Baggaley Electrical Services

What different types of CCTV camera are there?

Choosing a home security camera may seem like a reasonably straightforward process at first, but with all the different options available it can become a little overwhelming. Thanks to advances in video, wireless, and smart technology, there are many types of surveillance cameras each with advantages and disadvantages. Navigating the market requires first understanding some basics about the different security cameras and how they fit your security needs. Types of security cameras: Bullet cameras Dome cameras IP cameras Indoor & outdoor cameras Wired, Wireless, and Wire-Free Smart, voice integrated cameras Although there are types of security cameras the most popular are bullet, dome, and IP cameras. A few differentiating factors to look for in security cameras is if they can be used indoors or outdoors, and if they are wired, wireless, or wire-free. Bullet and dome cameras are both named for their shape and are two of the most commonly used CCTV camera types. Many cameras can be used both indoors and out; however, there are some specific features you want to look for in outdoor cameras. Bullet Cameras Bullet Camera AdvantagesBullet cameras are named for their long cylindrical shape, which vaguely resembles a bullet. The distinctive appearance is highly recognizable providing a visible deterrent to intruders – the primary benefit as burglars are more likely to choose a different target location if security cameras are visible. However, as they are more easily discernible, they are also more prone to vandalism than dome cameras. The cylindrical shape also allows you to focus on a fixed view, such as certain entry or exit points. However, as you only have one fixed view, you may require multiple cameras. Bullet cameras are easily mounted on a wall or ceiling, indoors and out. At the tip of a bullet camera is a small lip or cover which adds weather protection and reduces glare, making them ideal for outdoor use. Dome Cameras Dome Security CameraLike bullet cameras, dome cameras have a unique shape; however they are more discreet than bullet cameras. Often referred to as ceiling cameras, dome cameras are commonly used indoors but can also be used outside. Dome cameras include many of the same features as bullet cameras but provide different advantages. Specifically, dome cameras tend to have a wider viewing angle. In addition, dome cameras are also more resilient towards tampering and vandalism compared to bullet cameras. As with bullet cameras, dome cameras are easily installed indoors and outdoors and can be mounted on walls or ceilings. Both bullet and dome-shaped cameras can have night vision, heat and motion sensing technology, two must-have features of modern security cameras. Additionally, they can be either connected to a DVR or NVR recorder. Wireless IP Cameras Wireless cameras, also known as wireless IP cameras, collect and stream data over the wireless network. As such, IP cameras connect to your home wifi network allowing you to view your security footage from anywhere. WIthin IP security cameras you’ll find wired, wireless, and wire-free IP cameras. The core differences are in how the cameras are powered. Wired vs. Wireless vs. Wire-Free Security Cameras Although the names may be intuitive, there are distinct differences between wired, wireless, and wire-free security cameras. Wired security cameras are the most traditional type of surveillance camera. Wired cameras are directly connected (wired) to a recorder which connects to your router and the internet. Depending on the wired security camera, it may also require a separate power cable. Wired cameras need to be connected to a DVR or NVR recorder to store and view the security footage. A common misconception is that wireless also means it’s wire-free. Wireless security cameras still require a power cord. Wire-free cameras are battery powered security cameras that are 100% cable free. Wire-free security cameras are the easiest to install, and security footage is stored in the cloud. As battery operated cameras, the batteries will require charging. Learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of wired, wireless, and wire-free security systems. Smart, Voice Integrated Cameras The newest security cameras on the market are integrating with the most popular voice assistants, for a complete smart home system. Voice commands can be used to control and monitor your wireless security system, completely hands-free. By integrating fully with existing smart-home devices, voice-controlled home security offers more flexibility, ease of use, and comprehensive coverage for the user. Swann’s line of smart security cameras integrates with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Indoor & Outdoor Cameras Although a number of security cameras can be used both indoors and outdoors, there are a few key elements to consider when selecting your cameras. Often, indoor and outdoor security cameras have many of the same features such as infrared night vision and remote viewing. The main differences lie in durability. Outdoor security cameras must be weather resistant if not waterproof. We recommend that you choose security cameras which have an IP66 or IP67 weather resistance rating to ensure they are the most durable and in fact weatherproof. Bullet cameras are an ideal outdoor camera due to the enclosure at the tip of the barrel which helps minimize glare. In addition, outdoor cameras with infrared sensing vs. motion detection are the better choice. Cameras that only use motion detection are often triggered by many meaningless events, such as a tree blowing or dog running by. Today, most security cameras utilize infrared heat technology which means they are only triggered when sensing heat (from cars or people). IR sensing means alerts will be less frequent and more accurate. In addition to the different types of security cameras, users can choose various features from, such as night vision, and resolutions. Security cameras range in resolution from 1080p Full HD to 4K Ultra HD. The key difference between the resolutions is image quality and zooming ability. Learn more about how to choose the right resolution for your security needs. With a clear understanding of the different types of surveillance cameras, you will be able to choose the best cameras to protect and monitor your property. Keep in mind you can mix and match the different security cameras to customize your home security solution. The first step is evaluating your home security risks.

