5  Camera Installation

The following chapter provides general setup instruction and installation tips for security cameras. Ensure that you review 5.2 Ensuring Accurate Person/Vehicle Detection for channels you are planning to use Person/Vehicle detection on.

5.1  Installation Tips

General camera installation tips that apply to all camera models. Please review before selecting a permanent mounting location for your cameras.
  • Test the cameras before permanent installation. Plan where you will route the wiring for the camera and where you will aim the camera.
  • Point the camera where there is the least amount of obstructions (e.g., tree branches).
  • Mount the camera where the lens is away from direct and intense sunlight.
  • Plan your cable wiring so that it does not interfere with power lines or telephone lines.
  • Secure cabling so that it is not exposed or easily cut.
  • Mount the camera in an area that is visible, but out of reach.
  • Avoid pointing the camera at a glass window to see outside. This may result in a bright white ring in the night vision image, as the light from the night vision LEDs may reflect off the glass.
  • Adjust the camera angle so that it covers an area with high traffic.
  • In "high-risk" locations, have multiple cameras point in the same area. This provides camera redundancy if a vandal attempts to damage one of your cameras.
  • For outdoor rated cameras, installation in a sheltered location is recommended to ensure the camera lens remains clear of rainwater and other precipitation.

5.2  Ensuring Accurate Person/Vehicle Detection

The following are important camera installation notes to ensure accurate Person/Vehicle detection. For full camera mounting instructions, see your camera’s documentation at .
  • Choose a location where objects of interest will be no further than 50ft (~15m) from the camera.
  • Angle the camera so that objects of interest appear in the bottom ⅔ of the camera image.
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  • Angle the camera between 30~60° down from the level position.
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  • Install the camera between 8-16ft (2.5-5m) off of the ground.

5.3  Installing Cameras

5.4  Connecting Camera Extension Cables

The extension cable must be a single stretch of cable between the recorder and camera. You cannot connect multiple extension cables to each other. For all extension cable options, including maximum extension cable length, refer to your camera’s documentation at .