quest to secure our homes and workplace. Very often you may have come across marketing agents who blabber all the positive features of their security system. You may buy one charmed by their words unless you realize that you are beguiled when you face a mishap. Therefore, you must know the nitty-gritty of installing a security system. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install a security system on your own.
- Prepare Your Security Map
It is important to place security cameras in a such a way that all the corners of the house can be monitored. Often the intruders know the exact routes and placement of cameras of your house. However, you can prioritize certain areas like off-street windows, large common spaces like kitchen and living room, entry and exit doors and stairways. To mounting a surveillance camera, you need to drill holes and hammer bolts or screws to attach the mount to the wall. Therefore, get such handy tools ready. - Select the Right Surveillance System
Buying individual components may not be a cheap option. You should go for a fully integrated all-in-one security system or a ‘complete surveillance kit’. Security systems for homes usually consist of 3-5 cameras, a digital video recorder (DVR), cables, power cords, sensors and panic button. If your camera has good pan/tilt, it may not require accurate positioning. The DVR should have a longer recording time, say one week.It is important to know about the difference between the wired and wireless cameras and technology such as motion sensing and remote viewing. Wireless cameras with great lens quality are effective to stream the footage directly on your smartphone. You don’t need to drill holes for cables and do a lot of hard work to set up wireless cameras.
- Test Your Connections and Systems
Troubleshooting connectivity issues is painstaking and often takes a lot of time. If you are going for the wired ones, ensure that the cables are not exposed outdoors as intruders may easily cut the wiring. Further, the camera, sensors and monitors should be properly hooked up to the power supply. If you have installed wireless cameras, you can watch the footage by simply plugging in the receiver into the USB port. However, you would need an internet connection to access your video feed remotely. - Security System Installation
Cameras are usually installed at strategic locations of the room such as the corners to get a wide-angle view with all the doors visible. Mounting a surveillance system takes a few precise steps. Before mounting a camera, mark the points on the board or hard surface such as wall, where you want to drill the mount. An electric drill is then used to drill holes on the marked locations. The mount is attached to the wall using screws and the camera is then attached to the mount. Troubleshooting like getting the appropriate wide-angle view may take some time.
You can call for professional help to mount sensors like a fire alarm, smoke detectors and panic button. You can also DIY if you buy wireless sensors. - Consolidating Your Security System
A typical security system consists of many cameras. So, it is important to monitor the live feed from all of these at just one place. Hence, you have to create a ‘central monitoring point’. In an apartment, security control room and offices are ideal places to set such a central control hub.
You should use coaxial cables like Siamese cables to eliminate the use of extra wires. They consist of two cables which run together through the casing, one each for power and video. Similarly, you can be strategic to eliminate multiple power boxes by supplying power to individual units through a single wall outlet. Hide your wires, say under floor mats and carpets, but bundle them using thin wires or tapes so that nobody accidentally trips over them.
From Amazon Prime deliveries to UberEats and Swiggy, every day there are quite a few unknown guests at your doorstep. Therefore, home security armed with latest features like facial identification must be your priority. Knowing the ABCs of surveillance system can help you install the right one. Stay safe, stay secure!
