How to install a CCTV camera and DVR in 6 simple steps

CCTV camera installation

Installing a CCTV camera system can an expensive affair. Don’t worry, just follow these simple steps and do the installation yourself.

Planning before installing a CCTV camera

The most important aspect of installing a CCTV camera system is choosing the right spots for camera and DVR to maximize camera coverage and minimize cable length (which in-turn reduces the in line losses that affect video quality). For indoor placement of best home security cameras, choose a corner in the room from where most entry points into the room are visible. A power socket should also be in close proximity. For outdoors, choose a higher spot covering the door, window approaches, garages etc. Choose the spots above 10ft so that it cannot be knocked down easily.

If you reside in UK and looking for round-the-clock CCTV camera solutions, you can also visit Clacton Locksmith. A locksmith can help you to have extra security aside from security cameras. They can come and rekey all of the locks in your home by removing the cylinder from your lock and reconfiguring it. That way, you have total access and control over your house. Additionally, for free quotation and survey of your CCTV security requirements throughout Coventry, Warwickshire, and the West Midlands, click here.

Mounting the camera

mounting the cctv camera

Place the camera unit at the desired place, make guide marks for drilling. Drill holes and hammer in the screw mouldings. Now, screw the camera in place firmly. Insert the power cable of the camera in a socket.

Placing the DVR

locker for dvr unit

DVR of the CCTV is the place where the surveillance hard disk is present. Thus all your CCTV recording reside inside a DVR. It is highly recommended to keep the DVR inside a locked compartment so that even if an intruder spots the DVR, he/she can’t destroy the recorded videos. This is a vital step to ensure a bullet proof security system for your home.

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Managing the cables

wire molding for cctv


Image Credits: cabletiesandmore.com

Plan the pathway for all the cables from cameras to DVR unit. Use wire moldings to keep the wire managed and safe. Nail the moldings along the path and put the Siamese surveillance wire inside.

Connecting the wires

Steps to connect the BNC port:

bnc connector

The video cable is connected via a BNC port. Remove about 1.5cm of outer covering of the video cable which should now expose the braids. Slide the crimping barrel onto the cable with wider diameter facing towards the end of the cable. Now remove the white insulator covering the innermost cable. Now insert this exposed cables into the BNC port and screw the crimping barrel. This makes a secure connection. Connect the DVR output port to the screen on which you want the video feed.

Power on the system

CCTV video feed test


Image Credits: wikimedia.org

Start by powering ON the cameras followed by the display and the DVR. Setup the DVR according to the user manual provided with the DVR. Go over every camera’s feed to confirm each camera is working properly and providing the desired viewing angle.

If you’re currently shortlisting which CCTV system to get, do consider the following:

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For any queries regarding installation of a surveillance system, please comment in the section below.

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85 Comments

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    I am a technician who has learned how to install solar inverter system and now learning CCTV installation . Thank you for the helpful information . I have one request to ask. Please whoever has used camera(s) to be discarded off, should kindly contact me because it is useful to me and I would it for my practical. Thanks.
    odionadaghebalu (@)yahoo.(com)

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    Great job. I think anyone can easily understand all the complications while installing CCTV cameras. I’ll prefer wifi-connected CCTV cameras for better camouflage and to avoid any kind of wiring troubles, and the best thing is we can monitor them from anywhere, all we need is just an internet connection.

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    It seems to me a very complete review.
    Currently there are also WiFi security cameras that avoid all the wiring and can be better camouflaged.

    Can you indicate which with the advantages between these and the wireless ones?

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    I am an Electrical Engineer and I am self-employed.I am installing a video surveillance or CCTV system with four cameras and I want to ask you the following: if I am going to build the wiring with UTP Cat5 cable of 4 twisted pairs where I use only one pair for each camera, located in different places and totally opposite distances, and then with a balun at each end to then convert the cable to coaxial which is the one that connects both the camera and the DVR, the question is: Where does the power supply go? Do I have to have an outlet near the camera to power it?

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    Thanks for sharing thoughts on Top CCTV cameras in BD, yes nowadays it is very essential to have CCTV cameras for security purposes, as crime has gone to the upper level along with this, I would like to add my viewpoint. Only CCTV cameras won’t work in all circumstances it is better if we have security guards.

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