Where to Place Security Cameras

A few of the latest home security research projects suggest that many home robberies take place via the main entrance of the house, such as windows on the ground floor, garages, back doors and front doors. Hence, it’s essential to have proper planning of the surveillance, which is referred as surveillance planning.

Knowing where to place security cameras goes beyond just determining placement. This consists of determining the weak points, the correct mounting height (8-10 feet) and how to deal with blind spots and indoor/outdoor coverage for full protection.

No matter how high the camera is, there is a time when the shot isn’t set-up correctly, and even the most advanced cameras are unable to capture that crucial action. This approach provides a blueprint structure, a practical approach and technique for developing a functional and viable home surveillance system.

Different Types of Security Camera Locations and Their Uses

The idea of camera placement zones is useful when deciding on the optimal camera placement. There are five different types of camera stations, depending on the purpose and usefulness of each station.

1. Perimeter Cameras

Cameras are located around the edges of a property, e.g., fences, gates or edges of the yard. They are designed to alert any activity prior to entry to the premises.

2. Entry-Point Cameras

The cameras are positioned near doors and windows, and are designed to detect how they might enter or exit the property.

3. Vehicle Cameras

The cameras are installed to capture the cars, number plates and any activity in the driveway and/or garage area.

4. Indoor Cameras

Installation of cameras in the buildings, preferably in the main living spaces or hallways.

5. Choke-Point Cameras

These cameras are installed in cracks, or in just one passageway of the hallway into the property, so that everyone must walk through to access the building.

Step-by-Step Guide to Place Security Cameras

Step 1. Map your Full Property Layout

Draw a layout of your house and yard. Do a tour of your home and create a list of all the entry points, windows, driveways, gardens and open spaces. This assists you to recognise patterns of movement and at-risk areas.

Step 2. Identify high-risk Entry Points

Focus on the places where people are likely to be accessing illegally:

These are always the first things to be taken care of.

Step 3. Select the Proper Installation Height (8-10 feet)

Install cameras between 8-10 feet (2.4-3 meters) high. This ensures:

Step 4. Proper Viewing Angles 

Shoot the ball down at an angle of 30–45° for optimum viewing. This is to aid in capturing the face and movement, but reduce the blind spots.

Step 5. Test Camera Coverage Before Final Installation

Always test the live footage before permanently attaching it to make sure: 

Quick Installation Security Camera Setup

When a homeowner wants to get their security camera installed in a timely manner, without the lengthy installation process, same-day security camera installation is often preferred. This is especially helpful for new homes, homes for rent or emergency security situations where rapid security is required. In the instance, technicians would normally start the installation of cameras at the most critical locations for entry then install the rest in additional days, to ensure the cameras are installed and operational on the same day, and the rest are installed on the following days.

Technical Factors for Better Security Camera Placement

1. Field of View (FOV) 

The field of view is the amount of area which a camera can view. Wide-angle Cameras (100 – 120°) are suitable for larger areas and narrow angle cameras are suitable for entry point monitoring. Proper placement will ensure there is no blind coverage.

2. Night Vision Positioning

For night vision recording, the night vision cameras will be equipped with infrared technology. They should be in the following areas:

• No Direct Bright Light – Makes It Difficult for Them to Read.
• The Entrance Areas Are Still Black in Color.
• Infrared Light Le Ds Do Not Interfere with Other Lights as Compared to Traditional Led Lighting.

3. WiFi vs Wired Camera Placement

• Wi Fi Cameras: Versatile and Quick to Install, but May Be Affected by Bounce Off of Thick Walls.
• Wired Cameras: These Are More Stable and Reliable, and Are Ideal for Permanent Outdoor Installations.

4. Water Resistant to a Certain Degree (IP Rating)

It is important that the outdoor camera has an appropriate IP rating, for example:

Wherever possible placement should be away from direct exposure to extreme rain or heat.

