After care is a key component to ensuring your CCTV system remains in good working order and that it continues to function as it should. Initially, when everything is new and running correctly it can be easy to just leave it alone. However, as with any operating system, it will need servicing or at least a full check and clean. After investing in your CCTV set up, you are going to want to maintain the equipment on a regular basis. If it’s an indoor CCTV set up, the most common issues can be anything from dust build-up to dirt and grime. With outdoor configurations, it can get even worse, with weather conditions playing a major part in how long your equipment lasts.
It’s not just the camera unit either that needs looking after. It’s the storage and monitoring equipment which will also need maintaining.
Prolong the life and efficiency of your cameras and your CCTV DVR set up with these simple steps:
Power Supply
Whether it’s indoor or outdoor, it’s important to check the power supply is secure and not deteriorating. Weather exposure can cause problems over the long term. Check connectors for any corrosion or wear and tear. For battery operated systems, ensure you are changing the batteries at least every 12 months.
Cables
As mentioned, it’s important to check for corrosion but you should also make sure your cabling is tidy, secure and that they are connected properly. The biggest weakness for outdoor systems tends to be the connectors which can either pull loose or become damaged over time.
Camera Lens
Cleaning the lens is crucial if you want to be able to rely on the footage the CCTV records. Obviously, if there’s dirt or dust obscuring the lens then the footage will be useless. Cleaning the lenses regularly is just good common sense. Especially if you are intending on using the footage, whether for security and peace of mind or even for protection and submitting for use in insurance cases.
Backup Your Footage
Storage is often a problem with remote systems as it can be easy to run out of space quickly. Therefore it’s highly recommended to check in regularly with your storage and make sure you are backing up where possible. External devices are easily accessible and can be easily replaced or added to your system. Alternatively, if you are short on physical space, an offsite server service is one option which means you’ll always have enough space for up to date recordings. With the added benefit of the backup being offsite and secure.
Test The System
Testing the system regularly is important. By testing frequently, you can make sure the set up remains in working order, across the DVR, cameras and storage devices. Checking hard drive space for the recordings and the camera operation itself is recommended on a monthly basis. Physically, the hard drives in particular are something that should be checked every few months. If you are using an offsite server package, however, this won’t be something you’ll need to worry about.
The control equipment includes the monitors, the VCR, DVR and any attached storage devices. Switches and buttons should be kept clean where possible and it’s advisable to just give the control set up a quick dust every few weeks. Maintaining your equipment is just good practice, especially when you are relying on this system to protect and monitor your business or home. It’s easy for wiring to become loose or for connectors to deteriorate. Hard drives can fill up quickly without us realising it and wear and tear can affect camera performance indoor and outdoor. By paying attention to the system on a regular basis, you can prolong the life of your CCTV system for years to come.
