How to Install Weatherproof Surveillance Cameras

Rain, sleet, snow, wind and even high temperatures can all interfere with the workings of a surveillance camera if it's not weatherproof. Here's how to install weatherproof surveillance cameras.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Create a surveillance diagram of the exterior of your property and plan where to position your cameras. Shade any areas that will fall in the line of sight of the cameras. (The camera's range should be indicated in the device's literature.) Remember to incorporate the total area of sight if the camera can pan.

2. Install weatherproof surveillance cameras by securely attaching the mounting apparatus to the exterior walls. Use screws appropriate to the surface you are working with. You want the camera to be as stable as possible to prevent it from falling down in high winds.

3. Attach weatherproof wiring to the cameras. Even wireless cameras typically need wiring to run to the power source and the antenna.

4. Run wires for wired cameras (or install the receiver if using wireless cameras) to the recording or monitoring devices. Protect the wires from being cut by running them overhead or installing a protective casing around them.

5. Install and set up the program to monitor your exterior cameras. You can program when you want to record and set up remote monitoring via the Internet. You may have to purchase additional software.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy after-market weatherproof housings for cameras you already have that are not weatherproof. The housing fits around most cameras and can turn an inside camera into an outside camera.
• Mount your cameras high enough that they cannot be reached from the ground. This will prevent tampering.
• Use a range amplifier to boost the range of wireless surveillance cameras located outside the normal range of the transmitter and receiver. With amplification, you can extend the range as much as 1,500 feet.