Professional CCTV Installation | Things To Consider
Considering CCTV Installation? Here Are A Few Things To Think About…
Let’s face it: the peace of mind a decent CCTV setup offers is hard to beat. Whether it’s keeping tabs on your car at 2am or just checking in on your home while you’re enjoying a weekend away, a good CCTV system has become something of a modern essential.
Not all installation companies and systems are created equal, though. In this guide, we discuss the differences between installation levels, system features, and more, so you can make an informed decision before committing.
First, let’s answer some of the most pressing CCTV questions…
Will CCTV Reduce My Home Insurance Premiums?
CCTV can reduce your home insurance premiums, but there are a few caveats.
Firstly, the hardware you choose (such as cameras and recording devices) must be up to scratch, insurance companies will only consider systems that meet a certain threshold before they give any discounts to your monthly premiums (we’ll cover this in more detail later).
In some cases, it depends on the insurer too. Not all companies offer a discount for enhanced security additions to your home, such as alarms or CCTV systems, so you’d need to check. We recommend calling your provider (or potential provider) directly before taking out a policy, to ensure you’re getting the best deal based on your circumstances.
Insurance Companies Often Prefer Professional Installation
Having your CCTV system professionally installed could also be a requirement of your insurance provider before they’ll consider reducing your premiums. Again, it pays to speak to them directly before you make any decisions.
Can CCTV Be Used As Evidence?
Yes, CCTV footage can be used in evidence in court cases. However, as we’ll cover later, the quality of footage, time stamps and reliability can make a huge difference in whether it will be used, as well as the conviction rate.
Professional CCTV Installation | Things To Consider
Camera Durability & Expected Lifetime
Consumable systems (those you can buy online, and, often, those installed by electricians) are on the cheaper end of the spectrum, which isn’t necessarily a good thing. In most cases the cameras supplies are plastic, meaning they can be broken by any would be thief with a solid strike.
Even if they aren’t targeted, most consumable, over the counter systems (which most electricians install too) aren’t built to last. Typically, they’ll only last to just beyond their 12 month warranty period.
When you’re researching and planning your CCTV install, choose hardware (cameras) which use metal, anti-vandal housing and high quality electrical components, ensuring a longer lifespan and greater resistance to targeted damage.
Camera & CCTV System Quality
Footage quality varies wildly from system to system. Cheaper systems will provide ‘grainier’ footage, often with blurry, intermittent images and inaccurate time stamps; all of which reduce the effectiveness and security level of your set up. What’s more, lower quality systems like this could actually prove inadmissible in court.
A professional installation will use 1080p FHD cameras with an accurate, linked time stamp. Not only does that provide a greater level of detail in your footage, it also offers peace of mind, knowing that, if it’s ever needed, there’s a better chance your footage will be used in court and secure either a conviction, or recovery of your belongings (if you’re the victim of a burglary).
Consider A Wired System
In a wireless world, it might seem counter-intuitive to have a wired camera system installed in your home or business. However, we highly recommend wired systems as they provide a greater level of reliability and security.
These days, thieves are sophisticated. If they see a wireless CCTV system they can quickly disconnect it by using a wi-fi jammer, turning off your wireless internet system, which your cameras depend on, rendering them useless.
None-specialist installers, such as electricians will almost always recommend wireless cameras, but this isn’t generally for your benefit; it’s for theirs. Obviously, installing a wireless system is much quicker and easier, meaning less work for them and more profit; leaving you with an inferior set up and susceptible to theft.
If you’re worried about unsightly wires, don’t be. As long as you choose a competent, dedicated CCTV installation team you should be in safe hands. We recommend choosing a company that only deals in security system installation (as they’ll have more experience delivering a high quality, professional finish) and check their reviews and testimonials during your research, to ensure previous customers were happy with the end product.
Of course, you can always speak to us!
Read More: Researching CCTV companies? Read our blog; How To Find The Perfect CCTV Company.
Make Sure You Own The System
It may seem daft, but having a CCTV system installed doesn’t necessarily mean you own it! National, household companies often offer subscription based installation, promising greater security ‘add-ons’ like 24/7 monitoring. The problem is, there’s often small print which essentially means; you’ll never own your system.
This could also be the case with certain doorbell cameras and app based systems.
Whilst that’s not always a problem, it does mean you’re tied in to paying for cameras that you may have been able to buy many times over. Furthermore, you might run into problems if you ever want to cancel or change your set up.
Instead, find a provider that offers the highest quality of cameras, without the need for a subscription. (Other security systems such as Smart Alarms may need a subscription.)
Make Sure There’s Ongoing Support
Here’s where electrician-cum-installers fall short; once they have installed your system you’ll probably never hear from them again. If you need help with your system, or if it develops a fault, you could be left high and dry, without any support, leaving you confused and potentially with a system that’s no longer fit for purpose.
Modern security cameras, recording systems and applications are effectively an eco-system, akin to a computer, which can make them a little complicated if you’re not tech savvy.
If you’re considering having a security system installed, consider the long term implications and ongoing support; make sure the company you choose offers help now and in the future. Think about it, every time you change your phone, change your router or internet provider, the chances are; you’ll need help getting your cameras back up and running.
Conclusion
CCTV isn’t just about watching footage after something goes wrong. It’s about prevention, peace of mind, and knowing you’ve done everything possible to keep your space safe.
Professional installation gives you that edge. Better coverage, better equipment, and way fewer headaches. So while the upfront cost might be higher, it’s often money well spent; especially when you consider what’s at stake.
Remember, it only takes one incident for your CCTV camera system to pay for itself.
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