Home security tips for your CCTV installation in Melbourne

Your home is your castle. And like the castles of olde, it should be safe and secure.

Home security is at the top of every homeowner’s priority list.

Living with peace and safety is one of the best feelings ever – if there’s one place you should feel safe at all times, it’s at home with your family.

There are many ways you can boost your home security – a home alarm system, a dog, reinforced doors and locks.

And of course, there’s always CCTV installation.

Just like with other home security measures, it’s important that your CCTV system is set up for maximum effectiveness.

What does that involve?

We’re glad you asked – get comfortable, as our electricians in Melbourne explain the finer details of CCTV installation.

CCTV placement and positioning

For a camera to protect you, it needs to be able to see. Choose a bad spot for your cameras, and they won’t be any help at all!

When positioning your cameras during CCTV installation, you’ll want to ensure that the most likely entryways as well as getaway routes are covered.

Because just as your cameras can see people, people can see cameras too, and this can help deter any would-be thieves.

Some spots to consider for your CCTV placement include…

Front door

Do you remember this YouTube video that went viral a little while ago? 

It was fun and catheratic… and for most homeowners, it’s complete overkill!

While porch pirates are a major problem, the majority of homeowners don’t have the time or expertise needed to put together a glitter bomb complete with GPS tracking and in-built cameras.

In most cases, CCTV will do the trick.

Front door CCTV helps you identify people who come in and go out of your property day in and day out, helping to deter porch pirates.

Not only that, but it can also help you identify strangers at the front door.

Finally, they can also help if a bad driver accidentally sideswipes your letterbox, or hits your car parked out on the street.

Back and side entryways

When we think of thieves, we often think of side doors and windows.

Naturally, you’ll want to make sure that these entryways are covered by CCTV!

When performing CCTV installation in Melbourne, our sparkies will identify spots where your cameras can cover the entire sides of your house, catching anyone who tries to get in through the sides and back off-guard.

We’ll choose an elevated spot that maximises visibility and which is able to cover the widest landscape possible.

Backyard

You’ve got your entrances covered… but what about your backyard?

It isn’t unheard of for thieves to enter your home from your neighbours by vaulting the fence, or hiding in the garden until they’re confident you’re asleep before striking.

That’s why you can’t forget to cover your backyard!

In addition to keeping you safe from thieves, CCTV coverage of your backyard can also help in other ways.

For example, say you have a pet that’s a bit of an escape artist. CCTV cameras covering your garden can help you keep an eye on them throughout the day, and alert you if they try another breakout.

Interior common areas

Some homeowners would think CCTV is for outdoor use only.

While it’s true that most people use it outdoors, placing cameras indoors should also be considered.

This has less to do with security, and more to do with safety.

If you’re out, internal CCTV can help you keep an eye on vulnerable family members throughout the day.

When installing CCTV cameras inside, be sure to focus on high accident areas, such as staircases.

Dos and don’ts of CCTV placement

DO: secure outdoor CCTV cameras

Since you’re installing your CCTVs outdoors, you’ll need to ensure they are protected from the elements.

When looking for a CCTV camera, always make sure that it is weather-proof, and it can appropriately function and adjust to the most common weather conditions you experience.

(Since this is Melbourne we’re talking about, you’ll want the toughest system you can find.)

Once the installation date comes, you’ll want to find a place where it’s sheltered from the elements. The eaves and overhangs of your roof are great choices.

Install cameras above the ground

When performing CCTV installation, it’s important that you choose an elevated spot. The reasons for this are twofold.

For starters, it gives your cameras a wider field of view. They’ll be able to cover a larger area, which directly translates to better security for your home.

And secondly, an elevated spot also protects them from tampering! A camera that’s installed on the second storey is difficult for a thief to paint over or damage without packing a ladder!.

Needless to say, both of these actions will simply draw even more attention – by making it harder to interfere, you make your cameras more effective!

Don’t put the CCTVs directly in front of the sun

When considering placements and position of security cameras, make sure that you check the angle and movement of the sun.

In particular, think about glare – this can ruin the image that your cameras capture, making them less useful when it comes to capturing ne’er-do-wells.

You’ll have to consider:

• Windows
• Flooring (certain types are more reflective)
• Reflections
• Orientation

Clean and maintain your CCTV cameras

Outdoor CCTV cameras are prone to accumulating dust, dirt and other debris. Over time, this accumulation can make the footage obscure or hard to see. 

If you notice your camera feed getting a little muddied, it’s probably time for some basic maintenance.

That means bringing out a ladder and wiping, cleaning and maintaining your CCTV cameras.

Choose an electrician in Melbourne that specialises in CCTV installation

And of course, it all starts with your installation!

If you’re quite unsure how and where to install your CCTVs, then don’t get yourself overwhelmed with so much information and let an electrician in Melbourne that specialises in CCTV installation take care of your home security for you.

Expert Melbourne electricians went through training and by experience knows what you exactly need in your home security. 

On top of carrying out the installation itself, we’ll also help you:

• Select a system that will withstand the elements
• Choose locations that maximise coverage
• Identify complications and installation challenges, and work around them

Our electricians in Melbourne keep you safe

Protect your home with Briggs Electrical!

When it comes to CCTV installation in Melbourne, Briggs Electrical is the team you need to call!

In addition to standard electrical repairs, our team of experienced sparkies can also perform CCTV installation for your home.

It isn’t just cameras, either. We’re known to be one of the best security experts in Melbourne, providing your home or business with a range of other security features:

• Motion detectors
• Intercoms
• Security alarms
• Complete security systems
• Emergency and exit lighting

Stay safe – contact Briggs today on 1300 300 222 or fill in this form to get in touch today.