How to Install Outdoor Security Cameras: Tips from a Smart Home Pro

Jan 29, 2018 |

How to Install Outdoor Security Cameras: Tips from a Smart Home Pro

If y'all're up for the claiming of installing your own outdoor security cameras, then you lot're aware of the benefits outdoor surveillance provides when it comes to managing dwelling house and family.

But don't offset drilling holes just yet. Yous can relieve yourself some time and a few exercise-overs by reading our outdoor security camera installation tips from Smart Home Pro Travis Driehorst. Smart Domicile Pros are Vivint'due south team of highly trained, certified professionals who can expertly take yous from consultation to installation of a smart home security arrangement. So do yourself a favor and keep reading:

Outdoor Security Camera Installation 101

i. Get the right cameras

Think about what you want to achieve with your cameras before you run out and make a purchase.

outdoor camera
Select an outdoor security camera that volition give you the visibility, connectivity, and detection that y'all need.

To go the nearly out of your investment, we recommend cameras with:

  • Hard disk resolution for crisp, clear images.
  • WiFi capabilities so your cameras can connect.
  • Infrared LED dark vision for truthful 24/7 security.
  • Motion detection that triggers auto recording.

Do your research and check ratings and reviews.

2. Consider range of view

In one case you lot make up one's mind what yous want out of your cameras and you've made your purchase, choose where you lot want to place them.

A camera with a smaller range of view—45° to 75° bending, for example—works well in the porchway facing a door or near the driveway directed toward a automobile.

When installing a photographic camera with a wider frame of view—120° to 180°—place the camera where you tin take advantage of the angle, similar higher up garage doors. Install the camera approximately 9 feet off the ground, so it's not easily accessible and can't be tampered with it.

3. Location, location, location

Don't forget to consider ability. Cameras need to be installed in a location user-friendly to a ability source. Connected cameras communicate wirelessly, but they exercise need electric ability operate.

Vivint sign and car
The ideal spot to mount an outdoor security camera depends on a number of factors, including peak, coverage surface area, indicate connection, and more.

You too need to recall near coverage. Your continued cameras demand to be able to communicate with the dashboard within the home. Cull locations on your property that maintain a strong connectedness with your dashboard or control panel. The dashboard should be centrally located in the domicile.

Locations that are out of reach are preferable so cameras can't be tampered with. Exist sure not to place them too high, or y'all'll compromise pic quality and motility detection. But visibility is a proficient thing. Seeing your security cameras tin assistance deter potential burglars.

4. Retrieve before you drill

The biggest mistakes homeowners make when attempting to install their own outdoor cameras occur when drilling. So once it's time to physically mount your cameras, brainwash yourself.

Consider the exterior you'll be drilling through. Is it stucco, brick, rock, or vinyl? Make sure yous find out how to drill through that surface, and so you don't incur harm to your habitation. And it's absolutely imperative that yous notice out what'due south behind the wall before you lot start drilling. Are there electric wires or plumbing pipes?

You'll save time, frustration, and money in damages by making certain you lot're drilling into an ideal spot. Use the right-sized drill bit, and take your fourth dimension.

Install a comprehensive habitation security system

DIY projects can be a fun challenge. But if y'all have concerns, why not allow professionals like the Smart Dwelling Pros from Vivint take care of the installation for y'all? They can fix you up with a comprehensive dwelling house security system and install information technology for you lot—no guessing what'south behind a wall or where exactly to identify cameras and how. At Vivint, we take intendance of it for you lot.