I'm buying a home for the first time and haven't had a chance to learn the basics of home maintenance, and would rather not start with mounting cameras. Would I hire a general contractor, the electrician that would run the Cat 6, or do I need to seek out security system installers?
Who to hire to mount cameras?
- Thread starter HomeAuto87
- Start date
Licensed/certified low voltage installer, in your area could very well be a security / alarm installer.
I'd estimate and purchase the cable myself and furnish it to insure you get solid copper (No CCA "Copper Clad Aluminum") with UL- approval, CMP or CMR jacket from a reputable company (like monoprice); also get the correct connectors, etc.
Consider the correct boxes to mount the cams on and hide/protect their pigtails.
Make sure you tell the installer what you want to view, and not where you think the camera should go. Also take into consideration any areas that would be darn near impossible to get a cable to. You may get a PoE system that also has 1-2 wireless cameras because of the location. Also while the person is giving you the quote walking around your house, ask how or where he/she would run the lines. And where you might have new holes drilled. Some people freak out when they hear the sound of a drill putting a hole in their precious new house. Lol
fenderman
Staff member
- Mar 9, 2014
- 36,892
- 21,408
There is no such thing a wireless camera (aside from batter powered crap that cannot be used with a traditional system and are worthless) You have to run power, if you can run power you can run ethernet. You can always get ethernet anywhere.
Last edited:
mat200
IPCT Contributor
- Jan 17, 2017
- 15,521
- 26,135
Hi @HomeAuto87
I would recommend testing possible locations to get an idea of where you may want some of the cameras mounted.
This will allow you to have a more informed discussion with anyone doing the installation.
Typically many installers will otherwise go with the easiest installation option ( maximizes their return on time ), and not necessarily the optimal placement of the camera for your needs.
I see soooooooo many bald spot cameras around. I presume many of them were installed by professionals who just took the easy route.
Ill be honest, until I came here, I would have done the same thing because that is always how I see them mounted. Once I read about mounting them around 8 feet, and thought about it for a moment, it made SOOO much sense. This is why you always see crooks foiling cameras at places with a simple hat or hoodie. I am 6'2", and I intend to take a screwdriver, see how high I can hold it level (as if using it) and then mount the camera about 4 inches higher than that. Probably around 8 feet max. Make sure I get that nice face shot.
Yeah I think most people would mount too-few cameras too-high and call it a day. I know that was my original "plan". I can't say I got all of my cameras mounted as low as I'd like, but I definitely got them lower than I expected before finding this site. Mine range from about 5.5' at the front door to 8.5' in a couple of locations. Most are probably around 7.5'.
I have been in your situation. I would NOT trust just any low voltage installer; there are so many variables in mounting cameras. Be sure whom you are hiring has the experience necessary to mount and give advice on IP Cameras.
First determine if you are going to use Blue Iris or a NVR for your cameras
The suggestion above to buy your own Cat 6 is an important suggestion. If I were to do it again, I would certainly run two CAT 6 wires to every point I even thought I might mount a camera. Don't forget your inside the house network wiring, especially if you will have multiple rooms where you will need connectivity. TV's now and probably more in the future need streaming capabilities and connectivity to the internet.
I would do much what you are already doing. Think things through from the wire to the routing of the wire, where the holes are drilled to mount the camera (drilling into stucco or wood, mounting under a soffit, or some other method. What techniques does the installer use to ensure water proofing (actually water resistance). Research and buy your own cameras unless the installer uses the brand you desire at a similar price. Take an active part in watching the installer and understanding what they are doing so you will have an idea what was done when you inevitability need to change things a year or two later.
Routing your cable to the termination point is important. Think through what equipment you think you need, then buy more than you need. You will always find the need for more cameras once you have lived with your system for awhile. Don't scrimp on POE router)(s) and surge protection (especially since you have lightning in your area).
In short, if I were doing it again, I would pay for quality labor and know enough to research the parts that I need to make sure that I had the proper equipment for the the system that I desired.
First determine if you are going to use Blue Iris or a NVR for your cameras
The suggestion above to buy your own Cat 6 is an important suggestion. If I were to do it again, I would certainly run two CAT 6 wires to every point I even thought I might mount a camera. Don't forget your inside the house network wiring, especially if you will have multiple rooms where you will need connectivity. TV's now and probably more in the future need streaming capabilities and connectivity to the internet.
I would do much what you are already doing. Think things through from the wire to the routing of the wire, where the holes are drilled to mount the camera (drilling into stucco or wood, mounting under a soffit, or some other method. What techniques does the installer use to ensure water proofing (actually water resistance). Research and buy your own cameras unless the installer uses the brand you desire at a similar price. Take an active part in watching the installer and understanding what they are doing so you will have an idea what was done when you inevitability need to change things a year or two later.
Routing your cable to the termination point is important. Think through what equipment you think you need, then buy more than you need. You will always find the need for more cameras once you have lived with your system for awhile. Don't scrimp on POE router)(s) and surge protection (especially since you have lightning in your area).
In short, if I were doing it again, I would pay for quality labor and know enough to research the parts that I need to make sure that I had the proper equipment for the the system that I desired.