Outdoor security cameras serve as powerful crime deterrents, even compared to their indoor counterparts. While we think it’s vital to have both indoor and outdoor cameras, we agree that the latter are of significant importance when it comes to keeping homes safe.
For outdoor cameras to be effective in fighting crime, however, proper placement and installation are necessary. You have to be strategic, whether you’re leaving them out in the open or hiding your outdoor cameras, to get the most crime-fighting value. You also have to make sure they are properly set up so they can do their job throughout all four seasons.
In this guide, we’ll help you set up your outdoor cameras, give you tips on where to place them, and discuss the legality of cameras pointed outside your house.
How To Install Security Cameras Outside
First, you’ll have to pick out a security camera. We’ve got more on that later, but for now, you can check out our picks for the best outdoor security cameras. Once you’ve picked out your camera, it’s time to get down to business.
Create a plan. Map out your priority areas and the angles where you want to place your cameras. Make sure each location has a clear line of sight and, ideally, some protection from the elements. While outdoor cameras are weatherproof, positioning them under eaves or rain gutters extends their lifespan. If you are using a wired camera, it also needs access to a power source, so you may need to drill a hole in the wall.
Download the camera’s app. Most security cameras these days have apps that would allow you to view a livestream or playback recorded videos. Cameras with apps also usually require the use of a smartphone for the set-up. We suggest setting up the camera first before mounting.
Connect the camera to Wi-Fi. We recommend setting up the camera before mounting it as most require you to press a button or scan a QR code to pair the camera to the app. Once paired with the app, you can give it your Wi-Fi SSID and password to connect it to your Wi-Fi. After that, you can access the camera with your smartphone and proceed to mounting.
Prepare a camera mount. Many cameras come with drill templates to help you place holes correctly. Using the template, drill pilot holes at the indicator for the mounting screws, and install any mounting pins by tapping lightly with a hammer. Then, you’ll be ready to screw the camera mount into the wall securely.
Install the camera. Secure the camera onto the mount and adjust it to the desired angle. You can use the app to check the camera’s point of view and make adjustments to the positioning.
Test it out. Testing out an installed outdoor camera goes beyond just checking the positioning. You should also test its motion detection range, night vision capabilities, two-way audio quality, and smart alerts functionality. Adjust the camera as you see fit.
How To Power Outdoor Security Cameras
Most modern outdoor security cameras are wireless, powered by either rechargeable batteries or solar panels. The best outdoor wireless security cameras have rechargeable batteries or battery lives of at least three months.
However, some outdoor cameras need to be plugged in, and this could require drilling. Most outdoor cameras come with mounting templates to guide you on where to place holes. Drill pilot holes at the proper spots, and run the cables through the wall to power the camera. For wired installations, consider using weatherproof cable covers to protect the wiring from the elements.
Where To Place Outdoor Security Cameras
The first rule of placing security cameras is the same as real estate’s rule of thumb: location, location, location. These are the most essential camera locations:
The main entrance: This may be stating the obvious, but the front door is the most important place to set up a security camera. Given that 34 percent of burglars use front doors to enter homes unlawfully, they’re a critical location tosurvey.1
Back and side doors: Doors that are less obvious allow visitors to enter undetected. To make sure you have full visibility into who exits and enters the household, adding cameras to secondary doors is essential.
Driveway: A camera pointed at your driveway keeps a watchful eye on cars, grills, equipment, and your property’s perimeter.
Yard: Burglars can hide in landscaping, making yards enticing entry points to properties. Make sure your cameras have an overlooking view of your yard, in addition to implementing landscaping best practices for increased security.
Garages or detached buildings: This is especially important if you’ve got expensive cars or equipment in your garage, whether it’s a smart garage or not.
Once you find the perfect homes for your cameras, the next thing to concentrate on is placement. A well-placed outdoor security camera is:
8 to 10 feet off the ground
Directed away from the sun to avoid glare
Hidden from the elements if the IP rating is below 652
In corners to maximize vantage points
Away from windows’ reflections
Where Not To Place Outdoor Security Cameras
As helpful as outdoor security cameras can be, they can also cause some issues. When placing your security cameras outside, avoid these placement pitfalls:
Pointed at your neighbor’s property: Pointed at your neighbor’s property: In many states (such as New York, where we live), surveying neighbors’ properties is illegal.3 Even in places where it’s allowed, we don’t think our neighbors would want us spying on them.
In view of sensitive areas like bathrooms and bedrooms: This one is pretty self-explanatory. While this is more of a concern with indoor cameras, depending on the layout of your home, an outdoor security camera’s angle could capture some indoor footage inadvertently. Sometimes, it’s good to have blind spots.
Where Not To Place Outdoor Security Cameras
As helpful as outdoor security cameras can be, they can also cause some issues. When placing your security cameras outside, avoid these placement pitfalls:
Pointed at your neighbor’s property: Pointed at your neighbor’s property: In many states (such as New York, where we live), surveying neighbors’ properties is illegal.3 Even in places where it’s allowed, we don’t think our neighbors would want us spying on them.
In view of sensitive areas like bathrooms and bedrooms: This one is pretty self-explanatory. While this is more of a concern with indoor cameras, depending on the layout of your home, an outdoor security camera’s angle could capture some indoor footage inadvertently. Sometimes, it’s good to have blind spots.
Is It Legal To Install Security Cameras Outside Your House?
Yes, it is legal to install security cameras outside your house. However, video surveillance laws differ greatly from state to state.
In the vast majority of jurisdictions that criminalize nonconsensual recording of a person, for the law to apply, the person must be in an area where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy. That can include a locker room, changing room, or bathroom.
In all states, no one is legally entitled to expect privacy when they’re in clear and open view of the general public. This would apply to an area like a front yard. However, directing your security cameras inside your neighbor’s house or in a partially or completely hidden backyard could be a crime.
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