Select and Install a Security Camera
Security cameras can give you peace of mind, whether you’re keeping an eye on children at play or watching to see who’s coming to the front door.
Homebound people and those concerned about neighbourhood safety appreciate an increased awareness of their surroundings. Cameras differ in their suitability and function, so make sure to choose the one that will give you the best picture for your needs.
Selecting a Camera Choosing a security camera system requires a few basic decisions. Here are some questions to help guide your purchase:
How many cameras will you need? Some monitoring systems can accommodate only one or two, while other systems offer further expansion.
Do you need audio as well as video? Some camera systems include microphones so you can hear what you’re seeing.
Do you want colour or black and white? Colour pictures are often clearer, but the equipment can be more expensive. Colour cameras might not work in low-light situations.
Do you prefer wired or wireless? The right choice for you depends on where the camera will be located:
Wired cameras are fixed in place and must be put in a spot where the wiring won’t get in the way. They offer greater assurance of a high-quality picture.
Wireless cameras can be moved around easily and can be installed in more places, but other devices (such as cordless phones, baby monitors and some computer networks) can interfere with signal transmission.
Will the camera be outside? Cameras that monitor outdoor locations require special weatherproof housings and may not be appropriate for extreme temperatures. Those that might be the target of vandalism need extra-tough casings to resist tampering.
What is the light source? Steady, reliable light - either from the environment or from the camera itself - is required for clear images. A camera’s lux rating measures its ability to capture images in the dark. The lower the lux rating, the less light is required for a clean picture. Unobtrusive monitoring in the dark or near-darkness can be done with infrared light, which is invisible to the human eye, but the technology can be expensive.
Is there a power source nearby? Some cameras and monitors must be plugged into a wall outlet. Others can run on battery power.
Do you want to use your computer? Some cameras can be attached to a computer, allowing you to view the images from anywhere using an Internet connection. The required software is usually included with the camera.
Will you record the images? Some cameras are meant just for viewing - to see what the kids are doing in the backyard or who is ringing the doorbell. Others are meant for long-term monitoring and may be attached to VCRs. If a VCR attachment is planned, make sure the camera system is compatible with the recorder. Special VCRs can use time-lapse recording to fit many hours on a standard videotape. Some recorders can be set to activate only when motion is detected.
Wireless systems may include portable cameras that can be moved around without permanent installation. Take care that nothing between the camera and the monitor degrades the signal that is transmitted. Cordless telephones, baby monitors and some home computer networks may cause interference.
Installing a Security Camera System
Most home security cameras require little wiring, but installation differs according to model. Here are the basic steps:
Determine the area to be monitored and, using the instructions that come with the system, place the camera at a proper distance to focus clearly on the desired area. The distance between camera and subject area will vary from camera to camera.
If the camera is to be mounted on a wall or structure, hold the mounting bracket to the surface in the correct position and mark the location of mounting screws.
If necessary, drill pilot holes. Attach camera to wall and secure tightly.
If using a wired system, connect the camera and monitor according to the manufacturer’s directions. Try to expose as little as possible of the wiring, to prevent vandalism of the system.
Plug the monitor into a wall outlet, turn it on, and adjust the picture for best reception.
Article Sponsor
Other articles from this pro:
- Many people use microwave ovens only for preheating or thawing, but you can use today?s multi-featured units to cook entire...
- Remodeling a kitchen is one of the biggest and most exciting projects a homeowner can undertake. The choices and decisions...
- Your entry door is the first thing people notice when they come to your home. It makes a statement and...
- Tired of getting out of the car into the bone-chilling night air to open the garage door? Imagine how much...
- Do you want to add a little flair to your floor? Perhaps your intent is simpler-you just want to cover...
- The right mailbox can add value to your home by creating curb appeal. But, with so many styles, how do...
- Is efficiency the major determining factor for you when looking for home heating solutions? Is flexibility a concern? Or, maybe...
- Ceilings aren’t usually the first things that come to mind when you think of your home’s décor, unless they’re awful....
- A garden hose is an essential part of your outdoor toolbox. Just think…with one tool, you can wash the car,...
- A lamp should make a statement about you and the room you’re decorating. But with so many types and styles,...
- A roof can be as simple and basic as a means to keep the rain out. A roof can also...
- No conversation about building materials would be complete without including brick in the discussion. Brick has been around since water...
- Homeowners are beginning to carefully consider the quality of their drinking water. A variety of home water filters are available...
- Is trimming grass and weeds getting the best of you? Do you feel like you’re living with a little lawn...
- Air compressors can be used for more than pumping up tires. In fact, these versatile tools can power nail guns,...
- Being plugged in and wired is a good thing – until a sudden change in the power supply damages your...
- Today’s energy-efficient technology makes homes air tight, holding warm air inside during the winter and cool air inside during the...
- Ceiling fans keep you cool in the summer and help circulate warm air in the winter. They allow you to...
- Hard water is a fact of life in a large portion of the United States. Incorporating a water softener into...
- An entire industry exists to make homes safer for children. Shelves of books have been written on the topic, and...
- Safety tips for various rooms in the home!...
