Security cameras can deter criminals and give residents peace of mind. Learn how to install security cameras and protect your home.
Updated on Jan 11, 2023 9:56 PM EST
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Take a good look at your home. Where do you feel you need video coverage? Is there a dark space you can’t quite see from the window that would make a perfect hideout for a criminal? Is there a back door that locks securely but leads to a swimming pool gate that your industrious toddler is entranced by? Installing security cameras can go a long way toward making residents feel secure in their homes, but they need to be positioned correctly in logical places that provide footage of trouble spots. The first thing residents need is a plan to install a security camera system.
Residents can start by making a quick sketch of the home and starting to plan out where they feel they would need to position cameras. As they consider all the steps necessary for installation, residents can make notes on this sketch about distances to power sources, the location of existing wiring that may be in the way, and how far the Wi-Fi router and extenders are from each potential camera location. They’ll want to think about the types of cameras they may need and any additional supplies required to complete the camera installation. Then the plan will be complete, and the resident can get started. Home security camera installation can be a DIY project, but many residents might find it easier to hire a professional to do the job.
Understanding more about security camera systems installation, including how to install security camera wiring and how to install outdoor security cameras, will help residents decide whether they want to take this project on by themselves or hire someone to help.
Security camera installation isn’t inherently difficult, but depending on the type and location of the cameras, residents will need to do some safety checks before they begin.
First, they will need to gather some tools and supplies. A drill (preferably cordless, as the resident will likely be on a ladder while using it), along with Phillips-head and flathead screwdrivers and some needle-nose pliers will be necessary, but residents will also need to consider supplies for the type of surface on which they’ll install the cameras. If they will need to drill into brick, a hammer drill and/or masonry drill bits may be necessary in order to secure the cameras into a brick surface without splitting or breaking the brick. The resident will also need a ladder—or several, depending on the height of the roofline and the selected installation locations. Those installing a wired camera may also need fish tape, which is used for dragging cables through walls without drilling unnecessary holes in the drywall or plaster, along with electrical supplies if the cameras aren’t battery-powered. Most will be included in the package that comes with the camera, but depending on the specific installation situation, the resident may want to consider picking up some extra electrical tape, and for outdoor installations, a tube of caulk or sealant will ensure a leak-free bond.
Residents will want to remember that it’s key to check for wiring that may be behind walls, ceilings, or roofs before drilling into any surface.
When installing a wired camera, the resident will want to make absolutely certain that the power is turned off at the breaker box, even if the camera is battery-powered and they’re just running a cable through conduit to an existing outlet. Anytime someone is working inside the walls, the power needs to be turned off. Also, if the camera is hard-wired into the electrical system, it’s a good idea to find out whether the wiring project requires a permit and if so, leave time in the plan to apply for, pay for, and pick up the permit.
If the resident is installing cameras on a second story or tall roofline, it’s important to take basic ladder safety precautions. Make sure that the ladder is on stable ground and is properly extended or secured against the building before climbing, far away from any electrical or cable wiring. Having a friend on hand to stabilize the ladder and help is a good plan as well.
Finally, if all of this seems overwhelming to the resident or a bit beyond their skills, they may want to consider calling in a professional. Paying a security camera installer to do the job could save residents a number of trips back and forth to the hardware store—or the emergency room. The cost to have security cameras installed averages between $150 and $2,040, depending on the type and number of cameras to be connected. Residents may find it’s well worth it, especially if they’re not comfortable on a ladder or dealing with electrical systems. Who installs security cameras in a home? Security companies often have installers available, and other security professionals often provide this service freelance. In many cases, a handyman or electrician can also do the job. Other installers may focus on surveillance camera installation or business security camera system installation. Searching for “home security system installers near me” will help narrow down the options.
