• Plan where you want to mount your security cameras before starting the installation process.security camera image by Dubravko Grakalic from Fotolia.com
  
  Security cameras not only let you view what is going on inside and outside of your residential or commercial structure in real time, but, assuming they are connected to a video recording device, they also will allow you to play back at a later time the images they recorded when you were not able to monitor them. Available at home improvement, retail superstores and online, security cameras can be purchased in a variety of styles and types. When installing the devices, you will want to arrange them so that they observe as many areas of your home or business as possible.
  
  

Determining Placement Location

• Before installing your security cameras, sketch out on a piece of paper the locations around your home or business where you want to place them. Note whether a light source is available. If a light source is not available, consider installing a flood light or similar lighting source in the area where you want to install the camera.
  
  

Determining Camera Needs

• Next, determine your cameras' electrical needs--an electrical outlet or other power source. If the cameras are wireless, make sure there is nothing blocking the transmitting element, which usually is located on the top of the camera. If your security cameras are wired, remind yourself to snake the wires under the trim of your home or business to keep the wires from being seen by others, who may vandalize your security system.
  
  

Mounting Brackets

• Place the mounting bracket for the first camera at the exact point on the structure where you wish to attach it, then look in the direction the bracket is facing to see what the camera will see from that vantage point. If you see a tree or other object blocking your view, obviously, you will need to move the bracket to another location. Use a pencil to mark the points on the mounting surface where the screw holes on your bracket will line up, then use a power drill to drill the holes. Change the drill's bit to a screwdriver bit and attach the bracket to the structure using screws.
  
  

Placing & Testing The Cameras

• Mount the first camera on its bracket, but don't tighten the mounting bolts--yet. Connect the camera's power cable to an electrical outlet and then connect the camera's video cable to a monitor. Turn the camera on and adjust the camera's lens and controls to the clearest setting before tightening the camera's bolts.
  
  

Electrical Outlets

• Connect your security cameras to a set of electrical outlets free of any other devices, including air conditioners, refrigerators or other devices that contain a motor. These devices will interfere with the camera's operation and produce rolling bars on your camera's video monitor/recording device. Use a commercial-grade power strip to connect multiple camera power cords to one outlet. The strip will protect the cameras from lightening and power surges. Commercial-grade power strips are found at hardware, home improvement, and electrical supply stores. Do not use the power strips found at office supply and discount stores--these are not commercial grade.
  
  

Additional Supplies

• Use double-shielded coaxial cable for your security camera's video connection. This type of video cable is expensive, but it will transmit the clearest picture to your video monitor and recording device. Double-shielded coaxial cables are also less susceptible to power surges and lightning damage. The cables are available from electronic supply, hardware and home improvement stores. For long cable runs, purchase double-shielded coaxial cables that maintain video signals over a long distance.
  
  

Video Switching Unit

• Once you have installed your security cameras and connected the coaxial cables to the cameras, connect each coaxial cable to an amplifier to boost the cable's signals. Then connect each coaxial cable to a video switching uni,t so the cameras can interface with a recording device (either a videocassette or a digital video recorder). Connect a monitor or television to the recording device to complete the installation process. The video switching unit will let you see the multiple cameras on your monitor/television.