- Safety tips for the liveliest places in your home: the kitchen, living room, and outside areas....
- How to keep your home safe from fire and potentially dangerous situations or accidents!...
- If you are in the market for a band saw, you already know that a band saw can cut thicker...
- Circular saws are one of the most common power tools in use today. With the appropriate blade, circular saws are...
- Having a hard time deciding between a hammer drill and a rotary hammer? After all what exactly is the difference...
- A workshop is not complete without a mitre saw. But what’s the difference between a mitre saw, a compound mitre...
- As your woodworking skills increase, you may discover that you want to tackle more complex projects. And, since table saws...
- Jig saws are extremely versatile and handy tools. They combine many of the functions of a band saw and a...
- Hand-held power tools have become an indispensable part of the modern handyman’s and contractors’ toolbox. Power drills are the most...
- When you need to drive in a nail, nothing beats a hammer. There’s even a convenient claw on the other...
- Whether you’re working on detailed crafts or simply need to make freehand cuts, the flexibility of a scroll saw is...
- Rotary tools are extremely versatile handheld tools, well-suited to many do-it-yourself and professional applications. Since these tools are so versatile,...
- We don’t think so. But we do think that the more you know about your router, the more you’ll enjoy...
- Nothing beats a power painter for making quick work of a paint job. At the press of a trigger, the...
- When replacing your faucet, find out what type you currently have installed. Faucets are available in a wide range of...
- The sink might not be the first thing that comes to mind when it’s time for a kitchen renovation, but...
- Whether you’re replacing an old faucet in an existing kitchen or selecting a faucet as part of a larger remodeling...
- Pumps and pressure tanks aren’t usually the topic of everyday discussion, unless you happen to be a plumber. Most people...
- An invigorating shower can get the day off to a smart start, but many people don’t realize the options available...
- So you’re looking to buy a new toilet? The basic style of toilets hasn’t changed much in recent history. Toilets...
- When choosing your new snow thrower, there’s more to consider than just the snow. That’s why Lowe’s offers a full...
- Check out the great selection of Riding Mowers and Attachment that Lowe’s offers...
- Check out the great selection of Walk-Behind Mowers that Lowe’s offers...
- Is trimming grass and weeds getting the best of you? Do you feel like you’re living with a little lawn...
- A chainsaw is one of those tools that can be described thusly: When you need one, nothing else will really...
- Spring is just around the corner — time to think about which kind of tiller you need for your garden....
- Shoveling snow is difficult and time-consuming work. There is an easier way to clear snow from areas around your home....
- Is your garage so full of lawn equipment, holiday decorations and miscellaneous items you have to park your car in...
- The first step to a good masonry project is choosing the right product. But, with such a wide selection how...
- If you had to choose one word to define a room with a skylight, a good word might be dramatic....
- Choosing a light bulb used to be easy- there was only one kind available. Now you have the choice of...
- Check out the outdoor stoves, fireplaces and patio heaters that Lowe’s offers....
Buying Guide: Microwave Ovens
Buying Guide for Kitchen Cabinets and Countertops
Choose an Exterior Door
Garage Door Opener and Accessories Buying Guide
Choose an Interior Area Rug
Choosing a Mailbox
Choosing a Heater for Your Home
Choosing Ceiling Coverings
Choosing and Repairing Garden Hoses
Choosing a Lamp
A Guide to Roofing
Brick Buying Guide
Choose a Water Filter
Choosing a String Trimmer
Buying Guide for Air Compressors
Buying a Surge Protector
Buying an Air Purifier
Ceiling Fan Buying Guide
Choosing a Water Softener
Choosing and Using Child Safety Equipment
Home and Fire Safety Buying Guide: Bathroom, Bedroom and Garage
Home and Fire Safety Buying Guide: Kitchen, Living Room, Porch and Deck
Home and Fire Safety Buying Guide: Throughout the House
Buying Guide for Band Saws
Buying Guide for Circular Saws
Buying Guide for Hammer Drills/Rotary Hammers
Buying Guide for Mitre Saws
Buying Guide for Table Saws
Choosing a Jig Saw
Choosing a Power Drill
Choosing a Power Nailer
Choosing a Scroll Saw
Choosing Rotary Tools
Is Any Tool More Versatile Than a Router?
Powered Paint Applicators
Choosing a Lavatory Faucet
Choosing a New Kitchen Sink
Kitchen Faucet Buying Guide
Pump and Tank Buying Guide
Showerhead Buying Guide
Toilet Buying Guide
2011 Buying Guide Snow Throwers & Accessories
2011 Buying Guide Riding Mowers & Attachments
2011 Buying Guide Walk-Behind Mowers
Choosing a String Trimmer
Guide to Buying a Chainsaw
Buying Guide for Tillers
Snow Thrower Buying Guide
Choosing a Backyard Barn or Storage Shed
Masonry Buying Guide
Choosing a Skylight
Light Bulb Buying Guide
2011 Buying Guide Fireplaces, Stoves and Patio Heat
Professional
Professional
Professional
Professional
Professional
Professional
Professional
Professional
Professional
Professional
