A variety of problems can occur when setting up a video security system costing extra time and money. Why not avoid them from the beginning?
In this article we will look at five common mistakes during installation so you can do it right the first time.Â
1- Installing Cameras in the wrong places.
You might see a camera with a great picture during the day where things look perfect, but when lights are turned off the image gets completely over exposed. To get it right, avoid installing cameras where infrared lights are blocked or the camera captures too much reflected light. Direct the camera away from anything that reflect infrared light directly back to the camera like walls or glass as well as other direct light sources.Â
2- Forgetting to remove the protective film
To protect camera from damage, a protective film is often used inside or outside the camera housing. We have met too many cases where customers have complained about image clarity problems after installation, only to find out that they forgot to remove the protective film.Â
It is recommended removing the protective film after all other necessary installation steps so to avoid fingerprints. Another example is PTZ cameras. Make sure to remove all protective packaging or covering, whether the film foam or tape from inside the housing before powering up the camera.
3- Wastes of field of view
You don’t want to waste any field of view if it is for security. Installing such a camera at too steep an angle will waste about half of the filed of view.Â
We suggest double checking and adjusting the camera angle right after installation. To make things even easier, you can scan the QR code on the sticker to add the camera on the Mobile App while adjusting the angle. Example Hik Connect if it is a Hikvision Camera or DMSS if it is Dahua Camera, etc.. Also use the app to check whether the camera’s filed of view has too low an angle or it is obstructed by leaves or anything else.Â
Â
4- Ignoring distance limits of wires
We all that the general maximum distance of UTP cabling over Ethernet is 100 meters around 328 feet. What’s worse poorly wired or low quality cables can easily affect that distance limit to lower than 90 meters. Exceeding that limit could cause your camera to loose data and power.Â
If you need the wires connecting camera support longer distance try these option.
 1- If you are using Hikvision PoE NVR, simply go to PoE Configuration page and turn on the PoE distance switch for that channel to extend up to 300 meters.Â
2- If your using Hikvision switches, find the DIP switch on rear panel and turn on the switch to extend the distance up to 250 meters.Â
3- Add PoE repeaters for that camera.
5- Forgetting to waterproof the cables
That is the most common mistake usually done by installers.Â
While camera housing are typically designed with IP66 or even IP67 dust and water proof protection, the cables are not. When the ports of network and power cable are exposed, or the SD card cover is not installed correctly they could rust easily.Â
What’s worse, water vapor can accumulate on the camera lens. Cameras become useless in this condition, sometimes even need to be replaced with a new one.Â
The process of waterproofing cables is really easy. Simply use the waterproof tape and jacket provided in the packaging (most of cameras have this jacket included in the box). Place the 0-ring gasket onto the end of the camera’s network interface, press down on the waterproof rubber gasket, feed the network cable through the waterproof endcap, plugin the network cable and tighten the waterproof jacket. Finally use the waterproof tape to wrap exposed connections on the power cableÂ
There you have it. Five common mistakes during video security system installation
