Video Surveillance Commissioning Checklist

Video Surveillance Commissioning Checklist 

This below checklist helps end users, integrators and consultants verify that video surveillance installation is complete.

It covers the following sections:

·        Camera Physical Setup

·        Camera View Setup

·        Camera Network / Security settings 

·        Camera Configuration Changes

·        VMS Hardware

·        VMS Security

·        VMS General Settings

·        Workstation Setup

·        Network Setup

·        Cable Verification

CUSTOMIZE: We recommend each person using this customize the list for their own needs / situations. There is no 'one size fits all' checklist but this list is meant to serve as a starting point to make it easier and quicker to build your own.

Before starting in details, if you are customer, hire only experienced / certified professional to commissioning your system. He/she must well known in industry with past work performance certificate like company SSA Integrate in India. Or you get commissioning professional from Product OEM.

 

Camera

This section covers commissioning of cameras (IP and otherwise), including mounting and physical considerations, FOV/image quality concerns, and network /security setup.

Physical

·        Tighten housing and mount fasteners and screws

·        Weatherproof outdoor mounts

·        Clean lens, dome, and/or housing glass surfaces

·        Label cameras (if required)

Camera View Setup

·        Aim and focus camera (using auto and/or manual fine focus.

·        Save day/full light snapshot (all lights on, in full sun, etc.)

·        Obtain customer approval of daytime field of view

·        Save night snapshot (using worst case scenario, i.e., all lights off interior, if possible cloudy night exterior)

·        Obtain approval night-time performance meets customer specifications /expectations;

·        Save harsh light snapshot if present (such as sunrise/sunset on east/west facing cameras, interior WDR cameras when sun is most direct, etc.);

·        Obtain approval WDR/harsh light performance meets customer specifications/expectations

Network/Security Settings

·        Document MAC address. All network devices (PCs, servers, cameras, switches, etc.) have a fixed address, called a MAC address (Media Access Control), a unique 12 character identifier, such as: AC:CC:8E:0C:B5:F4. MAC is associated with a device's network interfaces, not the general device. In the case of cameras with multiple network connections (e.g., a camera with both a wired ethernet port and an integrated wireless radio), the device would have multiple MAC addresses.

·        Assign and document IP address

·        Update firmware to latest version (or manufacturer recommended/tested if different)

·        Change admin password from default

·        Create multiple users if required (by specification or manufacturer recommendation)

·        Set NTP server and verify time and date;

·        Disable unused services/close unused ports (FTP, telnet, SSH, etc.);

·        Configure IP whitelist/blacklist to limit camera access to authorized stations

Configuration Changes

Note that many of these settings, such as resolution, framerate, compression, motion detection, etc., may be configured in the VMS, though this varies depending on the camera/VMS combination used. Advanced features such as WDR, smart IR, analytics, and smart CODECs are rarely accessed via the VMS and must be configured through the camera web interface.

·        Configure resolution as specified;

·        Configure framerate as specified;

·        Verify recorded video resolution and framerate meet specifications

·        Configure compression settings as required, including quantization, smart CODECs, etc.

·        Configure WDR (on/off, levels, etc.) as specified

·        Configure exposure, e.g., turn off slow shutter, adjust to 1/30s max or faster as required.

·        Configure integrated IR power and smart IR settings if present;

·        Configure video motion detection/analytics/tampering settings;

·        Configure privacy zones as specified;

·        Configure PTZ presets and tours if used

·        Verify PTZ presets and tours if used

·        Disable or configure audio as specified

·        Configure camera title and time/date overlay

·        Configure event notifications (email, text, etc.)

·        Download and retain copy of camera configuration

 

VMS/Recorders

This section covers commissioning of VMS servers and NVRs/DVRs, including both hardware/network setup as well as OS and software. Some of these items may not be used depending on OS and VMS platform. For example, embedded recorders typically do not require OS updates.

Hardware/Security

·        Document MAC address(es) (often more than one if using multiple network cards)

·        Assign and document IP address(es)

·        Apply latest OS updates (unless not recommended by manufacturer);

·        Create secure admin password

·        Create additional users as specified

·        Test UPS operation and runtime (if supplied);

General Settings

·        Update software/recorders to latest version

·        Change admin password from default

·        Create operator/user logins

·        Configure required camera to view (NVR hardware)

·        Set NTP server and verify time and date

·        Configure storage volumes (physical drives, NAS, SAN)

·        Configure storage quotas (maximum recording length)

·        Configure recording schedule (e.g., 24/7, 8am-5pm, off-hours, holidays, etc.)

 

Workstations

This list involves client workstations, including hardware, OS, and VMS client setup and commissioning. Some of these steps may be omitted if local viewing on embedded recorders is used.

·        Document MAC address(es) of each workstation

·        Assign and document IP address(es)

·        Apply latest OS updates (unless not recommended by manufacturer)

·        Create secure admin password

·        Create additional users as specified

·        Update windows features (Assistant downloads and installs feature updates on your device).

