How to Install a Nanny Cam

Although there are still some legal questions to be answered, the use of so-called nanny cams is increasing. These tiny hidden cameras are used to monitor what happens in your home when your children are left in the custody of someone you really don't know or trust. Installation is easy, provided you have the right equipment. Read on to learn how to install a nanny cam.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Consider going wireless. Wireless nanny cams or pinhole spy cameras can be placed anywhere in the house within range of a receiver attached to a computer, digital video recorder or video tape recorder. Some claim to have a range of up to 500 feet, but 300 feet tends to be the norm.

2. Choose a wireless camera. Wireless cams are available disguised as all sorts of items you would find around your house, ranging from wall clocks to planters and they can be placed almost anywhere.

3. Set up your cameras where they can have a decent view of the room. Most come with wireless transmitters that send a signal back to your recording device, which can be hidden in a closet or basement. Most transmitters are USB devices that attach to USB ports on the rear of the camera although a few of the more expensive cams have built-in transmitters.

4. Consider purchasing a DVR or using a computer's hard drive rather than using a continuous-loop video tape recorder. Tapes can jam. On the plus side, the security tape can be played back using any VHS machine, where you can only use the computer or DVR to play back their recordings.

5. Install your device. Installing a wireless recording device is fairly easy. The receivers in these devices will automatically lock on to any camera within range and begin recording.

6. Be prepared to review endless hours of recordings, especially with nanny cam systems that are motion activated.

7. Use caution when placing nanny cams throughout the house. Keep them out of bathrooms and other areas that could be considered an invasion of privacy. This has become a big legal issue when nanny cam recordings have been used as evidence in abuse cases.

Tips & Warnings

• The signal from your wireless nanny cam can be picked up by anyone equipped with a receiver within transmission distance of the cameras installed in your house. For instance, someone parked in a car outside your house may be able to hijack the signal and see if anyone's home.

• All domestic nanny cams and other closed circuit surveillance cameras are unable to record audio. Federal law only allows audio devices to be used by law enforcement agencies.