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There are several different brands of cameras available on the market; some can be purchased through a home security company, others are purchased separately to integrate with an existing system or to work on their own. How to choose? First, the resident will want to identify any existing security systems in the home, find out if they work, and establish whether they want to build on that system or start fresh. This will help determine if they need to stick with a particular brand that’s compatible with the existing system. Next, they can consider any smart-home devices or smart-home assistants that are currently installed; many cameras on the market are compatible with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple Siri and can tie into an app-controlled smart-home system that includes lighting, door locks, appliances, and HVAC. There’s an appeal to starting fresh with a new system from one of the best home security companies, but it makes sense to check the brands that work with what the home already has as well.
What is the difference between the different types of cameras? The first important decision is whether wired or wireless cameras are preferable. Wireless cameras use the home’s Wi-Fi to transmit images and videos to a physical or cloud-based recording device. Wired cameras, on the other hand, use coaxial or Cat-5 cable to directly connect to a physical recording device. These are less vulnerable to hackers, but they do require some extra expense and installation effort. The terms “wired” and “wireless” don’t refer to power—they refer to data transmission. Both wired and wireless cameras can be powered by rechargeable or replaceable batteries or can be hardwired into the home’s electrical system.
In general, wireless cameras are easiest to install. There’s no need to thread coaxial or data cables through walls and engage in wiring electrical boxes or patching drywall after working a plug through to an outlet. But some worry about hackers breaking into their Wi-Fi and viewing the home’s interior via the camera feeds. Wired cameras don’t have this vulnerability. Battery-powered cameras continue to function during power outages, which hardwired cameras do not. That said, if the camera location requires an extension ladder and a precarious path across a roof to install, changing or charging batteries can turn into an inconvenience and potentially a hazard, so in those cases choosing a hardwired camera might make more sense.
Some people want to cover the entirety of their property with cameras and be able to scroll through the feeds, similar to a CCTV camera installation for surveillance. Others just want to be able to check on the front door when they’re not home, and there are many steps in between. Traditionally, the best outdoor wireless security camera systems are installed to cover the obvious entry points to the home, such as the front and back entry doors, vulnerable first-floor windows, and the garage door. Some people choose to include cameras that cover the front and back yard; connecting those cameras to motion-sensor lights or using one of the best night-vision cameras can make it easier to monitor activity in the darker recesses of the yard overnight and discourage criminals from making trouble to begin with.
While many people don’t initially consider adding indoor cameras, there are quite a few benefits to determining where to place security cameras indoors strategically so they can monitor pets, children who are home alone, or older residents who are prone to health problems or falls. Generally, cameras should not be placed in bedrooms or bathrooms (even if that’s where the greatest fall risk is) for privacy reasons, but as many thieves know that the primary bedroom is the most likely hiding spot for valuables, residents can consider positioning a camera just outside the primary bedroom door.
Outdoor cameras should be mounted high enough that would-be criminals can’t easily access them to disable them, and they should be protected somewhat from wind and weather where necessary. Residents will want to keep in mind that to adjust the angle of the camera or change the batteries, someone will need to be able to access it, so they’ll need to balance the desire for a bird’s-eye view against the inconvenience and potential danger of accessing the camera. It’s a good idea for residents to be aware of blind spots and making sure the camera’s eye won’t be blinded by direct sunlight (or a streetlight) and impact the quality of the video.
Most cameras include a range of mounting equipment in the box they come with. Wireless cameras can be fairly easy to install: The kit will include a mounting bracket that is firmly screwed into a wall or roof. If mounting on a roof, residents may want to consider adding a bead of sealant under the bracket or around the screws to make sure they’re not creating leaks through the shingles. They will need to make certain that the surface is sturdy and solid, and that they’re able to use all of the fasteners recommended by the manufacturer. If the surface is unsteady, the video feed will be shaky and likely useless. If the wireless camera needs to be plugged in or hardwired to the electrical system, now is the time to create a path for the power cables to be connected or plugged in. Some people choose to install a dedicated power outlet on the home’s exterior or under an access panel nearby, while others choose to pull power lines through the walls of the home and hardwire them in at a nearby outlet indoors.
