Service planning guide
CCTV installation planning checklist
Start a CCTV installation with the areas you need to observe and the problem you want to address. Camera count alone does not establish useful coverage. Ask an appropriately qualified installer to assess the site, lighting, mounting, power and recording requirements before selecting equipment.
Write a practical installation brief
- Mark entrances, access points and other areas requiring coverage.
- Discuss the image detail needed and performance in low light.
- Identify power, cabling routes and any site access constraints.
- Compare local and cloud storage, retention settings and ongoing charges.
- Confirm who will own the account, administer access and receive handover instructions.
Consider privacy before choosing positions
- Discuss the view captured beyond your property and whether audio recording is needed.
- Check the rules that apply to your state or territory and circumstances.
- Use individual accounts and change default access details during handover.
- Agree on retention, remote access and who can export recordings.
Compare the full quote
- Separate cameras, recording equipment, cabling, installation and subscriptions.
- Check relevant security, cabling and electrical qualifications for the work.
- Ask for testing, documentation, warranties and after-installation support.
- Do not assume a camera system guarantees that an incident will be prevented.
Further guidance
The OAIC explains that household use can fall outside the federal Privacy Act while state or territory rules can still apply. A privacy assessment depends on the circumstances. Read OAIC guidance on security cameras.
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