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According to FBI crime data, the United States experienced 6.9 million property crime offenses in 2019, with larceny-theft accounting for 73.4% of this number. On average, these robberies resulted in $1,797 worth of valuables taken per incident.
If you want added protection and security around your home having only a home security camera isn’t necessarily enough. Knowing how and where to install one of the best home security systems is the key to getting the most out of it. We compiled a list of tips to help you understand security camera installation and where to place security cameras for maximum coverage of your home.
Key takeaways:
Homeowners can easily install most home security cameras, but you may want professional installation to ensure it’s done right.
Install home security cameras in a place with a clear view of your home but that is out of reach of children and animals.
No federal law regulates the placement of security cameras, but cameras should be kept away from any view where neighbors expect privacy, such as a fenced-in backyard.
Where to install home security cameras
Whether you’re looking to monitor the inside or outside of your home, there are key locations where you can install your home security camera to gain maximum coverage.
Outdoors
FBI Special Agent Kim Wright, the director of corporate security at ADT, says that outdoor security cameras should focus on areas that can provide a clear view of what’s happening outside the home. She suggests placing them at the following locations:
- Front door
- Front yard and backyard
- Garage and driveway
- Back doors
- Facing a shed that may contain valuables
- Side doors
Wright also recommends placing outdoor cameras in places that ensure coverage of easy points of access into your home, such as a first-floor window.
Indoors
For indoor protection, Wright suggests the following placements of security cameras:
- Home entrances
- Living room
- Child’s room
- Kitchen
- Hallways
“If you’re installing a wireless-based camera, be sure that it’s placed in an area that receives a strong Wi-Fi signal,” says Hooman Shahidi, the senior vice president of product at SimpliSafe.
Sometimes, you won’t need Wi-Fi to run your home monitoring system. Some monitoring brands have network video recorder (NVR) or digital video recorder (DVR) systems that run off an Ethernet connection and don’t need Wi-Fi to function, according to Mikio-Yves Matsuo, the senior director of product management at Arlo Technologies.
Where not to place home security cameras
In addition to knowing the strategic places to mount a home security camera for the best home security views, there are also places where not to place a camera.
Shahidi tells CNN Underscored that you should “avoid placing your security camera where small children or animals could tamper with it. You should also avoid placing a security camera where vegetation could grow and obstruct its view.”
Beyond functionality, there are some ethical considerations to remember when placing a home security camera. “You should avoid placing cameras in private areas like a bathroom and facing other’s properties,” Wright says.
It’s legal to place cameras in areas where they capture images of public areas. However, homeowners should be careful not to collect video of areas where neighbors have an expectation of privacy. That can include their fenced-in yards and the inside of their homes.
What tools and supplies do I need?
Shahidi says that some indoor security cameras can sit on flat surfaces and won’t require installation tools because they won’t need to be in one fixed place all the time. If you want to install an outdoor wireless camera that needs to be mounted, you’ll need:
- A drill
- A pencil
- Mounting bracket
- A ladder
If you’re mounting a wired camera, the process is more involved. Matsuo says to install a wired security camera, you’ll also need:
- A power source
- A screwdriver
- Possibly a power-over-Ethernet (PoE) switch/injector
How to install a security camera in four steps
Installation is typically simple for modern wireless cameras. While you should follow the particular camera manufacturer’s instructions, this four-step process will most likely cover all required for a full installation of most cameras.
1. Charge the camera
If your camera is battery-operated, this will be vital. If it has a cord, this won’t be necessary; just be sure the cord has access to a power source.
2. Connect the camera
Wireless options often require app connection. Follow the instructions to connect your mobile device to your camera for connectivity when you are away from home and to access all of the features.
3. Set up the mounting bracket
The camera’s packaging should have a mounting bracket with instructions on affixing it to the wall. The basic details:
- Decide where you want to place the camera.
- Use your pencil to mark the bracket’s holes against the wall.
- Then, use your drill to create pilot holes.
- Secure the screws into the mounting hardware.
4. Secure the camera
Install the camera into the fixture. This position is usually simple, requiring users to twist the camera into place on the bracket.
Should I have cameras professionally installed?
Whether you should have a professional install your security cameras is up to you. DIY cameras are nice options for people who like to customize their security systems. However, “professional installation can be a fit for customers looking for expert support and a more hands-off experience,” ADT’s Wright says.
Wireless cameras are easier to install than wired cameras. Wired systems often require more technical expertise and experience to install correctly. ”Traditional home security systems often require professional installation due to the number of tools required, the hardwiring, drilling and tricky electrical work,” Shahidi says. Luckily, many top home security providers offer professional installation for both wired and wireless systems for a fee.
