Best Places to Put Security Cameras

On September 26, 2024, In residential security, security systems,

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Suppose you’re considering enhancing your home protection by installing security cameras. In that case, you might have questions about which cameras are best for your situation and where to place them. Here’s a guide on where to put security cameras for your security and peace of mind.

Where to Install Security Cameras

Figuring out where to put home security cameras on the house is equally as important as their quality. It would help if you determined their proper placement to get the most value out of your cameras. The best spots provide the best coverage. An effective way to identify the best location for security cameras is to think of your home from the burglar’s perspective.

Typical locations for security camera placements are:

Ground-floor doors and windows: Most burglars choose the most obvious entry points, such as ground-floor doors and windows. It would help to place cameras on ground-level windows and doors, both inside and outside.
Hallway or stairs: Burglars might use the first-floor hallway or main staircase to access the rest of your home, so install a camera in these areas.
Common areas: Secure high-traffic areas like the living room.
Driveway: Burglars often approach through the driveway, so place an outdoor camera to observe its entire length.

These are the most common places for camera placement that apply to any home. Here are some less common but still essential locations:

Yard: Thieves can hide here, mainly when overgrown trees or shrubs exist.
Second floor: If you keep valuables like jewelry upstairs, install a camera to monitor your second floor. This can provide video evidence that you can show to the police while maintaining privacy for bedrooms and bathrooms.
Basement: While the basement only needs that much monitoring, a camera can’t hurt if you keep valuables there. Place the camera at the door connecting the garage and basement to cover a potential entry point.
Garages: You likely store valuable items like your car in the garage, so consider adding a camera. Use a range extender or a Wi-Fi-independent camera if your Wi-Fi doesn’t reach the garage.

Where NOT to Place Security Cameras

Not all locations are ideal for placing security cameras due to security or privacy concerns. Avoid these areas:

Neighbor’s property: Cameras that record your neighbor’s yard or house may be prohibited by law. Ensure your cameras only monitor your property. Many modern cameras offer “privacy zones” to block out specific areas. You can tell your neighbors that your camera has this feature, and they are not being recorded.
Bedrooms: Unless you keep valuables in your bedroom, avoid placing cameras in bedrooms for privacy, as hackers can target them and misuse their footage.
Bathrooms: Similar to bedrooms, avoid placing cameras in bathrooms due to privacy concerns. Besides, they rarely have valuable items that burglars can steal.
Challenging to see locations: It’s tempting to place cameras at the spots around your home that are difficult to see because you assume that thieves lurk here. However, they like to enter a home through the most obvious paths, such as doors and windows. So, placing cameras in less apparent spots may cause you to miss critical activity.
Facing the sky: Avoid cameras with vast fields of view that include significant portions of the sky. Sun glare can obscure details and frequent direct sunlight can cause UV damage. So, angle cameras away from the sky and ensure the shade partially protects them.

Factors to Consider When Placing Your Security Cameras

When considering where to put home security cameras, take the following factors into account:

Choosing between hidden and visible: There has been debate in the home security industry over whether to hide or display security cameras. Most studies report that visible cameras tend to deter crime. However, cameras may also indicate you have valuables in your home, so consider the area you live in and whether you will feel safer with them hidden or visible.
Durability: Most outdoor cameras don’t have covers, which makes them vulnerable to rain, snow, sleet and dust. So, ensure your outdoor cameras can withstand local weather. Check your chosen cameras’ IP ratings and temperature ranges to ensure they can hold up.
Mirroring and glare: Glares can affect footage quality in bright spaces or rooms with mirrors. Opt for high-dynamic range (HDR) cameras to avoid this issue.
Total camera count: Wi-Fi cameras can impact internet speeds, so be cautious about how many you decide to buy. If you still need multiple Wi-Fi cameras, consider getting another router to avoid slowing down your primary network.
Closeness to valuable objects: Place cameras near items burglars are likely to target. Portable gadgets like TVs or home appliances are some of the most common things burglars steal. They also steal smaller items such as clothes, briefcases, jewelry, watches, furs and keys.
Beyond the reach of thieves: Position cameras so they can’t be easily disabled or stolen.

Tips for Placing Security Cameras

Here are some guidelines for setting up and using your security cameras:

Place cameras at all ground-level windows and doors or with an unobstructed view of all of these potential entry points.
Install cameras both inside and outside your home to deter and prevent crimes before they happen.
Position cameras high off the ground for optimal coverage and security.
Although infrared cameras provide good nighttime coverage, adding outdoor lights can increase it. Consider cameras with built-in spotlights for night vision or, even better, smart lights if they are within your budget.
Position your cameras in the corners to capture entire rooms, especially if they have a narrow field of view.
Point cameras away from direct sunlight to reduce glare and protect them from UV damage.
Ensure cameras connect to your Wi-Fi and perform motion assessments to verify functionality.
Test cameras to identify and cover blind areas that burglars might exploit.
Regularly clean your outdoor cameras using a cleaning cloth and spray to maintain clear footage. You wouldn’t want to waste your camera’s high resolution because pollen or dirt got on the lens.

Contact Wayne Alarm Systems!

Having a comprehensive security system can protect your home from burglars and deter crime, but on top of that, it provides immense peace of mind. Whether you’re at home with your family or away on a trip, you can rest assured your home is protected.

Wayne Alarm Systems has been a full-service home security systems provider in Massachusetts and New England for over 50 years. We can help install your security cameras with updated technology and professional alarm monitoring. Our well-trained, background-screened employees ensure high-quality work and ongoing maintenance or repairs as needed.