According to the National Equipment Register (NER) report, construction site theft causes an estimated annual loss of $1 billion in equipment alone, with the average cost of each stolen item reaching about $30,000. Such staggering figures highlight the urgent need for reliable protection.
And that's where a specialized construction site security camera comes in. It not only records every activity happening on the construction sites, but also keeps the management updated with real-time alerts.
Undoubtedly, construction site security cameras enhance security, but you have to choose the right one. This comprehensive guide will help you buy the right construction site security camera according to your site's layout, vulnerabilities, and other factors.
What Do Construction Site Security Cameras Do?
Construction site security cameras are the primary elements of a site's security. Here's what they do.
Security: The cameras capture every moment to ensure the site's security. They protect valuable assets from theft and vandalism and give peace of mind.
Site Monitoring: With cameras, managers, owners, and contractors can monitor the site from any location. They can check the progress, ensure safety, and manage everything remotely.
Real-time Alerts: Users receive real-time alerts on the connected devices. They can respond promptly to prevent theft, unauthorized access, or any unlawful or unethical attempt.
Deterrence: They deter intruders from the site. Thieves and burglars stay away from construction sites that are protected by security cameras.
Gathers Evidence: The cameras document everything. Which is helpful in finding the reason behind accidents and thefts. It helps in investigations and serves as evidence.
Types of Construction Site Security Cameras
Based on the physical appearance and components, we can classify construction site security cameras into four major types.
Bullet Camera: It is the simplest type of security camera, typically cylindrical/cuboidal in design. It has a fixed field of view but covers a long range. Due to their common shape, they are recognizable and work as an excellent deterrent.
PTZ Camera: PTZ stands for Pan-Tilt-Zoom. These security cameras can rotate their lens vertically and horizontally to cover a wider area. They also have a zoom-in feature to take a close-up view.
Dome Camera: These cameras have a dome-shaped housing that protects them from tampering and vandalism. They can also rotate vertically and horizontally to capture a wider area.
Panoramic Camera: These special cameras have more than one sensor to capture videos separately. Finally, the videos are stitched to enhance the field of view and capture wide-angle shots.
How to Select the Right Construction Site Security Camera
Depending on your construction site, you have to select the correct security camera for optimal performance.
Evaluate the Construction Site
The first thing is to evaluate the construction site. Pay special attention to the covered area, layout, type of spaces (indoor, outdoor, corner areas, open field, etc.), lighting conditions, and other factors.
Look at the connectivity and power options for different places. In some areas, a wired camera might not be feasible, and for some locations, you need robust 24/7 security. Note down the important locations or key areas you want to cover.
Finally, calculate the total number of cameras you need. Having a rough idea is more than enough.
Type of the Camera
We have already discussed different types of construction site security cameras. They are meant for different purposes.
If you want to cover large open areas, entry points, and long-range areas on the construction site, the best option is a bullet security camera. It can capture distant objects clearly. They are simple yet powerful.
For covering a large and short-range area, you can use a PTZ camera. Its sensor rotates and covers up to 360⁰. That said, you will need fewer cameras to cover the area. Secondly, these cameras are capable of tracking movements. They move along the object and capture everything. And if you want a close-up view, the zoom feature is ideal.
Dome cameras are ideal for locations where there is a risk of tampering and vandalism. The dome offers protection. Similar to PTZ cameras, they can also cover a wider area through pan and tilt motion and follow the movement of the object. They are ideal for site offices, storage, entrances, and other applications.
Panoramic cameras offer a vast field of view. They are suitable for open locations on a construction site. They cover up to 180⁰ and eliminate any blind spots. As they offer a wide-angle view, you'll never need fewer cameras in the location.
Now, depending on the locations you have on the construction site, you can select the right type of cameras for optimal security.
Power and Connectivity
For maximum reliability, the best option is a PoE security camera. It requires Ethernet wiring for power and connectivity. If you can lay the cable, it would be a good choice.
