Installing CCTV cameras in your homes or business’ premises is always an excellent way to ward off potential thieves and keep your property safe and secure. But have you considered having a maintenance checklist on your CCTV? This article will teach you practical ways on how to service CCTV cameras.
CCTV or Closed-Circuit Television are security cameras widely used in homes and in most business owners to secure their vital assets and protect their employees. It provides instant alerts in case of troubles and provides you with real-time monitoring of the area you have installed.
The Importance of CCTV Maintenance
Every home or business is susceptible to the possibility of break-ins; that is why CCTV is of great importance. They are considered as effective methods of reducing crimes such as theft and vandalism, but they also require maintenance. If they are maintained well, they are more likely to perform efficiently. It is always best to frequently monitor the functionality of your security cameras to maximize their advantage, especially during unfortunate break-ins.
They also serve you best when you claim from insurance companies for losses or damages. Sometimes, building layouts change, along with locations of cash registers or some safes. Hence, you need to adjust your camera set up when there are changes in a particular area’s physical arrangement.
Just like other electrical equipment, or other home security products, maintenance can identify any technical problems or malfunctions of your CCTVs. When it comes to your security system’s health status, there are a few simple checks and maintenance tasks you can do at home without any special equipment or technical personnel to keep your system in good condition.
Now, be guided with the following maintenance checklist on how to service CCTV cameras to ensure your CCTV system is working competently.
CCTV Maintenance Guide
To ensure that your CCTV system is working optimally, you must conduct timely maintenance and verify a few things about the system’s camera and housing, wiring and cables, and control equipment. Find out more about CCTV Cameras.
Camera and Housing
Properly adjust camera lens focus and auto iris, and adjust the camera field of view to your requirements. Thoroughly clean the camera or housing viewing window. The camera lens must be free of dust, so you have to clean and dry the camera enclosure interior.
Check the operation of the pan tilt and zoom focus and use the controller in the control room to check all these operations.
Wiring and Cables
Carefully check the wiring and cable harnesses for some wear or any damage and make sure the cable is dressed correctly. Check the connectors and cable entry points for some loose wiring.
Ensure that the coaxial cable is transmitting an adequate video signal to the control room. The signal should be free of distortion, tearing, hum-bars, EMI, and rolling. You should also make sure that all coaxial connectors are insulated from the conduit and pull boxes.
Control Equipment
If you want proficiency, you must know how to service CCTV cameras. Monitors should be free from picture burn-in and distortion and have proper contrast and brightness. Make sure that the VCR’s are functioning properly and provides distortion-free recording. You must check that all control equipment is operational, which means that switchers allow proper sequencing, multiplexers are properly encoding and decoding, and matrix switcher keyboards are fully functional.
In cleaning all monitor screens, control panels, and keyboards, use a diluted cleaning solution. Check all coaxial connectors on the back panels for loose connections, and check all power connections to ensure AC plugs are not loosened over time.
How Often Should Your CCTV be Checked?
Besides knowing how to service CCTV cameras, you should know how often your CCTV is checked. The level of maintenance your CCTV cameras will need is dependent on their location and how easily knocked or damaged they are. But it is recommended that you look over your CCTV cameras at least once a month to ensure that they are functioning properly.
Your security systems should be checked annually by a professional service because they conduct more in-depth checks than you can. They specialize in spotting and repairing any developing problems early on that will result in an increased lifespan of your system.
Conclusion
No household or business premises are entirely invulnerable to criminal activity, and therefore a crucial element that you should invest in is an effective CCTV camera system. You can use a CCTV in both internal and external environments to watch over and protect people, properties, and valuables. However, you must know how to service CCTV cameras because your system is more likely to break down prematurely if your security cameras are not properly maintained, leaving your property vulnerable and cost you more for replacements.