CCTV and alarm panels for business

Here is an example of a recent job completed for a salon re-opening after the Covid lockdown. The cabling for the CCTV and alarm has been run in decorative copper pipe, as opposed to galvanised conduit. Below the video you’ll find a bit more detail on the installation process, and why as a business owner you might need to consider a security installation such as this.

We have used a Texecom alarm system, and a Hikvision CCTV system: both these allow for remote access to monitor from a remote location. They are rock-solid systems designed for commercial use, but can also work fantastically well in a domestic property. As always, please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you would like to discuss something similar for your business or home.

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Why do you need CCTV? Why do you need an alarm panel?

Alarm panel wiring

Installing CCTV hard drive

CCTV hard drive installation

Making CAT6 RJ45 leads

The HIK Vision NVR unit under the reception desk

The HIK Vision turret-style camera

There are several reasons why you might need to consider this as a business owner. CCTV systems such as the Hikvision example used here allow you to:

• Monitor customer transactions. Should you need to review a transaction this is easily done remotely via the Hikvision app or with the NVR unit.

• Monitor stock. Unfortunately for this salon owner, there was a problem of stock displayed on the shop floor going missing: having CCTV there not only acts as a deterrent, but allows for footage review after the fact if something goes missing.

We have used a commercial 8 channel NVR here, complete with a 4TB hard drive and a 4 camera setup. More often than not, a consumer-grade NVR might only have 4 channels, and come pre-loaded with a 1TB hard drive: this might only provide a few days recording for 4 cameras. A commercial unit allows for the installation of a custom HD. We used an 8-channel unit to allow for potential expandability in the future – minimal extra cost for the larger unit at the time of installation.

The Texecom panel used here allows us to set up several ‘zones’ to arm either independently from one another, or as a whole. In this case, the business owner lets out a flat above the business premises; therefore just the one Texecom system can be used to cover the entire building.

There are a wide range of different sensors available for doors, windows, shock sensors etc. The Smartcom addition pictured on the left allows the owner to see a log of who has set/unet the alarm and allows the system to be accessed remotely. The system is aimed at commercial premises and can be expanded at any time.

Both these systems can also be accessed by a Heritage engineer remotely, should you require assistance with setup or customisations after our installation visit.

 

Network or analogue camera?

This installation uses network (or IP) cameras as opposed to analogue. IP cameras require less cabling: picture signal and power are delivered over a single CAT6 cable (see slideshow above), rather than having to run power and video separately as with a traditional analogue camera. Further options are available with digital cameras, for example:

• Setting specific zones for motion detection

• Facial recognition

• Human/vehicle/animal recognition

For example being able to omit vehicles from a motion detection to avoid taking up needless space on your NVR hard drive.

Although wireless cameras are simpler to install, hard-wired systems such as this are much more reliable. Wi-fi cameras can potentially have their signals jammed by criminals resulting in drop-outs – something which a hard-wired system is not susceptible to.

The NVR itself requires a hard-wired connection to your router to allow for remote access via the app, however please note that the system works stand-alone system without a connection to the internet.

Due to the very high picture quality of these cameras, footage is best reviewed on a 4k monitor connected to the NVR. It is entirely possible to make out small detail such as a number plate, or distinct facial detail.

Making the wiring a feature

In keeping with the rustic feel of the salon, any cabling required for these systems has been run in copper pipe. Although this incurs a slightly higher cost than simply clipping cables to a surface, it keeps the install neat and tidy and turns it into an attractive feature.

You are not limited to running just alarm and CCTV wiring: lighting and power can also be run in containment such as this, in short, anything is possible!