10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing CCTV

Installing a CCTV system is one of the smartest choices to safeguard your home or business. Still, even a small error during setup can render an expensive security system useless. Unfortunately, most people only discover these mistakes when installing security cameras after a break-in or when the footage is needed the most.

Here are the 10 common CCTV installation mistakes that almost everyone makes, and exactly how you can avoid them.

1. Choosing the Wrong Camera Locations

One of the most common mistakes in security camera placement is prioritizing aesthetics over effectiveness. Many people install cameras too high, too low, or in positions that directly face bright lights and windows, which can obstruct their view and hinder their ability to capture meaningful footage during critical moments.

What To Do

Always position cameras 8 to 10 feet high with a slight downward angle. Cover all entry points (main door, back door, windows, and garage) and avoid pointing directly at the sun or street lights to prevent constant glare and washed-out images.

2. Ignoring Field of View and Blind Spots

One camera cannot adequately cover everything, and ignoring the proper field of view is one of the most frequent CCTV setup errors to avoid. Many people mistakenly believe that a single wide-angle camera can effectively monitor an entire front yard, shop, or warehouse corridor.

What To Do

To avoid this, it’s crucial to check the camera’s field of view before installation. Utilize the camera’s mobile app or create a template by cutting cardboard to match the lens angle. This helps you identify potential blind spots or hidden corners that could allow unauthorized access.

3. Using Poor-Quality or Fake Cables

Many installers cut costs by using local, low-grade RG59 or network cables that fail within months. Water ingress, rodent damage, and voltage drop ruin video quality over distance.

What To Do

Always use pure copper coaxial (for analog) or Cat6 cables (for IP cameras) with proper shielding. If the distance is more than 50 meters, consider fiber or power-line extenders.

4. Skipping Weatherproofing for Outdoor Cameras

Even if the camera box says “weatherproof,” most failures happen because of poor sealing at the connection points. Rainwater enters through loose RJ45 connectors or poorly sealed junction boxes.

What To Do

When installing outdoor cameras, ensure you use proper IP66 or IP67-rated models. Additionally, apply silicone sealant or utilize waterproof junction boxes, and always secure connectors to avoid leaving them exposed to the elements.

5. Neglecting Proper Lighting Conditions

Installing high-resolution 4K cameras in complete darkness without infrared or external lights is pointless. Many people forget that most built-in IR only works up to 20 to 30 meters effectively.

What To Do

When planning your lighting, consider incorporating infrared illuminators or white-light floodlights to improve color night-vision camera performance. It’s also important to avoid placing cameras in front of reflective surfaces, as this can cause unwanted whiteout.

6. Buying the Cheapest System Without Research

The market is currently flooded with counterfeit Hikvision and Dahua products, as well as obscure Chinese brands that tend to fail within a year of use.

What To Do

To avoid the hassle and additional expense of frequent replacements, it’s crucial to invest in reliable, established brands that come with a local warranty and support. Although the upfront cost may be slightly higher, it ultimately saves you money and frustration over time.

If you’re looking for a trusted brand with nationwide support and genuine products, check out our latest range of high-quality CCTV cameras in Pakistan at Orient CCTV. We offer the best cameras nationwide.

7. Using Default Passwords and No Encryption

Every year, thousands of cameras are compromised because users often neglect to change the default admin passwords, such as “admin” or “12345.”

What To Do

To safeguard your devices, it is vital to change passwords immediately, disable Universal Plug and Play (UPnP), disable remote access when unnecessary, and set up port forwarding with strong credentials, while enabling HTTPS for added security.

8. Poor Cable Management and Exposed Wiring

Messy, exposed cables not only create an unprofessional appearance but also pose several risks. Various factors, including harsh weather conditions, curious rodents, or accidental cuts from equipment or foot traffic, can easily damage them. Proper cable management is essential for aesthetics and safety in any environment.

What To Do

To ensure the longevity and safety of your wiring, it is advisable to run cables through protective PVC conduits or conceal them within walls. Additionally, using cable clips and trunking will help keep everything organized, neat, and protected from hazards.

9. Forgetting Regular Maintenance and Testing

Many people install security systems but neglect to check them regularly, often until something goes wrong. Common issues like dust on lenses, spider webs, misaligned angles, and failing hard drives can compromise performance.

What To Do

To ensure your system functions optimally, schedule a maintenance check every 3 to 6 months. This should include cleaning lenses, verifying angles, testing recordings, and updating firmware as needed.

10. Wrong Storage and Recorder Placement

Placing the DVR/NVR in a hot attic, near the kitchen, or somewhere easily accessible is another major mistake when installing security cameras. Heat kills hard drives, and thieves always target the recorder first.

What To Do

Keep the recorder in a cool, locked cabinet or room. Use a UPS to prevent data corruption during load-shedding, and enable cloud backup if possible.

Final Thoughts

Installation doesn’t have to be complicated, but if you avoid errors in CCTV setup, such as those listed above, your system will protect you when you need it most. If you’re securing a house, a shop, or a warehouse, taking a little extra time to plan and properly install is always worth it. For indoor monitoring of your living room, kids’ room, or office cabin, nothing beats a reliable indoor camera in Pakistan. We provide crystal-clear models with two-way audio and mobile alerts at very reasonable prices.