Avoid Installing Your Home Security Camera in These 7 Tricky Spots

If monitoring the crucial areas of your residence is necessary, consider installing a new system. home security camera or video doorbell It is an ideal solution. You have the option to set up a wireless version such as the Google Nest Cam Just about anywhere — but that certainly doesn’t imply you ought to. Placing one of these common gadgets in an inappropriate location can lead to nothing but problems, and sometimes it’s not immediately clear which areas are the most problematic.

Installing a security cam A poorly chosen location might result in incorrect notifications and subpar real-time images. It may fail to detect specifics correctly, potentially leading to legal issues with upset neighbors at times. You can count on us for assistance regarding this issue. best wireless cams — Now we will demonstrate for you what not what needs to be done upon installation.

Read more: 5 Spots Where You Should Absolutely Avoid Placing Your Amazon Echo

Location 1: Areas Entailing a 'Privacy Expectation'

Even though you require your security camera for safeguarding your property, it’s crucial not to compromise the privacy of others. Avoid violating laws and facing potential legal action by positioning the camera away from areas where individuals possess what legislation refers to as reasonable expectation of privacy .

Actually, it's best not to install a security camera in bathrooms, bedrooms, or comparable areas where privacy is crucial. significant anticipation of personal confidentiality If you must install a camera in one of these locations (such as monitoring your bedroom in a shared rental environment), ensure that the camera is clearly visible and all occupants of the home are aware of it.

Regarding exterior surveillance systems, cameras can be used to record public zones such as sidewalks or streets adjacent to your property since people generally have minimal expectations of privacy in those locations.

Keep in mind that your camera contributes to a feeling of security and acts as a means to protect both you and your property. Ensure that your cameras are not placed in positions where they might become useless, or even potentially compromise someone’s safety.

Spot 2: Gazing directly at your neighbor's property

Along with safeguarding all personal areas within your property, ensure that the placement of surveillance cameras does not inadvertently cover parts of your neighbor’s windows or yard. They too are entitled to privacy in these zones, and legal actions have been initiated over far smaller infringements.

That's also why you should try to avoid even the appearance of cameras that are pointing toward a neighbor's lawn or peeking into their windows. Many modern security cams come with the ability to create "privacy zones" that block out certain areas in the camera's live view or recording. If a neighbor complains, you may be able to show them your privacy zones to prove that no part of their home is being recorded.

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Spot 3: Difficult-to-see locations

You may feel inclined to aim cameras at the hard-to-see spots around your house. This impulse stems from a natural inclination because if you cannot view certain locations through your windows or doors, it seems plausible that somebody could be hiding there unseen. These concealed zones might strike you as prime targets where burglars would likely choose to force entry.

However, the truth is that many burglars access a house via the most straightforward entries. As per information gathered by the security firm ADT, 34% of burglaries occur via the front entrance. And 22% utilize a first-floor window. The most accessible entry points tend to be the ones burglars favor the most. Directing a camera towards these areas can act as a deterrent against break-ins and also aid in identifying individuals attempting to gain entry.

Installing a surveillance camera in a side alley or at the rear of your property may appear effective for spotting suspicious activity; however, it often fails to capture what’s happening. For thorough monitoring of these concealed areas, consider opting for a package that comes with multiple cameras so you can strategically place them in various positions around your premises. this bundle of Arlo Pro 4 spotlight cameras .

Spot 4: Behind obstructions

It might seem straightforward, yet hidden obstacles can often be overlooked. Outside, consider leaving room for swaying tree branches due to wind movements. Watch out for rapidly growing vegetation that could necessitate relocating your camera periodically; also, account for heavy tree limbs laden with new foliage during spring which may obstruct views. Regular pruning sessions could assist in maintaining an unobstructed setup.

Think about how far your camera can see indoors as well. Can it capture all areas you're interested in even when interior doors open and close? Additionally, ensure the placement doesn’t invite interaction from pets. For instance, would your cat push it off a shelf? Could an active dog bump into it enough to shift its position or cause damage? This consideration should extend to fast-moving children too.

Locate an area with a great view of the space you wish to observe and ensure it’s not easily disturbed by you, a visitor, or your pet.

Point 5: Via a Window

It might be enticing to opt for a cheaper indoor camera with the idea of placing it near a window to have a better view outside. However, there are two significant issues with this approach.

Initially, windows exhibit a glare issue; even when the camera is placed directly against the glass, the viewing angles can be problematic. This occurs particularly when the sun hits the window at specific positions or during nighttime. Additionally, over time, dust accumulating on the window creates comparable obstructions.

Second, the angles and area you can view through home windows are very limited. Cams are unlikely to get a good view of key access points or a broad view of a yard or driveway.

Spot 6: Looking Up at the Sky

We aren’t referring to deliberately positioning a camera upward to capture just the vast expanse of blue sky; instead, we’re discussing cameras equipped with broad angles of view that encompass a large part of the skyline. This setup can lead to issues when the sun moves directly above and causes glaring reflections or overwhelms the image with light. Additionally, consistent exposure to unfiltered sunlight increases the likelihood of UV-related deterioration and accelerated aging of the device over time.

To avoid these issues, aim to position your camera so it isn’t directly facing upwards toward the sky and instead focuses on scenes beneath the level of roofs, trees, or hills. Additionally, look for spots where the camera can be somewhat shielded from direct sunlight by providing shade.

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7. Close to vents or heating sources

During certain tests and trial runs, we have encountered this issue and want to caution you against positioning a camera close to or directly over any type of exhaust vent or heat source. This warning applies to items such as space heaters, fireplaces, fire pits, gas heater exhaust vents, dryer exhaust vents, and others.

Vents and open heat sources tend to make the cam and its lens dirtier, while the higher temperatures are bad for the battery on wireless models. The result is worse performance and a shorter lifespan for your cam. And if you're using adhesive connections for your camera, a nearby heat source can ruin the adhesive and lead to a crashed cam (another reason to avoid direct sunlight, too).

Bonus tip There isn’t really an ideal height for most security cameras, even though various suggestions abound. Being positioned high up generally offers a clearer view of driveways or expansive yards. However, we’ve found that having a wide-angle lens with coverage greater than 130 degrees often performs equally well, if not superiorly. For a camera that requires charging, placing it somewhere accessible makes maintenance simpler. Typically, video doorbells are mounted approximately four feet above ground level near the bottom part of the door frame.

To learn more, check out other topics. common errors to avoid with home security . Learn how to stop porch pirates , reduce the risk of car break-ins and what you should keep in a safe .