Installing a video surveillance system requires proper equipment selection, planning, and execution. However, as with any installation, there are challenges that can arise even with the most well-planned processes.
Whether you are having a brand-new video surveillance system installed or are updating your existing network, it’s important to be aware of common challenges during the process. By doing so, you can potentially prevent these issues for a smoother installation.
The following are three potential problems that can happen during a video surveillance system installation.
The Existing Cabling Is Damaged
If you are updating a surveillance system and have existing network cabling that was improperly installed or damaged, it can delay the installation while repairs are being done.
Damaged existing cabling can cause issues with your connectivity and result in an intermittent video feed that prevents your cameras from working correctly.
Cabling runs for your surveillance system should always align with what your equipment needs to work correctly. For example, wires should not be bent or twisted, cabling should not run next to electrical mains, and ideally, wires should not be exposed [1].
In addition, any shielded twisted pair (STP) wiring used for outdoor surveillance applications should be grounded to prevent interference.
When existing cabling is present, and you plan on utilizing it in your current or future projects, the integrity of the cabling should always be evaluated prior to installation when possible.
You Lack the Proper Housing or Lighting Requirements for Your Cameras
Choosing cameras with the proper housing requirements based on your surveillance project is essential for a straightforward installation.
Environmental conditions can present challenges for installation, causing equipment malfunction and voided product warranties. Fortunately, by ensuring proper cabling and housing prior to the installation, you can prevent delays in the process.
Proper lighting is also essential for certain cameras, so ensuring that you have adequate lighting for high video quality is a must. However, auxiliary lighting is not always necessary—it depends on your location, whether the cameras are being used outdoors, and if your equipment has infrared lighting to see in low-light conditions.
As surveillance cameras are susceptible to changes in light and background motion, it’s important to properly plan for lighting before installation to ensure good video quality [2].
To avoid delays in the process, consider purchasing a single camera prior to scheduling an installation for multiple cameras. This allows you to test an individual unit and ensure you have proper coverage, lighting, and housing for your equipment to prepare for the installation.
Inexistent or Inadequate Documentation
For existing cabling runs, having inadequate documentation or lacking documentation for wiring can limit the efficiency of your camera installation. Ideally, when relying on existing cabling, there should be a physical network layout of the wiring. Lacking this information can cause delays during video surveillance upgrades.
Having the right cabling infrastructure is crucial for proper design, installation, and function of a video surveillance system [3]. The proper documentation of existing cabling can make the design and installation process that much easier—just be sure these diagrams are updated during your new installation.
Proper Planning Can Accelerate the Installation Process
When having a video surveillance system installed, working with experienced professionals for proper design, planning, and appropriate equipment selection can all ensure a smooth installation process with minimal challenges.
Are you planning on upgrading your existing video surveillance system, or do you need a brand-new system installed? If so, you can depend on the commercial security leaders at Surveillance Secure for proper system planning and implementation. Contact us today at (877) 388-1248.
Sources:
- https://ipvm.com/reports/camera-installation-guide
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318604644_Challenging_Issues_of_Video_Surveillance_System_Using_Internet_of_Things_in_Cloud_Environment
- https://www.securityinfowatch.com/video-surveillance/networking-equipment-and-cabling/article/10524581/analysis-of-cabling-infrastructure-and-design-for-video-surveillance-and-building-automation-systems
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