CCTV systems that are not properly maintained can record nothing useful when you actually need them to. Below are a series of maintenance checks that can easily be missed.
Lens Cleanliness and Focus
Dust, cobwebs, and condensation will all affect image quality over time. Clean the lenses of all fixed cameras every month. Check that the focus has not shifted for all cameras, especially older models. Temperature fluctuations can cause focus to shift.
Storage That Has Quietly Stopped Recording
Although a system appears to be recording, a full hard drive or a failed write process can result in no recorded footage being saved. Regular login to the recorder to check for sufficient space on hard drives or to check for any failed write processes to ensure that it is recording footage is essential.
Timestamp Accuracy
Another area to verify are system time stamps. If your system clock has drifted then all evidence captured on your CCTV system will become invalid. These need to be checked and corrected as necessary every few months.
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Motion Detection Zones in Changing Light
Seasonal changes in sunlight angle can see activity missed by your detection zones or trigger a deluge of false alerts as the system becomes overwhelmed by changing light conditions. Adjust your detection sensitivity and alert levels as appropriate for spring and autumn.
Cable Runs and Housing Seals
Pest damage, UV degradation of cables in direct sunlight and failure of the seal around the outdoor housing are common problems with CCTV installation. The simplest way to detect problems is to inspect the cable routes on a regular basis for signs of cracked conduit, exposed cabling or signs of moisture ingress to the camera housing.
User Access and Passwords
Shared passwords are a hidden risk. gdpr-guidance-and-resources, specifically in relation to access control to the system and the retention period of footage on individual cameras.
If you’re purchasing CCTV installation in Gloucester, make sure to bring up the point of the CCTV maintenance with your installer.