Video surveillance
How to plan a CCTV installation
By IPProtec · · 7 min read
Quick answer
A CCTV installation is planned by identifying critical points (entrances and valuable areas), choosing camera, height and angle for each according to its goal, cabling with PoE to a local recorder, sizing storage and complying with data protection law.
1. Critical points
Start with entrances (doors, gates, garage) and areas with something of value (till, storeroom, machinery). Then the perimeter.
2. Height and angle
A camera that's too high sees the tops of heads; too low and it's easy to tamper with. At entrances, around 2.5–3 m aimed where a person stops usually works better than a very steep angle.
3. Lighting
Backlight (a glazed door at the back) and night-time determine the choice of camera. Often adding a sensor floodlight helps more than changing camera.
4. PoE cabling
One cable carries data and power from the PoE switch. It's more reliable than WiFi cameras for permanent use.
5. Recording
Storage depends on the number of cameras, resolution, continuous or event recording and how many days you want to keep. It's sized before buying the recorder.
6. Regulations (Spain)
- CCTV information sign.
- No more of the public road than strictly necessary for the entrance.
- Keep footage for a maximum of one month, unless needed to evidence an incident.
- In businesses, inform employees.