How To Know If Your CCTV Camera Is On For Recording

DIY Security Systems

It is safe to say that the CCTV camera is indispensable and effective in crime control. The footage generated by a surveillance camera is a worthy and significant source of evidence in the event of criminal proceedings. Having said, an idea on how to know if your CCTV camera is on is necessary.

What You Need to Know About CCTV Cameras

If you are a property owner, whether it is your home or business, getting a CCTV camera means having a security system. If you are planning to acquire it sooner or already have it on your premises now, here is how to know if CCTV camera is on. It is always unsafe to assume whether a CCTV camera is operational or not.

The Ways on How to Know if CCTV Camera Is On

• In a pan tilt-type security camera, it continuously rotates when it’s on. A distinct buzz may also be heard, and that means it is rotating. If the patrol or tour function is set up, it constantly moves, which means the camera is recording.
• In infrared security cameras, small red lights are seen around the lens of the camera when it is dark when it is on. That also means that the camera has a night vision.
• Checking whether you can view the live streaming of your camera recording the footage. If the footages are correctly showing up, the security camera is on. Otherwise, the cable or the camera has an issue.
• By using electronic bug detectors, CCTV cameras generate a balanced signal, which means they are on or operational. A balanced signal refers to a video signal converted to be ready for transmission along with a medium. Detecting hidden cameras or other surveillance cameras can be found out.
• Other IP cameras, with or without wires, have a status LED that can easily tell if the camera properly works or connects to the Wi-Fi.

The Signs of a Fake CCTV

By identifying whether your CCTV camera is real or fake, you will know if it works. A fake camera will work against you.

• The brand name you never heard of does not show results on Google when you research it.
• Fake cameras have a blinking red light. Real ones do not.
• LED lights are not very bright and obvious.
• Fake cameras’ covers are usually obviously made cheap by plastic instead of waterproof platinum covers.
• Installation prices between fake and real surveillance cameras have a huge difference considering other factors like the wind and rain. Genuine cameras can withstand the outdoors and confront all possible natural factors that may interfere with it.
• Having built-in motion sensors are characteristics of some fake cameras.
• Wires are good signs whether it is a fake or a real camera: fake ones have visible wires
• If it has infrared lights, it will glow red. Even when it is in the dark or low lights, it will still glow red.
• Using a cellphone with a camera, face it toward the CCTV camera. If you can see a bright light on your cellphone camera, then it is on.

The Things to Remember

Do not be misled by blinking red lights because it does not always mean that they are real. Security cameras have red lights only when it is under very poor light conditions rather than blinking day and night.

Some old CCTV cameras have green (off) and red (on) indicator lights that are placed on the backsides of it, so this is one instance that it becomes harder how to know if CCTV camera is on. With the fast-changing developments in CCTV technology, more sophisticated infrared cameras are equipped with black LED lights that will not give out any glow, whether it’s turned on or off. These cameras are now popularly used for ‘spying’ purposes. Find out more about CCTV Cameras.