DIY Security Systems
You need to look for video interference if you are planning to install a video surveillance system. This is a rare occurrence, but a frustrating one. To get to the root of the problem, one needs to know what causes interference on security cameras. You can solve video interference if this ever happens to your surveillance system. In doing so, you need to do some research to also prevent this from happening in the future.
What causes interference on security cameras? In this article, I will discuss the eight causes and solutions to security video interference. In most cases, this problem can be eliminated by using power supplies, cables, and improvements in the quality of your system. With no further ado, here are some of the causes of security camera interference that you should watch out for.
What is CCTV Interference or Noise?
CCTV Interference, otherwise known as CCTV noise, refers to the grainy look of the images on your monitor or screen. These can be found on regular and professional cameras. You may also see this on your mobile phone when you record or take a picture of something under a low-light condition. This is one of the possible factors that cause interference with security cameras.
Moreover, you may also get this undesirable noise in the images with too much light in the environment. Most often than not, this kind of noise is related to electromagnetic interference, lousy infrastructure, or incorrect grounding.
What Causes Interference on Security Cameras?
Here are eight possible factors on what causes interference on security cameras and potential solutions you can apply.
Inadequate Power Supply
A security camera must receive adequate power based on the manufacturer’s manual for it to operate correctly. The voltage of 12VDC (direct current) is mostly used, but some cameras need 24VAC power (alternating current). Additionally, a camera should also receive the right current to operate properly. If these technical specifications are not achieved, it may cause noise and interference on your security cameras and other problems.
To address this problem, you may measure the voltage that comes into the camera. While doing this, increase the voltage gradually for testing. Another solution is to replace the cables as this will compensate for the drop voltage.
Poor Quality Cables
Coaxial cables with poor quality may cause problems with your camera since they cannot correctly isolate the electromagnetic interference in place. The braid in this type of cable is designed to block external interference. If there is not enough braid or the cable is made with poor quality materials, it could cause problems in the images of your security camera. This situation goes the same for UTP cables. Make sure the cables your purchase is of high quality.
Poor Quality Cameras
It cannot be denied that cameras with poor quality will always produce bad images, no matter how much you try to tweak them. Purchasing high-quality cameras is a must if you also want high-quality images. Low-cost and unbranded cameras often do not make the cut, especially when placed under low light conditions. What causes interference on security cameras the most? Cameras with poor quality.
Buy cameras with a brand, a product manual, and contact details for technical support.
Poor Quality Converters
Are you using Cat6 or cat5e cables with baluns at the moment? If so, you need to be aware of your camera’s technology type since there are baluns specifically suited for AHD, HDTVI, and HDCVI. Choose the best product for your installation.
Moreover, you should be aware of the maximum distance for the product and the chosen technology. Read the manual of your camera and the balun.
Incorrect Grounding
You will immediately know if the grounding is done improperly since you will see bands rolling on the screen. This interference is called the ground loop. A ground loop occurs when the DVR, camera, or power source groundings are placed at distinct points with different resistances.
You can solve this problem by grounding the equipment to a common point, which is the ground bus. You can then leave one side, which is the camera, without contact with the ground.
Camera Warming
When your security camera becomes warm, the noise will begin to appear in the image. Some types of cameras cannot dissipate the heat due to their poor quality. Sometimes, heating may also occur due to a lack of proper ventilation for the camera. This problem happens when cameras are installed inside high-temperature environments and enclosures.
Poor Installation
Poorly installed camera and power supply connectors will cause camera interference. To address this, make sure you check the coaxial cable and power supply connections, since future problems may arise if this is not immediately enacted. Do not rush the installation of your security cameras to avoid these kinds of issues.
Insufficient Lighting
There should be adequate light in an environment for an image to be generated. This applies to all types of cameras, such as CCTV cameras, camcorders, and even your cellphone. Noise is always present in a video recorded in dark places. Make sure you check the sensor size of your camera and compare it with other models. Certain features allow the user to decrease the noise in the picture.
Conclusion
These are just some of the factors that cause interference with security cameras. Know that for every problem, there is a solution. Sometimes, camera interference may occur naturally, such as when there is low light. In this case, the best you can do is use infrared or traditional lighting. Nevertheless, with just the right amount of patience and research, your security camera problems will be solved. If it cannot be helped, contact a technician. Find out more about Security Cameras.