When it comes to protecting what matters most—your family, your property, or your business—strategic security camera placement is key. Poorly positioned CCTV cameras might miss crucial footage, while the right locations can act as a powerful deterrent and provide valuable evidence if needed. In this blog, we’ll explore the best place to install CCTV at home, where to position cameras in business settings, what to avoid, and how to get the most out of your setup.

Where to Install CCTV Cameras Around Your Home?

Wondering about the best place to install CCTV at home? Placement matters just as much as the camera itself. Here are some of the key spots to consider:

• Front Door: As per studies, in more than 30% of cases, burglars enter through the front door. Place a camera above or beside the main entrance to monitor visitors and deliveries.
• Back Door and Side Entrances: These less visible spots are popular with intruders. Cameras here increase coverage and peace of mind.
• Driveway or Garage: Keeping an eye on your vehicles and garage access can help prevent vandalism or theft.
• Outdoor Living Areas: Patios or backyard spaces often hold valuable items like furniture or tools that are worth monitoring.
• Main Hallways or Entry Points Inside: Interior cameras near staircases or main hallways provide extra visibility in case someone gets in.

When setting up, ensure cameras are installed high enough to avoid tampering but low enough to capture faces clearly.

Where to Install CCTV Cameras in a Business?

In commercial settings, security camera placement becomes even more important due to the larger space and increased activity. Here are the recommended areas to cover:

• Entry and Exit Points: These are must-cover zones for monitoring everyone who enters or leaves the premises.
• Reception Areas: Useful for identifying visitors and ensuring customer interactions are recorded if needed.
• Cash Registers and POS Areas: Protect against internal theft or customer disputes by monitoring financial transactions.
• Storage Rooms and Warehouses: Valuable inventory should never be left unmonitored.
• Parking Lots and Loading Zones: These are especially important for safety and tracking vehicle-related incidents.

Consider wide-angle lenses or dome cameras for large areas and night vision for 24/7 monitoring.

What to Avoid When Installing CCTV Cameras?

While security camera placement is crucial, it’s equally important to avoid some common pitfalls:

• Ignoring Privacy Laws: Avoid pointing cameras into neighbours’ properties or areas with a reasonable expectation of privacy (e.g., bathrooms).
• Blind Spots: Test the camera’s field of view to ensure you’re not missing important areas.
• Poor Lighting: Even night vision cameras need a bit of ambient light for clearer footage.
• No Weather Protection: Outdoor cameras should be weatherproof (look for IP66 or higher ratings).
• DIY Without Know-how: Incorrect installation angles or poor wiring can make your system ineffective.

Getting professional advice can help avoid these issues.

How to Get the Most Out of Your CCTV Setup?

To optimise your system, here are some expert-backed tips for smart security camera placement:

• Use Multiple Angles: One camera isn’t enough. Use overlapping views for better coverage.
• Keep Cameras Visible: Visible cameras deter criminal activity.
• Combine With Lighting: Pair cameras with motion sensor lights for better visibility and security.
• Test Before Finalising: Temporarily set up cameras and review footage before making it permanent.
• Consult an Expert: A licensed electrician in Adelaide, like the team at CMA Electrical and Data, can help ensure your setup is legally compliant, wired safely, and positioned for the best results.

Ready to Install CCTV? Let’s Talk Placement

Professional guidance makes all the difference. Whether you’re securing your home or your business, CMA Electrical and Data offers friendly, local expertise in security camera placement tailored to Adelaide’s unique needs.

Book your CCTV installation today!