5 Things To Know Before Getting CCTV

Camera placement matters more than camera count

Start with what you’re protecting (driveway, front door, back garden, side alley, loading bay). A well-placed camera covering faces at entry points beats multiple wide shots that miss detail.

• Cover entry points: front door, back door, side gate.
• Avoid pointing directly at bright lights (glare ruins images).
• Think about height: too high = you lose faces; too low = easier to tamper.

Cables and power decide reliability

Most CCTV problems come from cable routes and power — not the camera brand. IP (PoE) systems are very reliable when installed correctly, and analog systems can still be great when the right cable is used.

• Plan cable routes before buying cameras (loft/attic runs, external trunking, wall drilling).
• For IP: PoE means one cable for power + data.
• For analog: cable quality (and distance) can affect the image.

Wi‑Fi is for viewing, not always for cameras

Many systems use Wi‑Fi/internet mainly for remote viewing. Hardwired cameras are usually more stable than Wi‑Fi cameras, especially on busy networks or larger properties.

• Know where your router is (it affects setup and cabling).
• If Wi‑Fi is weak, you may need a mesh system or hardwired network points.

Recorder location and security

The recorder (DVR/NVR) is the “brain” and storage. Put it somewhere secure and sensible: not obvious, ventilated, and ideally not in a place that gets damp or too hot.

• Common locations: loft/attic, office, under-stairs, living room near TV.
• We often recommend a locked cabinet for business sites.

Storage is usually underestimated

Recording length depends on camera count, quality, bitrate, and whether you record 24/7 or on motion. If you want 2–8 weeks retention, size the hard drive properly.

Use our hard drive calculator, then we’ll confirm the correct size for your exact camera model and settings.