The next power option is a plug-in camera. You need to plug the adapter into an AC outlet, and it powers the camera for uninterrupted performance. If you can't lay Ethernet cables, you can go with this.
The last option is a battery-powered camera. It's a completely wireless option. The battery is recharged through an adapter or solar panel.
For connectivity, you have three options: PoE, Wi-Fi, and 4G. PoE cameras are highly reliable and suitable for 24/7 performance. But they require proper wiring.
Wi-Fi cameras connect to your existing Wi-Fi network. They are excellent for construction sites that already have Wi-Fi. The last one is the 4G. It is an ideal option for remote construction sites and locations where Wi-Fi connectivity is not available. They require a SIM card to work.
On your construction site, you can install a combination of different types of cameras according to the location.
Video Quality and Night Vision
Do not compromise on the video quality. If you want clarity and details, go with a high-resolution security camera. You can install 3K or 4K security cameras for the best performance.
The security camera for construction sites should also have night vision. It allows the camera to record clear videos at night. You can go with infrared or colored night vision according to your needs.
Remote Access and Alerts
For remote monitoring of construction sites, remote access is a must-have feature. It provides access to managers, owners, and contractors, allowing them to view the live preview, check recordings, adjust settings, and control the camera. With this, you can do anything from any location.
Secondly, the alerts give real-time notifications. They are essential for construction site monitoring. In case of any issue, management can respond quickly.
Storage Options
Look at the storage options that the security camera supports. It should support local storage, such as a microSD card, NVR, server, NAS, etc. You can also check for the optional cloud storage option.
Durability and Weather Resistance
At construction sites, security cameras have to bear harsh conditions. They are placed outdoors in rain, snow, wind, etc. The security camera should be durable for year-round performance.
For weather-resistance, you can check the IP rating. IP65 or any higher rating could work on construction sites.
4 Best Construction Site Security Cameras
For Large Construction Sites: eufy PoE NVR Security System S4 Max
A complete security camera system for reliable security of large construction sites. With four security Bullet-PTZ PoE cameras, it can cover a massive area. Its 8-channel NVR connects all cameras and has 2TB of storage for saving recordings locally.
Exceptional Video: The triple-lens cameras capture 4K wide-angle and 2K pan-and-tilt views to offer excellent details with 8X zoom and 360⁰ coverage.
Framing and Tracking: At construction sites, it can automatically frame and track objects and automatically zoom in for better coverage.
Cross-Cam Tracking: All cameras sync to track the movement of the object in real time. They do not miss any movement on large construction sites.
Local AI Agent: Equipped with a local AI agent for threat identification, no-go zones alerts, and tailored responses.
Expandability: NVR can scale up to 16 channels, and storage can be increased to 16TB, so you can add up to 12 more cameras to cover more areas in the future.
For Remote Construction Sites: eufy 4G LTE Cam S330
A perfect construction site security camera for locations where you can't manage wiring. It's a completely wireless security camera with 4G and Wi-Fi connectivity to work at remote locations.
Auto Recharging: Has a built-in 9,400mAh battery that recharges through solar to offer uninterrupted performance at construction sites.
Color Night Vision: Captures 4K colored videos day and night. Its 100-lumen spotlight illuminates up to 26ft for detailed and colored videos.
360⁰ Coverage: Through pan-and-tilt movement, it covers 360⁰. You'll need fewer cameras at the site.
AI Tracking: The AI accurately detects people and vehicles and tracks their motion. Sends real-time alerts to the devices.
Flexible Storage: Supports microSD card storage up to 128GB, which is more than enough for retaining data of construction sites.
For Wireless Operations/Temporary Sites: eufy SoloCam S340
The SoloCam S340 is meant for effortless setup and quick installation. You can install this wire-free camera at construction sites and move it to other sites without hassle. Enjoy robust security and uninterrupted performance in outdoor locations.
Incredible Details: Covers up to 50ft in 3K resolution. The 8X zoom ensures intricate details with optimal clarity.
