6  Camera Installation

The following chapter provides general setup instruction and installation tips for security cameras.

6.1  Installation Tips

General camera installation tips that apply to all camera models. Please review before selecting a permanent mounting location for your cameras.
  • Pre-configure 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.

6.2  Installing Cameras

  1. Mount the cameras to the desired mounting surface according to the instructions that came with the cameras (visit for the most up-to-date documentation). Choose a firm mounting surface that can support the full weight of the camera.
  2. Adjust the camera stand to ensure that the camera has a satisfactory view of the area you would like to monitor. Stand configuration depends on the mounting surface you have chosen (see below for suggested stand configurations).
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    Wall Mount
    Ceiling Mount

6.3  Connecting Camera Extension Cables

It is recommended to connect your cameras directly to the NVR. This is because the NVR features Power over Ethernet (PoE) ports that are used to transmit video and audio, as well as provide power to the camera without the need for a power adapter.
You can also connect cameras to a network switch or router (see 4.8 Connecting Wired Cameras to the Local Area Network (LAN) (Alternative Camera Setup) for details). If your switch does not support PoE, or you are connecting cameras to a router, you will require a power adapter for each camera (sold separately). Refer to your camera’s documentation at for the correct power adapter to use.
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  1. Connect the camera to the included Ethernet extension cable.
  2. Connect the other end of the Ethernet extension cable to one of the PoE ports on the rear panel of the NVR.