Maintenance of security levels CCTV Cameras

Maintenance of security levels at Construction sites through CCTV Cameras! 

There is no sense in denying what is apparent, but a construction site is an area that has constant traffic all day long and sometimes during the night as well. Most managers are often forced to increase productivity levels at the site to meet the requirements of the building owners.

However while completing the construction job on time might be an excellent idea, keeping track of all the activities that occur at the site often provides to be challenging task especially for project managers.

More so, security companies often find it difficult to come up with genuine evidence to back criminal offenses that may occur at the given construction site. With the advent of special technological contrivances such as CCTV security system, managing a construction site has become that much more simple.

See average Number of Security Cameras below:

Project Type	Average Number of Security Cameras
Small Residential Project	4-8
Medium Residential Project	8-16
Large Residential Project	16-32
Small Commercial Project	8-16
Medium Commercial Project	16-32
Large Commercial Project	32-64
Industrial Site	32-64
Infrastructure Development	64+

Benefits of Installing CCTV Systems:-

1. Monitor construction workers

One important benefit of installing CCTV systems at the construction site is that it allows the project managers to have a better view of the employees` activities. To be specific, the construction site is often a beehive of activity, which can sometimes pose a challenge for managers who are supposed to account for everything.

In the past, the managers would have to rely on unreliable reports from their subordinates or perhaps spend hours going around the entire site to determine the worker’s activities. This was a highly unreliable method, and CCTV cameras provide a better solution for such a complication.

In fact, construction managers can monitor their employees work rate levels by watching recorded or the live footage that is relayed by the cameras.

2. Evaluating the site

Besides that, another important benefit of installing these types of cameras at the constructions site is that it provides the managers with a better option for viewing the progress of the entire site. It’s important to note that CCTV footage along with individual devices such as drones are often used to determine the progress of a given construction project. Managing the site is highly important since it allows the managers to determine whether additional resources such as skilled labor or resources are needed to complete the project.

While the manager might still have to visit the site for first-hand observation, the CCTV cameras are also convenient since they provide footage of how the events at the site have been unfolding.

3. Determining resource usage

More importantly, the CCTV systems can also be used to determine the level of resource usage at the construction site. This is because the level of activity at the site of often so high such that the construction manager cannot be able to account for resource usage at the scene fully. Some of the resources that need monitoring include cement, hardware tools and employee gear amongst many others.

With this types of systems, the manager can easily determine where any inconsistencies or perhaps where there was any illegal activity occurring at the site and therefore deal with it as soon as possible. As a result, the manager is better at accounting for resource usage or perhaps identifying any project setbacks on time.

4. Help improve security at the site

One of the biggest hindrances that most constructions projects face is the maintenance of security levels at the site, especially when no one is watching or perhaps when the site has been dormant for a while. For security companies, the footage can be used to determine any inconsistencies or perhaps any illegal activities that may be taking part at the site.

The footage always provides an excellent perspective when it comes to settling security complications in criminal cases. By installing CCTV security systems at the scene, construction managers can determine any form of illegal activities or perhaps the theft of costly resources that are used for the completion of construction projects.

While the presence of security cameras is often enough to deter the vast majority of would-be thieves and vandals, you will have access to the video evidence required for successful prosecution should trespassers ever infiltrate your site. Not only are CCTV cameras more cost-effective security solution than man guarding, but you can also access live footage around the clock remotely via the internet should you ever wish to.

Given all these points, when it comes to managing an entire construction project, there is barely any space for poor decision making or perhaps insufficient improvisation. It’s imperative that you take the time to make an informed decision for the development of your project and this often includes settling for the superior benefits of CCTV systems. Although these types of security systems might cost a significant amount to install, they are crucial towards the completion of the entire project are therefore a feasible investment for any given construction project.

Below you'll find a range of security cameras for construction sites with different features. It's also possible to purchase a combination of cameras to suit different construction site needs.

Camera Model	Description	Benefits for Site Manager/Construction Company Owner
XYZ Construction	High-definition camera with night vision	1. Enhanced site security, deterring theft and vandalism. 2. Improved safety monitoring to prevent accidents and ensure compliance. 3. Remote access for real-time monitoring and peace of mind.
Site Secure Pro	Robust weatherproof camera with wide-angle	1. Extensive coverage to monitor the entire construction site. 2. Quick and accurate identification of unauthorized access or safety breaches. 3. Effective risk management and reduced liability for the company.
Construction Eye	360-degree panoramic camera	1. Comprehensive view to monitor multiple areas simultaneously. 2. Simplified installation and reduced need for multiple cameras. 3. Increased efficiency and productivity by minimizing blind spots.
Heavy Guard	Vandal-proof camera with advanced motion	1. Durable and tamper-resistant, ensuring continuous surveillance. 2. Improved project management and reduced losses due to theft. 3. Quick detection and response to potential safety or security incidents.
Watch Mega	Ultra-high-resolution camera for detailed	1. Clear and detailed footage for accurate incident investigations. 2. Improved monitoring of construction progress and worker activities. 3. Advanced analytics for data-driven decision-making and process optimization.