What are the benefits / advantages of installing CCTV?

What Are The Benefits Of Using A CCTV System In 2019? We’ve gathered together some of the key benefits of using a CCTV system can have at your place of work and residency. A CCTV (closed-circuit television) system allows the use of videos cameras to monitor the interior and exterior of a property, transmitting the signal to a monitor or set of monitors. More and more of us are switching on the benefits of CCTV security systems. In the UK it is now estimated that there are more cameras per person than any other country in the world. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Bernard Hogan Howe promoted the use of CCTV, saying that cameras should be installed by homeowners and businesses to help detectives solve crimes. The need for residential and business CCTV systems is higher than ever before. With the number of police officers patrolling our streets hitting a record low, total recorded offences are up by 14%, as reported by The Independent in 2018. Aside from the obvious advantage of being able to monitor your premises, here are the benefits of using a CCTV system in 2019: 1. DETER CRIMINAL ACTIVITY This is the biggest and most recognised benefit for those who choose to add CCTV systems to their property. Outside of being able to monitor your premises, CCTV cameras are an excellent deterrent for burglars. Just like seeing a mounted alarm system, an intruder seeing cameras may decide that it’s easier and safer to move elsewhere. It’s much better to prevent intrusion than dealing with it after it’s occurred. “Most criminals are pretty disorganised, they don’t think about it. The reason the cameras are high is two-fold. One is to keep it out of harm’s way.” Studies have found that using CCTV in car parks resulted in a 51% decrease in crime; in public transportation areas a 23% decrease in crime; and in public settings, a 7% decrease in crime. Even the lowest figure, 7%, is a significant improvement. A report written by the Office for National Statistics in 2017 found that 2 in 100 homes were victims of robberies, with 40% of incidents taking place during working hours whilst occupiers are away from their properties. In the same report, 70% of burglars gain entry to homes via the front door, while the remaining 30% use windows as an entry point. Therefore, pointing cameras towards these routes of entry is the best and most strategic place to add your CCTV device. 2. IMPROVED HOME INSURANCE RATES By deterring criminal activity, CCTV security systems reduce your home and property insurance costs. You are less of a target, so the risk is lowered, which means the price of your insurance decreases too. “If you’re the victim of burglary and your home isn’t properly secured, you may find that your home insurance provider could question your claim and refuse to reimburse you for any loss.” As well as being less of a target, CCTV offers evidence towards insurance claims that you may not have had otherwise. The more evidence you have to support your claim, the better, proving beyond doubt the circumstances surrounding your claim. 3. PEACE OF MIND A camera system provides people with an increased sense of security and reassurance, particularly in areas where the crime rate is high. Many of the more sophisticated models are wireless, meaning they can be viewed and monitored from your smartphone or tablet. This gives you the ability to check in and review your premises at the click of a button, so your home security is always in reach. “As importantly, you get a whole shot of what happened at the event: What did they steal? Did they use a knife? You get all that. But more relevant today is a face. That’s what we need.” It acts as a comfort blanket, giving you the freedom to get on with your life, confident that your property is being watched. 4. COST-EFFECTIVE A CCTV system is a cost-effective form of security. Once the system has been installed they are very easy to maintain and require little reparations. Ensure that your cameras are cleaned in order to receive the best performance from your system. Other than this, CCTV systems will keep your premises secure for years.

How often should a house be rewired?

If your home is more than 40 years old or so and has not had any major rewiring done in that time, then it may require a rewire to make sure its safe. Signs that your wiring may be old is if the cabling is covered in fabric or rubber rather than uPVC, and if the consumer unit (often called the fuse box) has large ceramic switches. If you suspect your wiring is old, you can ask an electrician to do a full inspection of your wiring to recommend any work that might need doing.