Installing security cameras can give you a lot of benefits and help protect your home and property. And this device is an effective tool for deterring potential threats from causing harm to your family. But since not all homes are the same, where should you install your home security cameras to maximize function and visibility?

If you’re interested to know more, then we invite you to continue reading as we’ll provide some tips for setting up your security system and identify your home’s vulnerabilities for better protection.

 

Don’t Hide Your Security Cameras

Unless your purpose of installing a CCTV camera is to catch someone, like a porch pirate or a person breaking your ride, don’t bother placing your camera in hidden areas. One of the main reasons for having a security camera is to discourage criminals. In fact, a recent study shows that most burglars avoid targeting homes with security cameras because it limits their movement and increases the risk of being caught.

So don’t defeat the purpose of this device.

Install A Camera At The Front Door

This is actually a basic rule since your front door is where people enter and exit your house. And don’t assume intruders always sneak into your back door or side entrances, because 34% of burglars still opt to enter your house at the front door, according to another study. Likewise, it is the place where porch pirates are expected to strike.

Setting up a security camera at the main entrance allows you to monitor who goes in and out, from members of your family, babysitters, visitors, delivery people, etc. And we recommend using video doorbells for your front door so you can have it as a main camera for your home entrance or a supplementary device to another camera that is aimed at your garage or yard.

Placing Cameras At The Back And Side Doors

While we mentioned that burglars are likely to use your fronts, this doesn’t mean that you’ll leave your other entry and exit points unprotected. So it’s also recommended to place security cameras on your back and side doors to keep your home from uninvited guests.

To ensure optimal monitoring, add cameras to these doors, especially if these areas get as much traffic as your front door. Also, set up cameras on particularly enticing entryways for burglars like your basement door.

Have A Camera Viewing Your Garage Or Driveway

Garages and driveways are common targets of intruders because they see them as the weakest entry point to any home. So it’s best to have a camera pointed at these areas, especially if your garage is detached from your house to keep watch of your car, bike, tools, grills, and sports equipment.

And if you have a gate on your driveway, it’s also recommended to add a camera at this entry point so you can spot people who might want to break in so you can contact the police before they come into your house.

Add Camera For Your Yard

Monitoring your front yard is also important as it will help you see people who might be scoping at your property. It also allows you to check for trespassers, animals, and your kids if they’re playing outside.

Common Areas

Placing security cameras in high traffic areas inside the house (living room, kitchen) is great for checking activities like if the kids are studying, what your dog is getting into, observing your babysitter, or if cleaners and repairmen are doing their job right. Consider prioritizing rooms with large windows so you can monitor if anyone is tampering with these parts and use it as a potential break-in point.

Hallways And Stairways

Installing cameras in these places is also recommended so that intruders will find it difficult to move around undetected, especially if they are planning to sneak into your bedroom, bathroom, or any unmonitored areas.

 

Places Where You Should NOT Install Security Cameras

While security cameras provide full coverage over the interior and exterior of your house, some areas must maintain a certain level of privacy. And therefore, installing security systems in these places is not advisable:

Places that can disrupt your neighbor’s privacy, especially if your camera is pointed at your neighbor’s bedroom or any of their rooms where privacy is expected, as this is against the law on the use of security cameras and privacy. In general, you are allowed to capture your neighbor’s property as long as it is only in the background of the footage.

Bedrooms and bathrooms, as these rooms are long considered as private spaces.

 

More Tips On Installing Your Security Cameras

Once you have decided which locations to set up your cameras, you also have to strategize the placement so you can cover these intended areas.

(For Indoor Installations):

Place it in corners – This is recommended as it usually gives the best possible vantage point.

Avoid pointing the camera directly at a window – Pointing your security camera at a window can cause degrade the quality of the footage. And if light reflects to the glass, then it can cause the image to appear whited out or washed out.

But if you need to point the camera at a window, you need to position the lens in such a way that it is as close to the glass as possible to minimize glare.

Angle the camera for indirect light – Avoid facing the camera towards any light source as it will also ruin the quality of your footage.

(For Outdoor Installations):

Place your cameras between 8 to 10 feet above the ground – This height is ideal for capturing footage in fine details and enough to prevent vandals and intruders from reaching them.

Avoid pointing cameras in direct sunlight – Place your cameras away from direct sunlight to prevent glare and maintain a high contrast on all video recordings. Consider the sun’s movement upon installation so you can angle your monitoring device for indirect light.

Protect your security camera from bad weather – Consider a security camera that suitable for your climate, and install it under roof space or semi-protected areas if possible.

For more information, you can visit Rapid Alarms Perth to learn more about security measures you can implement to fortify your home.