Do it yourself security camera systems are gaining popularity everyday. Property, home and small business owners are willing to put in a little extra time to save money by installing their own surveillance systems. And why not. There are a few vendors in the security camera system arena that cater to the captains of sweat equity. The packaged systems provided by companies like SVAT Electronics, SecurityMan and Swann Security come with every thing you need in one box including easy to understand instructions and 24/7 technical support.

Installing security camera systems for a property or small business has become less complicated and the cost for hiring someone to install the system can run into the thousands. Any one who can figure out how to install a simple ethernet network or a surround sound speaker system can certainly figure out how to install a security camera system from one of these vendors. The one thing that is missing is the knowledge that is developed by experience working with camera systems. A camera is a much more complex piece of equipment that lets say a speaker. Environmental elements like light and weather greatly affect the performance of a camera.

So here are 10 common sense tips that should not be overlooked when installing a security camera system.

1) If you are installing outdoor cameras that require a local power source, remember the cameras are made to be resistant to the weather, but the power supplies to the cameras usually are not. Make sure that the power adapter is in an area that is not directly exposed to the elements. This may require sealing the power connection to help prevent damage. A major advantage of using a wired system is that many of them use a cable type that supplies both the video feed and power feed.

2) Choose locations that protect the cameras as much as possible from the elements. Also, try to install the cameras as high as possible to help prevent vandalism.

3) Always 'test view' the area being monitored before actually screwing in the mounting brackets on the cameras and running cables. You don't want to go through the trouble of fully installing a camera only to find out later it is inadequately monitoring an area. Be sure to test daytime and nighttime monitoring.

4) Make sure the lighting is consistent between the area your camera is installed and the area that is being monitored. If the camera is installed in a dark area and a bright area (and vice versa) is being monitored you probably won't get a high quality image. Try to have the same amount of light in both areas.

5) The cameras could be damaged if they are aimed towards the sun or any other a bright light. It may also prevent it from capturing quality images even if it does not damage the camera.

6) If you are going to be monitoring an area at night make sure your have enough light from either the IR LEDs on the night vision camera or other light sources installed in the area being monitored.

7) Remember the distance a wireless security camera can transmit its signal to the receiver is reduced when the transmission has to go through walls. The more walls the greater the reduction. Always test view before permanently installing the cameras.

8) If the installation is at a place of business, be sure to place a camera at every entrance into the business. This will ensure every one who enters or leaves the building is being monitored and/or recorded. DVR's record footage from cameras with a date/time stamp. This may prove to be definitive evidence when there is an incident.

9) Periodically make sure you clean all the camera lenses with a non-abrasive, soft lint free cloth. This will ensure you are getting the best picture quality possible. Always avoid using an abrasive material to clean the lens.

10) Secure your DVR in a lockbox or inaccessible cabinet. If thieves find the DVR they will steal it and you will have no evidence.

I hope these tips help your installation go smoothly and avoid common pitfalls of installing a security camera system.