CCTV installation

Closed-circuit television, hereafter cctv, is the use of video cameras to transmit a signal to a specific or a limited set of monitors. It differs from broadcast television in that the signal is not openly transmitted, though it may employ a local wireless link. A cctv installation is often used for surveillance in areas that need high security, such as banks, casinos, and airports or military installations. Increasing use of a cctv installation in public places has caused a lot of debate over public security versus privacy. In industrial plants, cctv equipment may be used to monitor parts of a process that are remote from the control room, or where the environment is not comfortable or safe for humans. Cctv systems may operate continuously or only when required to monitor a particular event.

You may wish to consider carrying out a cctv installation yourself – a simple installation for the home is a relatively simple process that can be undertaken by many DIY enthusiasts, but any major cctv installation in a public place or when couples to a security system should always be undertaken by the experts. There are a number of different things that must be considered when carrying out an installation.

• Camera locations – important to cover all the important areas so work out first of all what areas you want covered. Then plan the actual position of the cameras but remember not to have a camera pointing towards a source of light like a large window – camera glare can eliminate any good pictures. For very dark conditions consider either an infra-red camera or a black and white camera with a low lux number.
• Camera selection – this together with the selection of the correct lens will depend upon the conditions under which the camera will be operating. You will need a different cctv camera/lens combination for outdoor surveillance than for indoor. If the cctv installation is to be continuously monitored by a security person, you may wish to consider having a switchable or a zoom lens on certain cameras.
• Wiring – you will need a source of power for the camera as well as a co-axial cable (unless there is a radio link) to run the signal to the monitor position. Don’t run the co-ax closer than 30cm to a power cable, and keep the cable as short as possible to ensure a good signal.

There are plenty of cctv products on the market, and if you are thinking of getting an installation put in be sure to take ample time in deciding exactly which is the correct product or products for your particular need. If you are going to have the cctv installation done by an outside company, do ensure that it is a reputable company. If something goes wrong with the installation a couple of months down the line it’s good to know that you can call upon experts in the field to help you out. Remember that there are plenty of people out there who have jumped on the band wagon with little knowledge of cctv other than how to hook up a couple of wires.

To contact ACSS please Call: 012-548-4884 (SA)
or email us at info@acss.co.za