Security camera installation: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What security camera installation is

Security camera installation mounts indoor or outdoor cameras at planned angles, runs power and network cable, and sets up recording and viewing on a recorder or phone app so the key areas stay in view. People install cameras to watch entries, driveways, yards and the inside of a home or business while they are away or asleep.

Signs you need it

  • You want to see who is at the front door, the driveway or the back gate from your phone
  • Packages have gone missing, or you want a record of activity around the property
  • Your current cameras have blind spots, poor night images or cables that keep failing
  • You want outdoor cameras that handle weather, and indoor cameras placed out of reach of pets
  • You want a recorder that stores footage on site, instead of relying on a cloud service alone

What the pro does

  • Walk the property to plan camera positions, the field of view, mounting heights and night lighting
  • Mount each camera on a bracket or the wall, angled to cover the entry or area you chose
  • Run the power and network cable from each camera to the recorder or switch, using outdoor-rated cable outside
  • Connect the recorder or switch, set the video resolution, frame rate and retention period
  • Set motion zones and privacy masks so the cameras do not record areas outside the property
  • Check the picture at night and in daylight, then show the owner how to view, save and clip footage

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Number of cameras, and whether they are indoor or outdoor models
  • Wired or wireless cameras, and how much cable must be run through walls, attics and soffits
  • Recorder type and storage size, since it sets how long footage is kept
  • Mounting surface, such as siding, brick, stucco, soffit or a pole
  • Whether a new outlet, power supply or network port is needed at each camera
  • Height and angle of the cameras, which may need a lift or a longer bracket
  • Whether the property needs added lighting so the night images are usable

What a written quote should spell out

  • Each camera listed by model, type, resolution and the number of cameras
  • The recorder model, its storage capacity and the drive size
  • Cable runs, connectors and outdoor-rated fittings as separate lines
  • Power supplies, outlets or switches, and which licensed trade installs any new outlet
  • Setup of motion zones, privacy masks and app access, shown as its own line
  • Warranty on the cameras, recorder and labor, and how replacement is handled

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Are the cameras wired or wireless, and how do you power each one?
  • How many days of footage will the recorder keep at the settings you suggest?
  • Where will the recorder sit, and how will it be protected from theft or heat?
  • Will the cameras see into a neighbor's yard or a public area, and how do you mask those views?
  • How do you handle night vision, and will the picture be clear at the entry?
  • Who sets up the app access, and can I add family members later?
  • What warranty covers the cameras, the recorder and the labor?

Red flags

  • They mount cameras without checking the field of view on the actual picture
  • They run outdoor cable without protection from weather and sun
  • They leave the power connection to an unlicensed helper or run loose cords
  • They set up the app with their own account and will not transfer access to you
  • They cannot explain how long footage is kept or where it is stored

What you can do yourself

A homeowner can plan camera positions, check the spots with a phone camera, and set up the app on a phone or tablet after the install. Do not run new power or cut into walls for cable yourself, and do not connect a camera power supply to an outlet you have not checked. Call a pro for mounting, cable runs, recorder setup and any new outlet or power work.

Licenses and permits

Camera installation is often done by security installers without a separate license, but a new outlet or power connection often needs a licensed electrician. Rules about audio recording and about cameras that view neighboring property vary by area, so check with your local authorities before you aim cameras outward.

Security camera installation questions

How many days of footage should I keep?

It depends on how much footage you record, the drive size and whether motion recording is used. Ask the installer to calculate the retention for your camera count and settings, and to show you how to change it.

Should I use a wired or a wireless camera?

Wired cameras are steadier because they do not depend on the Wi-Fi signal or the battery. Wireless cameras are easier when running cable is hard. Ask the installer which one fits the spot, based on the signal strength and the power supply.

Can a camera record a neighbor's yard?

Some cameras can capture a neighbor's property, and rules on that vary by area. Ask the installer to set privacy masks and aim the camera so it covers your property only.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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