CCTV cameras have become essential in a country like Nigeria where security is a top concern.
These ever-watching eyes help provide peace of mind, deter crime, and capture footage of crucial events.
But here is the thing...
Just like most valuable assets, your CCTV cameras need proper care so they function optimally.
If you don't take care of them, it can lead to several issues such as blurry footage, and malfunctioning systems.
And these can lead to compromise in your security.
In this post, you will learn all you need for CCTV camera care in Nigeria.
We would provide you with actionable steps that would keep your CCTV cameras in very good shape which would ensure they are always active and provide very clear visuals 24/7.
Keep Your Camera's Vision Unimpeded
Imagine this for a second, you intend to view the video from your CCTV camera but you are not able to properly do that.
The camera is working just fine but the video might not be as clear as it used to be.
The issue might just be that the lens of the camera has accumulated dust, grime, or cobwebs.
If you want to maintain clear high-quality footage then regularly cleaning the camera is very crucial.
This is how you do it right:
Frequency: Aim for at least once a month to clean your camera lenses, especially during the dry season when dust storms are regular.
Soothing touch: This is very important. Make sure you avoid using chemicals, tissues, or even paper towels because these can scratch the lens of the camera.
Circular motions: When cleaning the lens, be mindful of the amount of pressure you use as applying too much pressure can damage the lens.
Double-check: Once you're done, inspect the lens for any remaining smudges or streaks. A flashlight can help reveal hidden dirt particles.
Ensure the View Is Unobstructed
To capture a good image, your camera needs to have a good view because cleaning the lenses of your camera won't capture a good image if the camera's view is being blocked.
Here are some things you can regularly check for:
Overgrown vegetation: If any branches, leaves, or shrubs are blocking the view of your camera, you can regularly trim them so they don't obstruct the camera's field of vision.
Accumulated debris: Some objects can hinder the view of a camera such as cobwebs, bird nests, etc. Ensure you keep the area around the camera clear of these objects.
Parking mishaps: Depending on the height or location of the camera, be mindful of anything that might temporarily block the view of the camera such as vehicles parked in front of the camera, delivery trucks, or taxis.
Check Connections and Power
We recently created a post on wired vs wireless cameras and in that post, we mentioned that wired CCTV cameras depend on cable or network of cables and a power source so they function properly.
Your system can be disrupted if connections are loose or you have power outages and this can leave you blindsided.
Here are some things you can look out for:
Cable check: If you can, regularly inspect the cables that connect your camera to its recording system. You need to look out for any signs of wear and tear, fraying, or loose connections. If there are any loose screws or connectors make sure you tighten them to ensure a secure connection.
Power supply: Ensure the power supply to the CCTV camera is stable. Some CCTV cameras have inbuilt batteries which helps to power the camera when there is no power supply. You can also consider using a surge protector to safeguard against voltage fluctuations or power surges.
Backup plan: As mentioned above, some cameras use batteries. If these batteries are not in-built, you can have a backup readily available and replace them before they die.
Run Regular Checkups and Maintenance
Some persons might not find this important as they might wait for the camera to become damaged before they run checkups on it but periodic checkups on your camera can be beneficial to the camera.
Here are some reasons this is important:
Blurry vision: Blurry footage can be a sign of a malfunctioning camera or outdated software. If noticed, you should contact a qualified CCTV technician to find out what the issue is and fix it.
Software updates: Most of the time, software updates tend to fix bugs and improve performance which enhances the security and functionality of your system. So it can be a good idea to regularly check for software updates for your camera and recording system.
Seek professional help: Having a CCTV technician inspect your system once a year can enable them to identify potential problems. They can also clean areas that are difficult to reach and they ensure that your system is always operating at peak performance.
Securely Store Your Footage
One major benefit of a CCTV camera is being able to access valuable footage when needed.
Below are some tips on how to securely store your CCTV footage:
Local storage: You can use a hard drive to store your recordings locally. By doing this, you can access and control your data quickly.
Cloud storage: Storing your data in the cloud is a good option for protecting your footage from physical damage or theft. Make sure your cloud provider has strong security measures.
Backup your recordings: Make sure you regularly back up your recordings. I would advise you to do this to a separate location like an external drive or even a different cloud storage service. Doing this ensures you have a copy of your footage.
Weatherproof Your Cameras
Sun & Heat: Unless your CCTV cameras depend on the sun to charge their batteries, you might want to consider choosing CCTV cameras that are sun-resistant. If not, you can consider installing protective shields to prevent direct sunlight exposure.
Dust & Rain: During the dry season, dust can clog up lenses which can affect image quality. Go for cameras with sealed casings. Also, ensure you regularly clean the lenses of your camera. Depending on the position of the camera, ensure proper drainage around the camera to prevent waterlogging during the rainy season.
Make Your System Secure
Password Protection: To secure logging into your CCTV system, avoid passwords that are easily guessable such as birthdays or names. Make sure your password is strong and unique.
Regular Monitoring: Be proactive when it comes to monitoring your property so you can identify potential security threats early on. Ensure to regularly view your footage for unusual activity or signs of tampering.
Optimize The Performance Of Your Camera
Maximize how a CCTV camera can be used. Some ways to do this are:
Mobile Integration: Go for CCTV systems that you can also view the live footage and receive alerts on your mobile phone. This provides more convenience and you can monitor the footage in real-time.
Remote Access: Make use of the remote access features so you can monitor your cameras from anywhere in the world as long as there is an internet connection.
Conclusion
By following these tips and regularly maintaining your CCTV system, you can ensure your cameras remain sharp, vigilant, and ready to protect your property in Nigeria.
Remember, CCTV technology is constantly evolving, so staying informed about the latest advancements and security best practices can further enhance your system's effectiveness.
If you require a CCTV installation on your property in Nigeria you can call us at Irish Access Limited using the number +2349060345410. We have a branch in Lagos, Abuja and our main office is in Benin City.
If you have any questions or suggestions on this post you can leave a comment in the comment section below.
Comments