5. Lighting Considerations

Lighting has a great impact on clarity of images:

Visible vs Hidden Security Camera Placement

1. Place Cameras in Visible Locations (Deterrent Strategy)

Having a camera in place (a deterrence strategy) where the children can view it. Public places and conspicuous areas such as front doors and gates are equipped with cameras. The main function of their is to deter intruders before any action is taken.

2. HCP (Monitoring Strategy)

Hidden cameras are strategically set up in unobtrusive areas, either inside or outside, of the home. They are able to record activities while you are not aware of it.

3. Best Practice Approach

There is more security with visible + hidden cameras.

Key Entry Points for Camera Installation

1. Front Door Monitoring

The main entrance (front door) must be full view and must be kept at hand.

2. Ground-floor Windows

These are typical vulnerabilities that should always be part of the way to plan surveillance.

Indoor Camera Placement Strategy

1. Hallways and Movement Paths

Hallways link various spaces in the house, and promote a sense of direction.

2. Living Room Coverage

The living room is an area of activity and has a good line of sight of the activity.

3. Staircase Monitoring

In multi-storied houses there are stairs which are helpful to monitor the movement between the floors.

4. Entry facing Indoor Zones

Cameras installed in the entrance will capture the who’s who in the house.

Installing Cameras Out-of-Reach

1. Why Height Matters

The higher the placement the less damage, vandalism or tampering will occur.

2. Safe Mounting Locations

3. What to Avoid

Avoid having cameras near:

Common Placement Mistakes

1. Ignoring Blind Spots

Corners, side yards and other overlooked outdoor areas are neglected.

2. Incorrect Height Placement

• Too Low (Low Enough to Be Damaged)
• Too Far Away Will Result in Losing the Facial Detail (Too High).

3. Poor Lighting Conditions

The clarity can be greatly diminished by direct sunlight or dark shadows.

Considerations for Privacy and Safety

1. Respect Neighboring Privacy

Don’t turn cameras on other homes or private property.

2. Do not litter Sensitive Indoor Areas

Do not place cameras in rooms of the home where others are not likely to be around like the bathroom or bedrooms.

3. Follow Local Rules

Make sure to always comply with local surveillance and privacy laws.

Advanced Placement Tips

1. Think Like an Intruder

Consider where camera(s) can be located and where they can be moved on-site if the issue must be addressed.

2. Use Several Areas of Security

Divide coverage into:

3. Overlapping Camera Angles

No blind spots at all as camera views are slightly overlapping.

Which Type Of Security Cameras To Place Indoors Or Outdoors?

1. Indoor Installation

Inside activities in the house are monitored by cameras.

2. Outdoor Installation

Outdoor cameras are used to secure entry points and boundaries to property.

3. Best Approach

Either of them can provide complete protection and security.

How many Security Cameras in Your Area?

1. Small Homes

Generally need to have 2-4 cameras, on primary entry points.

2. Medium Homes

Usually and typically, 4-8 cameras are needed to ensure a balanced solution that provides both indoor and outdoor cameras.

3. Large Homes

Will require 8-16 cameras depending on:

4. Simple Rule

Any entry points should be visible as should be any weak corners.

Conclusion

In terms of the location for security cameras and developing an effective system, it is crucial to plan ahead. The right height (8-10 feet), a balanced indoor/outdoor coverage and placement at the entry points provide a significant boost in their security performance.

They offer more reliable and accurate surveillance if the technical issues of the camera, like field of view (FOV), lighting, IP rating, and connectivity are taken care of. If you have a well planned set up, there’s no place you can miss.

FAQs

Q. Which Is the Optimum Height for The Installation of Security Cameras?

Ideal cover height is 8-10 feet (2.4-3 meters) tall for proper cover and tamper resistance.

Q. Should Security Cameras Be an Eyesore or Hidden?

Both are effective. Visually visible cameras will be effective at scaring off intruders and hidden cameras will be good for discreet monitoring.