Elevator Surveillance Guide

 Elevator Surveillance Guide

Installing surveillance in an elevator can be challenging. Small but wide areas, vandal resistance, and transmission methods all present challenges not found in other areas cameras are installed. In this note, we look at:

• Form factor: Box vs. dome vs. specialty
• Resolution: How much is necessary?
• Transmission: Wired vs. wireless vs laser methods
• Dealing with electrical contractors

Form Factor

The first decision to make when considering elevator cameras is form factor. Minidome and corner mount are the two most common options in use as they most compact compared to box, bullet, or full sized dome cameras. Other form factors, such as box or bullet may be more easily tampered with due to the low ceiling height of the elevators, and more easily knocked out of position.

Minidome

The key advantage to minidomes is camera choice, as most manufacturers offer cameras in this form factor, with numerous resolution and lens options. These options are not generally seen in corner mount cameras.

However, they are more obtrusive than many corner mount housings, and do not blend into the interior of the elevator as well. Where aesthetics are the key concern, domes may not be preferred.

Corner Mount

This type of mount places the camera in a roughly triangular housing made to cover one of the elevator's corners. Some are sold as unitized housing/camera packages, while other manufacturers sell housings meant to accept a box camera. Size and appearance varies depending on manufacturer:

They key drawback to corner mount cameras is limited availability. Most manufacturers do not offer corner mount options, and those that do typically only offer one or two models, with limited resolution and lens choices. Larger corner housings built for box cameras add more flexibility, but are larger and more obtrusive.

Field of View/Resolution

Given elevators' small size, generally under 10' wide, users typically choose to cover the full car instead of just the doors. This gives them not only the opportunity to view comings and goings, tracking subjects throughout a facitity, but to view potential incidents in the elevator, as well. However, care should be taken that pixels per foot (PPF) does not drop below acceptable levels for recognition if no other cameras will provide facial shots of subjects, e.g. lobby and hallway cameras.

For example, using an actual 103° field of view from an elevator camera with Camera Calculator, we can see the difference between VGA, 720p, and 1080p in a typical 8x8' elevator. Estimating ~9' to target to reliably capture subjects as they enter through the elevator doors, 720p provides 56 PPF in this scene. This is likely enough to provide identification quality video under good lighting. VGA provides only 28 PPF, too low for recognition, while 1080p provides 85, more than enough.

Mounting Height

Since most people look down while walking, and criminals may actively avoid cameras, mounting height in elevators should be carefully considered for the best chance of capture. As we found cameras are typically best mounted as low as possible, with ~8' being a "sweet spot", better able to see those with heads down or hats on while also see over subjects beneath the camera.

This image shows the effects of mounting height and the subject's face angle, displaying the difference in capture quality at various mounting heights with the subject's face level as well as tilted down.

Signal Transmission

Once the camera has been selected, installers must decide how signal will be carried from the elevator. There are three typical options for this:

• Traveler cable
• RF wireless
• Optical laser

Traveler Cable

Connections between the elevator car and the machine room for power and signal are made via a specialized traveler cable. This cable is attached to the car, typically to the bottom, and to the top or center of the shaft. The construction of this cable varies, but it typically contains multiple twisted pair conductors for power and control, and possibly a UTP or coaxial cable for video. 

This image shows cross-sections of various flat traveler cables:

Generally speaking, since these cables are often attached to the top of the shaft, making the cable approximately twice the height of the shaft, UTP is not a usable solution for Ethernet. Buildings of 12-14 stories can easily have a 300' traveling cable, which exceeds the maximum distance category cables can be run, before even considering horizontal runs to an equipment room or IDF. In low-rise buildings, UTP may be an option, however. Fiber-optic and coaxial cables may be considered otherwise.

RF Wireless

The second option is to opt for wireless connectivity, utilizing a pair of wireless APs between the car and bottom or top of shaft. Both are used in practice, with the bottom of the shaft generally chosen for easier servicing. In this case, local power must be obtained from the car, which may involve the elevator contractor. Power is readily available, however, due to lights and air conditioning installed in the car.

Wireless eliminates the issue of necessary conductors in the traveler cable, but presents challenges of its own. Cables and conduits located in the elevator shaft may cause interference, making wireless connectivity unreliable. Very narrow beamwidth antennas may be used to compensate for this, but antenna alignment must be carefully set and maintained over time.

Optical Wireless

Optical wireless uses a pair of laser transceivers, one mounted to the car, the other in the shaft, to send/receive data. This is specified to handle elevator shafts up to 75 floors.

Optical product performance is degraded by dust, dirt, and other debris which may fall in the elevator shaft and as such should be cleaned regularly.

