Effective Indoor Security Camera Placement Guidelines – Knowledge Base

Guidelines for indoor security placement

While the most effective security camera placement depends heavily on the specific attributes of your property, there are a handful of universal tips that apply to all setups. Ineffective camera placement can significantly diminish the utility of your security system.

1. Regardless of whether your security cameras are positioned indoors or outdoors, the paramount tip is to concentrate on areas of particular interest. Reflect on your security assessment – primary entry points such as front and back doors (whether it's your home or business), various approaches to the building, and any blind spots. In certain situations, you might require multiple cameras to adequately cover all relevant areas. As a rule, security cameras should be installed at a downward angle to facilitate accurate motion detection. However, this may not always be necessary, particularly when using a wide-angle dome camera.
2. At a bare minimum, you'll want at least one camera surveying your front door, and possibly one monitoring your backdoor, as these are frequently the main entry points. Ground floor windows are also key vulnerability points that should be monitored with cameras, window sensors, or a combination of both. Remember, if applicable, gates or garages are also primary access points to your house or business and should likewise be monitored. Ensure that security coverage of all entry points is maintained to alert you of any unauthorized entry attempts.

Corners are your friends. Positioning an indoor camera in a room corner often provides the widest viewing angle, making corners your best friend.

Windows can cause reflection issues. Be mindful of windows as they can cause reflection issues, potentially degrading the camera's image quality. Many security cameras employ infrared (IR) light technology, which aids in motion detection and enables functionality in low light. However, IR light can reflect off windows and other glass objects, possibly obscuring your footage, particularly in the dark. If you need to point a camera out a window, position the lens as close to the glass as possible and consider backlighting the outdoor area (perhaps with motion detector lights) to minimize glare. It can also help if your camera has wide dynamic range (WDR) technology.
Angle for indirect light. Avoid positioning your camera directly toward sources of bright light such as lamps, light fixtures, and windows, as this could wash out your footage. Angle the camera for indirect light instead.

Note: Follow these best practices in order to avoid post-deployment issues and save time.

Test your equipment prior to full installation. Ensure the camera operates as expected. If possible, perform a dry run in the intended camera location (temporarily mount it with tape, a single nail, or a similar temporary fix). Check if you can view everything you need to, if the Wi-Fi signal is strong enough, and if there's any glare or obstacle blocking the field of view.
Avoid installing your camera with hardware or tools that may harm its components. While it can be tempting to makeshift a camera setup to achieve the ideal position, avoid methods that could cause damage or strain to the casing, electrical components, or lens.
Remember that periodic cleaning or maintenance of the camera will be necessary. Indoor cameras are especially susceptible to dust and oil accumulation on the lens. Make sure not to install it in a way that makes maintenance impossible. For cleaning, we recommend using general LCD cleaner and microfiber cloths.

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