Dual View: Offers dual views in one frame to get the wind-angle and zoom-in views for enhanced site monitoring.
No Blind Spots: Covers 360⁰ and does not leave any blind spots. Helps in keeping an eye on everything on the construction site.
AI Tracking: Accurately detects objects with AI and tracks their motion for robust security.
Solar-powered: Automatically powers itself with solar. Two hours of light is enough for an uninterrupted whole-day performance.
For Best Night Performance: eufy Floodlight Camera E340
For construction areas that require both powerful lighting and security surveillance, the eufy Floodlight Camera E340 is an ideal choice. It captures 24/7 and saves recordings in its local storage–no subscription fee at all.
Dual Cameras: With dual lenses, the camera captures 2K telephoto and 3K wide-angle images, so you get the intricate details and the big picture.
Deterrence: Has a 2000-lumen powerful floodlight to illuminate a vast area and deter intruders with an alarm.
Wi-Fi 6 Connectivity: Seamless performance with dual-band Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. Ensures fast speed and reliable performance.
Wide Coverage: The 360⁰ coverage, AI detection, and automatic tracking enhance security at construction sites.
How Much Does a Construction Site Cellular Camera Cost Monthly for Cellular Data Service?
The monthly cost for cellular data service for construction site cameras typically range between $10 and $50, depending on the provider, your data plan, and usage requirements. For example, eufy 4G LTE Cam S330 has an estimated data usage is around 700 MB per month, based on 10 daily live views of 10 seconds each, and 25 motion-triggered recordings of 10 seconds each per day. However, Actual usage may differ based on a number of factors.
Below are real-world examples shared by users to provide a clear picture of potential costs:
“User Example 1: I just setup 4 eufy 4g solar cams for construction sites last week. For the camera, $140/ 24GB(360 day) SIM card.. work pretty good. It was cheaper to use the included SIM card than to get data SIM cards on our business account.”
Source: reddit.comUser Example 2: eufy 4g S330 uses 0.22GB over 16 days
Another user monitored their eufy 4G LTE Cam S330 over a 16-day period. Starting with 12.09 GB of data, they set the detection sensitivity to level 6, receiving frequent motion alerts daily. After 16 days, they still had 11.87 GB remaining, meaning the camera consumed only 0.22 GB during this time.
When selecting a cellular camera, it's essential to evaluate your site’s specific needs, such as the number of cameras, frequency of video access, and resolution requirements. This will help you choose the most cost-effective data plan while ensuring reliable security coverage.
Bonus: eufy Business Bundle Offers
Compared to households, construction sites require several cameras, which can complicate and increase the cost of setting up a security system. eufy understands these challenges and has introduced smart business bundles to simplify the process.
If you feel overwhelmed by the bundle options, you can also contact us directly. We are happy to help you find the cameras that best suit your needs. eufy’s bundle offer will help you stay within your security budget without buying each device individually. Isn’t it a budget-saving option?
FAQs
How much does a construction site security camera cost?
From $200 to $2000, you can get a construction site security camera. The price depends on the resolution, connectivity, features, etc. Also, add the installation, storage, and wiring costs.
How to secure a construction site with CCTV cameras?
Mount CCTV cameras at key locations. Make sure they have real-time alerts, live feed, and remote access. It allows users to secure the construction site and monitor it from any location.
Are there security cameras at construction sites?
Most contractors install security cameras at construction sites. They can remotely monitor the site, prevent theft, ensure safety protocols, avert unauthorized access, etc.
Enhance Construction Site Security and Safety with Cameras
Construction site security cameras are the go-to security devices that can ensure the safety of your valuable assets and the well-being of workers on the site. No matter where you are, you can monitor the site and collect the evidence of every activity.
For optimal performance, you need to select the right security camera. Follow our comprehensive guide and consider the important factors and key considerations we have shared. It will help you select the right construction site security camera for your needs.
