Top Camera Installation Mistakes — And How CVA Security Completely Avoids Them

Even the most advanced security cameras fail when installed poorly. For over 30 years, CVA Security has perfected installation techniques to avoid these pitfalls—delivering systems that perform as promised. Here's how:

1. Poor Camera Placement & Height

Mistake: Cameras mounted too high, too low, or with obstructions result in blind spots, miss facial detail, or catch just the tops of heads.
Fix: CVA installs cameras at 8–10 feet high for optimal visibility and angles. Entry points (doors, driveways, windows) always get full coverage and are tested visually after install (secureviewcameras.com).

2. Ignoring Lighting Conditions

Mistake: Positioning cameras facing glare, backlight, or in shadowed low-light areas means washed-out or dark footage.
Fix: We choose WDR-enabled or IR-equipped cameras, avoid pointing lenses at light sources, add motion-activated lighting if needed, and test across light cycles to avoid issues (All Star Security, itshawaii.com).

3. Weak or Inadequate Cabling & Power Planning

Mistake: Cheap cabling, co-running with power lines, or improper management results in dropped signals, interference, and outages.
Fix: CVA uses high-grade outdoor-rated CAT6 cabling, separates power and data lines by at least 0.5 m, hides cables in conduit and uses PoE to simplify wiring and ensure reliability (All Star Security, itshawaii.com, Reddit).

4. Neglecting Network Security

Mistake: Leaving default passwords, ignoring encryption, or skipping firmware updates means vulnerable IP camera systems.
Fix: CVA enforces strong, unique credentials, enables WPA2/3 or secure protocols, segments camera networks, and maintains firmware updates systematically (All Star Security, itshawaii.com, lifewire.com).

5. Inadequate Storage & Backup Strategy

Mistake: Underestimating storage needs, relying solely on local drives, or not planning retention leads to footage gaps or lost evidence.
Fix: We assess required resolution, camera count, and retention period—balancing on-site NVRs and secure cloud backups with H.265 compression and redundancy planning (All Star Security, securitycamera-ny.com).

6. Not Securing Cameras Against Tampering

Mistake: Mounting cameras where they’re easy to reach or using weak brackets leads to vandalism or misalignment.
Fix: CVA mounts cameras out of easy reach (~8 ft+), uses tamper-resistant hardware and weatherproof housings; dummy cameras may be placed for deterrence (secureviewcameras.com, apssecurityandfire.com).

7. Skipped Planning & Insufficient Design Assessment

Mistake: Installing cameras without a proper site survey or coverage plan leads to blind spots or undetected vulnerabilities.
Fix: Before every job, CVA conducts a full on-site assessment. We draft coverage maps, plan for overlapping fields, entry surveillance, and match camera types (bullet, dome, PTZ) to each zone (securitycamera-ny.com, cctv-services.com).

Bonus: Privacy & Compliance Awareness

Mistake: Cameras pointing into neighboring properties or sensitive areas can breach local privacy laws.
Fix: CVA maps sightlines to avoid capturing private zones, staying compliant with regional regulations—and maintaining goodwill with neighbors (itshawaii.com, dailytelegraph.com.au).

Why CVA's Approach Makes a Difference

• Empirical Reliability: 30+ years of real-world installations means we’ve seen—and fixed—every common failure point.
• Standards-Driven: Our hardware choices prioritize PoE, ONVIF compatibility, and environmental ratings (IP67, WDR, IR) for maximum flexibility.
• Client-Aligned Design: We don’t just install cameras; we integrate them into workflows, maintenance cycles, and incident protocols—so your security system works as a true operational partner.

Conclusion

The difference between a camera system that works and one that doesn’t lies in the installation. From placement to power to privacy, CVA’s meticulous standards ensure your security cameras deliver performance, not promise. When you choose CVA Security, you get protection with precision.

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