Installing an IP surveillance camera system can be a daunting task, especially when it’s for a large home or business. There are a variety of things to consider, such as how many cameras (indoors and outdoors) will be installed and whether or not the cameras will be connected wirelessly or with cables. So before your start drilling holes and mounting cameras, we put together two lists of helpful tips for installing IP surveillance cameras so that you can avoid potential pitfalls and get the very best out of your video surveillance system.

Tips For Using Cables When Installing IP Surveillance Cameras

1. Make sure to match UTP connected devices (modular plugs, couplers, wall plates) to the category of the cable used for the entire installation.

2. For optimum performance of an IP camera system, cable runs should not be more than 295 feet.

3. The bend radius of Cat-5e and Cat 6 cables should be limited to four times the cable’s diameter (no less than an inch).

4. While installing Cat-5e or Cat 6 cables, do not allow the pull tension to exceed 25 pounds.

5. The excess length of the cable should be limited so that it can easily be pushed back into the wall cavity. It is best to determine the proper amount of excess cable before stripping the sheath from it in a wall box.

6. When mounting Cat-5e or Cat 6 cables, avoid using staples. Use D rings, bridle rings, J hooks or other devices that are less likely to damage or alter the outer form of the cable.

7. The parallel distance between high-voltage wires (120/240VAC) and Cat-5e/6 cables should be maintained at 6 – 10 inches.

8. Don’t strip back Cat-5e and Cat 6 cables too much when attaching them to devices. Use as little distance as necessary.

9. Do not combine T568A or T568B wiring schemes. Only stick with one connection format for the entire installation because if the wires don’t match up data signals will not transfer.

10. Fiber cables run camera signals at greater distances with more bandwidth than what metallic cables can provide.

Tips For Installing Wireless IP Surveillance Cameras

1. Make sure you have enough cameras to cover the entire area instead of just one camera with a wide view because the image could get pixelated the more you zoom in or out.

2. Try not to hide the camera in a remote location with a poor WiFi signal. Instead, try to find an area within the desired location that has a strong WiFi signal and clear angle of view.

3. Try not to place cameras in areas where there’s too much light since the bright light can overexpose the footage (cause a washed out effect)

4. Some wireless IP cameras run on batteries but since most cameras are placed in high locations, having to change out the batteries could be an annoying chore, which is why running power to them using wires could be a better option.

5. Ensure the network that the camera is going to be connected to has a secure encryption configuration and complex SSID/password. And you might want to add a camera with double encryption, which means it will require the user to enter the camera’s specific password during setup.

6. If you want to have remote access, make sure the IP surveillance camera allows it since not all cameras provide this feature. Do you want to view real-time footage via a web browser or a smartphone? Does the camera support your phone’s platform (Android or iOS). Do your research diligently before purchasing the camera.

7. Make sure you have enough bandwidth at home. Pay attention to the Internet upload speed and try to at least have it at 1 Mbps. You may need to speak with your Internet Service Provider.

Start assembling your video surveillance system today and be sure to visit Home Controls, where you'll find the very best video surveillance kits, IP surveillance cameras, surveillance recording equipment, and surveillance accessories from some of the top brands in the industry: Speco Technologies, On-Q/Legrand, and Channel Vision, just to name a few.

Home Controls will also help you find the right security product for your home or business. Please call our toll free number at 858-693-8887 (7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific, Monday – Friday) for free support and product advice.