A camera in the wrong place is not a security strategy. Effective surveillance starts with risks, coverage and how the footage will actually be used.
Start with the risks
List the places where visibility matters: entrances and exits, cash points, stores, restricted rooms, parking, the perimeter and gates. Decide what you need to see at each one: general activity, a face, or a number plate.
Choose coverage before equipment
Camera type, lens, mounting height, lighting and night performance should follow the coverage you need, not the other way round. Our Knowledge Center explains camera types and positions in detail.
Start with CCTV cameras explained and bullet vs dome cameras, or let our camera type guide suggest one.
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Plan for the local environment
- Coastal air and humidity: use weather-rated, corrosion-resistant housings outdoors.
- Power cuts: put recorders, switches and key cameras on a UPS.
- Lightning and surges: protect long outdoor cable runs.
- Bright sun and night: choose cameras with good dynamic range and infrared or colour night vision.
Recording and retention
Resolution, frame rate and camera count decide how much storage you need. Decide how many days of footage to keep, who can view and export it, and how exports are logged. CCTV footage of people is personal data under the Personal Data Protection Act.
Work out the disks you need with the CCTV storage calculator, or read how much CCTV storage you need.
The network is part of the design
IP cameras depend on reliable cabling, PoE switches and a network kept separate from staff and guest Wi-Fi. Change default passwords on recorders and cameras, and use secure remote viewing.
Integrate where it helps
For larger sites, CCTV can work with access control, video intercoms, gate automation, alarms and public address systems.
Maintain the system
Lenses collect dust, cables degrade, disks fill and firmware ages. Scheduled maintenance keeps the system useful when you need the footage.
Viewing cameras remotely? Read how to view CCTV on your phone safely.
How Extrion can help
We assess the site, define coverage, design, install, configure and test the system, then hand over and support it. See our security cameras in the shop or request a site visit.
Frequently asked questions
How many days of CCTV footage should we keep?
It depends on your risks and policies. Many businesses keep 14 to 30 days. Define it first, then size the storage to match.
Can I view my CCTV on my phone?
Yes, most modern systems support remote viewing. Set it up securely with strong passwords and updated firmware.
Still stuck, or want more detail?
Ask for clarification, tell us a problem this did not solve, or suggest a topic. An engineer reads every message, and we use them to improve the Knowledge Center.
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