·        Install VMS client and update to latest version

·        Configure camera views as required;

·        Configure view tours/switching as required

·        Configure map views as specified;

·        Configure event/alarm lists as required

·        Test UPS operation and runtime (if supplied)

 

Network

This section outlines commissioning of network hardware, including switches, routers, firewalls, etc. Some of these devices may not be used in all systems, or managed by the installing integrator.

·        Document MAC address(es) of each device

·        Assign IP address and document

·        Update switch/firewall/router firmware to latest version

·        Change admin password from default

·        Configure VLAN(s) as required; 

·        Configure QoS as required;

·        Disable unused switch ports as specified;

·        Configure SNMP monitoring if required;

·        Configure MAC filtering if required

·        Download and retain configuration for each switch

·        Test UPS operation and runtime for each switch (if supplied)

 

Cabling

This section covers commissioning of the surveillance cabling system, including labelling, supports, aesthetic concerns, and testing.

·        Label all cables, patch panels, wall outlets, etc., as specified

·        Ensure cables are secured to supports (J-hooks, ceiling truss, etc.)

·        Conceal cables where possible/required

·        Leave properly coiled and dressed service loops at camera location and head end as required; 

·        Test all terminations and document results as specified

·        Document cable test results as specified (if certification is required)

COMMISSIONING CHECKLIST FOR CCTV SYSTEMS

SL No	COMMISSIONING CHECKLIST FOR CCTV SYSTEMS	CONFIRM CHECK (✓)	COMMENTS
1	Check the installation is in strict accordance with the agreed specification (*and/or Customer Operational Requirement document) and is to a high standard of workmanship.
2	Check that the system complies with current industry standards, i.e. BS EN 50132-7 or BS EN 62676-4, inspectorates’ code of practice. Note: The agreed specification should state the standards to which it is installed.
3	*Check the installed system meets the requirements in the agreed system test plan (where used/agreed with the customer).
4	Check all wiring is correctly terminated and that cables are installed as recommended by the equipment manufacturer(s).
5	Check the supply voltage is correct to all parts of the system. Record the voltage of all Extra Low voltage equipment. i.e. Cameras, PSUs etc.
6	Check the system continues to operate correctly when the mains supply is disconnected (if stand-by power supply is specified / used).
7	Check the correct operation of all monitoring, multiplexing, switching & recording equipment (including time synchronisation) meets the agreed specification, including image quality & image export requirements.
8	Check privacy masking zones are set up as agreed / where appropriate, and in accordance with the agreed specification.
9	Check correct camera & lens combination fitted. Field of view and image quality in accordance with the agreed specification
10	Check correct alarm interface triggering including alignment / range / sensitivity of associated detection devices.
11	Check correct operation of functional cameras (e.g. PTZ, wash/wipe, zoom, focus) for free movement with no obstructions
12	Check correct setting of all pan / tilt / zoom limits
13	Check ancillary equipment such as lighting & movement detectors are functioning correctly (if applicable).
14	Check recording resolution of each camera and mansion
15	Check all interfaces to alarms trigger the correct camera, preset and recording modes as applicable.
16	Check appropriate warning notices have been provided and affixed as necessary.
17	Check Hard disk Capacity and indicate with quantity
18	For remote monitored CCTV systems, check with the Remote centre for image quality, recording, receipt of alarms etc. Note: For detector activated CCTV systems, BS8418 applies.
19	The designated user(s) has received a training and instruction on the correct operation of the system including any adjustable features.
20	For remote monitored CCTV systems, procedures for summoning support and any agreed requirements have been explained to the user.
21	The correct documentation has been provided to enable the system to be operated correctly.
22	A system logbook has been provided and an explanation of how to record / report events given.
23	Contact details for summoning assistance have been provided in the logbook and their use explained to the user.
24	Any security code numbers / password, keys and software license details have been issued and explained to the user.
25	Comments/outstanding work.

* where applicable.

Above report sheet any one can use as “customer CCTV handover & acceptance certificate”.

I confirm that the CCTV system has been installed to my satisfaction, and that the premises have been left in a tidy condition and that I have received:

1. Training & full written instruction in the operation of the system

2. A CCTV system logbook duly explained, completed with contact details for summoning support.

The CCTV section encourages debate on new developments and concerns, such as digital video evidence and facilitating communication protocols between different manufacturers’ products. In doing so it seeks to ensure that all stakeholder interests are represented including: security companies, users, the police, inspectorates and insurers. The section also works with government on these issues. Always try to use NDAA (National Defence Authorization Act 2018 ) approved camera & NVR hardware.

NDAA Section 889 creates a general prohibition on telecommunications or video surveillance equipment or services produced or provided by the following companies (and associated subsidiaries or affiliates):

·        Huawei Technologies Company; or

·        ZTE Corporation

It also prohibits equipment or services used specifically for national security purposes, such as public safety or security of government facilities, provided by the following companies (and associated subsidiaries or affiliates):

·        Hytera Communications Corporation;

·        Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company; or

·        Dahua Technology Company