Suppose you are considering using cameras for home security or to be able to check on family members at any time, especially if there are elderly people, children, or pets in the house. Then where to put security cameras will be the first thing to consider. Choosing the right location will ensure a good view of your home, plus avoiding blind spots. Otherwise, the security provided by the cameras will be wasted. So, after our in-depth research, in this guide, you can get comprehensive information about camera locations. Including the best places to install security cameras at home, common mistakes to avoid, and legal and privacy issues you should be aware of.
6 Best Places to Install Security Cameras at Home
- Entrance. This is a key area for installing security cameras to effectively see who is passing through to prevent unwanted visitors. It is best to install it above each entryway to minimize blind spots and capture faces more clearly. This will be the first line of defense in keeping your home safe.
- Hallways and stairs. If the hallway is the only way to the main area of your home, cover this area with security as well. If someone enters from the second floor, the stairs will be the route they move, using surveillance to track their movements.
- Garage. Garages are likewise easy to sneak into, with someone perhaps taking advantage of driving in or out along the blind side of the view. To enhance security in this area, install security cameras in front of your garage. Preferably one with motion detection that can alert you to the presence of individuals at any time.
- Main area. This includes areas such as the living room, dining room, and kitchen that are frequently visited by family members. Covering these areas with security cameras not only guarantees protection but also allows one to keep an eye on what is going on at all times. Whether it's checking on child safety or keeping track of pets.
- Backyard and garden. This area is often overlooked, but infiltrators may use outdoor furniture or plants to hide themselves. Installing security cameras here will give you a more complete view of your children and pets in the outdoors, besides catching those infiltrators.
- Windows. This is also a choice entry target for infiltrators, and installing security on major windows can help you spot any suspicious activity before it becomes a problem.
Common Placement Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Security Cameras
Now that you understand where to install home security cameras, here are some common mistakes to avoid.
Pick the right height. The height of the camera needs to cover the area you want to monitor and can detect a person's face and upper body. It also needs to avoid being obscured by trees or signs, for example. Mounting it too low undermines the security of the camera, which can be vandalized or stolen. If it's to monitor your pet's movements, security cameras placed too low are also very likely to be knocked off or change the angle.
Check the lights. The presence of strong or low light in the installation area will affect the surveillance results. This can cause backlighting if it is directed at the sun. And low light makes it impossible to see at all, resulting in diminished security.
Ensure Wi-Fi signal. If the camera is installed in an area without WiFi, you will not be able to view the footage in real-time. Moreover, to secure your network, change the password to prevent snoopers from using the network to access your camera.
Avoid overlapping areas. Often it is necessary to install multiple security cameras to eliminate blind spots. If the cameras are facing each other, there will be an overlap in the surveillance area, wasting part of the field of view.
Legal and Privacy Concerns When Installing Security Cameras
Just understanding the best place to install security cameras is not enough. We also need to understand the obvious legal and privacy concerns. Here's what to keep in mind before placing security cameras:
- Respect for privacy. Do not point your camera towards bedrooms, bathrooms, or other private areas, as this constitutes a serious invasion of privacy. If the camera is compromised, it can easily lead to a privacy breach. Additionally, avoid placing cameras where they can view your neighbors' property, as this invades their privacy and can lead to legal liability.
- Ask permission. If you don't live alone, ask for permission before installing cameras. If you have guests, you need to inform them of the presence of the device to respect their privacy and to avoid unknowingly disclosing their privacy.
- Check local ordinances. Interestingly, laws regarding cameras vary from state to state, and only 15 states have relevant legislation. In Georgia, for example, it is legal to use security cameras in public and private environments, but they cannot be hidden devices. In some counties, on the other hand, cameras need to be registered before installation, so you need to check the local ordinances in your location and comply.
Conclusion
Installing security cameras is essential to achieving robust home security. Finding where to put security cameras is critical. You need to place it in the right place wisely, avoid some common mistakes as well as focus on legal and privacy matters to complete a comprehensive security system. Remember, the goal is to create a fully monitored and protected for your home, not just a place with cameras.
For a secure and reliable option, consider the eufy Cam S220, which offers crystal-clear 2K resolution, a 180-day battery life, advanced night vision, human detection technology, and an IP67 weatherproof rating, ensuring peace of mind for your home security needs.
FAQs
How can improper camera placement impact home security?
Improper camera placement can lead to privacy breaches and legal issues. For example, surveillance in a bedroom doorway could be intruded upon causing a privacy breach, while surveillance against a neighbor's home could trigger legal issues.
Where not to install security cameras?
Please do not install security cameras in bedrooms, dormitories, and bathrooms, locker rooms, restrooms, and other places where the privacy of others may be compromised.