Common Outdoor Security Camera Placement Errors
Security cameras are not created equally. Some have
considerably greater viewing power, much higher resolutions and features,
and some can hook up to a wide variety of receiving systems. Your choice in
cameras is very important, as depending on your needs and budget, there will
be features that are very important and features that are much less so.
However, all cameras are prone to user error, and
one of the most common mistakes among people setting up their security
cameras is the placement of the camera in or around their household. Cameras
can be placed anywhere around your house, but that freedom comes with more
mistakes, and these mistakes can prevent you from securing your household
they way you want to. Here are a few common (but not widely known) security
camera placement mistakes that you should try your best to avoid.
1.
Pointing Your Camera At the Sun
A common mistake with outdoor cameras is to point
the cameras in a location that may, at some point, face directly into the
sun without adequate sun cover. It is not the light from the sun that one
has to worry about – though too much sunlight can make it difficult to see
out of your camera – it is the suns rays that can do the damage. There are
two problems that may occur:
First, the lens of your camera can collect the
sun's rays like a magnifying glass, focus the rays into a single point, and
burn the components inside the camera, much like those that use their
magnifying glass to burn paper. This can permanently damage the camera and
possibly be a safety hazard. Another problem is that some cameras use an
older sensor, and the light from the sun can overload the sensor, damaging
it or, at the very least, temporarily blinding it for your security.
2.
Keeping it Too Far Away
Some people like to get help installing cameras in
locations that are extremely difficult to access. While in some ways this
can be good for security (greater viewing area, out of reach of intruders,
etc.), it can also pose serious problems if you do not have a way to reach
the camera very easily.
For example, infrared cameras have a tendency to
attract bugs, including spiders. Should a spider weave a web in front of the
camera, you need to be able to clean the web off easily to prevent
obstructed views. If the camera is too far out of reach, this may not be
possible. Make sure you have a way to reach the camera whenever you need to,
without putting yourself in danger.
3.
Wireless Security Cameras Have Location Problems
Wireless security cameras send signals through the
air to a receiver somewhere inside of your home. Unfortunately, these
wireless signals can be obstructed by walls, plants – even people. When
obstructed you may get blurry or no signal. In addition, these problems can
be exacerbated during harsh weather conditions. Setting up a wireless camera
has to be done carefully, within range of a good receiver and with a great
deal of testing to make sure it works in all conditions.
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