Security


Specifying CCTV cameras W


There are millions of CCTV cameras of all types and models in the UK. How can wholesalers help their customers to choose the right one for their project?


ith a continued growth in the adoption of the latest IP CCTV systems and cameras to provide security for homes and businesses, Matt Parton, product development manager with leading security product supplier ESP looks at some of the considerations to be taken into account when choosing the most appropriate CCTV camera.


Specifying the right camera is one part of the whole design scheme process that will explore all the requirements for the particular project in mind. There are various questions that need to be answered to ascertain the most appropriate CCTV system and cameras to be specified.


Will the security cameras be indoors or out?


Whilst most cameras are suitable for both inside and out, it’s important to consider features such as mounting and housing. Camera housing options include ‘Bullet’ camera, which is an elongated camera on an adjustable bracket, or ‘Dome’ camera which is named for its dome-shaped housing and is more compact in comparison with the Bullet style.


For cameras to be mounted externally check that sufficient ingress protection against water and dust is stated. This is usually indicated by the abbreviation ‘IP’ followed by the rating. As a general guide, cameras with the rating IP65 or above are more than suitable for outdoor use. In addition, if extremes of temperature are expected, it is advisable to check the camera’s operational temperature on the specification sheet.


Do the cameras need to be discreet or act as a visual deterrent?


The location of the cameras and what needs to be monitored will help determine whether obvious or discreet cameras are required. Larger cameras can act as an obvious reminder to people that they’re being monitored. Smaller dome cameras are the best choice for discretion. In addition, ‘Vandal’ resistant type cameras are developed to withstand higher impact in instances where a camera may be exposed to vandalism.


Camera housings are also available in white or black, and this option can again be taken to either make the camera discreet or more visible or it can simply be a preferred choice on the grounds of aesthetic appeal.


How large is the area to be monitored? The best type of cameras will depend on the size of the area to be covered and where the camera will be mounted. The lens specification of a camera dictates the field of view that can be achieved and is dependent on the mounting location of the camera and the distance to the target area. The lower the range of the camera lens, the wider the field of view will be, and the larger the camera’s lens, the narrower the field of view.


For example, if a general field of view is required to cover a car park then a wide lens will be suitable, whereas to capture the entrance to the car park from a distance a narrow lens would be preferential, as the target area is reduced. Cameras featuring a varifocal lens will enable the field of view to be set like a pair of binoculars.


There are various CCTV lens calculators available online that will assist in choosing the correct specification. The calculator will require the


20 | electrical wholesaler January 2025


distance to the target area and the width that is to be captured. If multiple views are required from a single point, a controllable PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) camera works best for flexibility.


Is audio integration required? Combining audio into a CCTV system makes it possible for security to hear and speak with possible perpetrators. It can also be used as an independent detection method triggering recordings and alarms when audio passes a certain threshold.


How clear does the video quality need to be?


The detail to be covered will determine the resolution required. For example, if monitoring potential shoplifting, having a high-quality image will be vital for identification purposes in the event of prosecution.


The camera’s resolution indicates how many megapixels the camera captures in the image. The


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