Dealing With Elevator Contractors

Normally, most facilities maintain service contracts with an elevator contractor, since the elevator must undergo routine maintenance. These contractors may be difficult to deal with, as a number of users have shared. They are often hesitant to modify existing traveling cables for new services, simply because it complicates (however slightly) their routine maintenance of the elevator with a system outside their control. If the traveling cable is insufficient to add video, installing a new cable is, most times, cost prohibitive, and may remove the elevator from service for several days. Both of these add up to expenses users may not wish to incur.

To avoid the coordination and expense required to have the elevator vendor add video to a car, users and integrators may attempt to add their own cable to the car. There are two things to be aware of in this case: 

• Third parties attempting to modify the cable without the contractor's permission will void warranties and service contracts in most cases. Even leaving existing cables alone and simply zip-tying a new UTP cable to it may be frowned upon.
• According to NEC code, hoistway cables must be listed for use in these applications, and be of type E. Standard UTP, fiber, and coaxial cables do not meet these requirements.

 

Analog Security Camera Installation at Home

Analog Security Camera installation at Home

Home security camera (system) installation issues keep popping up, while you are choosing top surveillance equipment. Drilling holes, running wires and cables inside and outside an apartment may freak you out. Not to mention, the CCTV security camera (system) installation cost in US, Australia, Canada, India, etc. if you ask for professional home surveillance companies, installers, or other video camera installation services.

Hi Indian, no worries. Take a coffee break, and follow the expert instructions below on installing wired and wireless home security cameras inside and outside of your sweet home.

Most home surveillance packages come with the wires, DVR, and cameras included, and are a much easier way to start your system then buying everything separately.

To install a security camera system for your house, start by surveying the layout of your home and assessing how many cameras you’ll need. Once you purchase the system, install the cameras high up on the walls so that they have a broad frame in the shot. Most cameras mount to the walls with screws, and can be plugged into a regular outlet. Connect wired cameras to the monitoring system using BNC cables, or link wireless cameras to your computer.

4nos Camera based BOQ for your Home:

Sl No	item Short Description	Item Long Description	Qty	Unit
1	Dome Camera	720P IR Dome Camera	3	Nos
2	Bullet Camera	720P IR Bullet Camera	1	Nos
3	4CH DVR	4CH DVR, with Hard disk	1	Nos
4	3+1 Cable	3+1 Cable for connecting Camera	90	Mtr
5	Power Supply	12V 1A Power Supply	4	Nos
6	PVC Conduit	20mm PVC Conduit with Accessories	90	Mtr
7	20" LED Monitor	20" LED Monitor for DVR	1	Nos
8	Router	Router for Mobile View	1	Nos
9	CAT6	CAT6 Cable in complete	2	Mtr

1

Buy the right package to suit your needs. You can buy each piece individually, but it is generally cheaper and easier to buy bundled security systems. At a minimum your system should have 1-3 cameras, a DVR (digital video recorder), appropriate wiring (3+1 Cable / RG and BNC cables), and power cords. Unless you are choosing to monitor a large area, wireless cameras with wall mounting should cover your needs.

Basic Home Security: Get a package with 2-3 outdoor cameras (to monitor doors), and a DVR with at least 3 days of recording time.

HSN Code of CCTV related item

SL NO	Item Name	HSN Code	GST
1	Camera (Dome. Bullet, Speed Dome, Zoom Any Type)	85258090	18%
2	DVR (Digital Video Recorder)	85219090	18%
3	NVR (Network Video Recorder)	85219090	18%
4	M-DVR (Mobile DVR)	85219090	18%
5	HD Storage	84717020	18%
6	Embedded Video Storage	85235100	18%
7	Co Axial Cable (RG11, RG 59, RG6 etc)	85442010	18%
8	CCTV Cable (3+1, 4+1 etc)	85442090	28%
9	Optical Fibre Cables	85447010	18%
10	Optical Fibre Bundles & Cables	90011000	18%
11	Hard Disc Pack	85232980	18%
12	Digital Video Discs	85234080	18%
13	Multiplexer	85176270	18%
14	Solid-State Non-Volatile Storage Devices (Hard Disk)	85235100	18%
15	Accessories For Cctv (Lens, Video amplifier, Audio module, Housing, BNC, Stand, Connector etc)	85299090	18%
16	Any Software/ VMS Software / Access Software / Graphic Software etc	85238020	18%
17	PVC Insulated Armoured/Unarmoured Cable Low voltage	85447010	18%
18	2Core, 4Core, 6Core, 12Core PVC Cable upto 80V	85447010	18%
19	Video Monitor Colour < 17"	8528	18%
20	Video Monitor Colour > 17"	85287219	28%
21	Computer / Workstation	84713010	18%
22	Keyboard / Joy Stick	84716040	18%
23	Mouse	84716060	18%
24	LAN Cable (CAT 5, CAT 6 etc)	85441990	18%
25	Modem / Routers	85176230	18%
26	Access point for LAN/WAN	85171290	18%
27	Power Supply	85256099	18%
28	UPS Capacity Nt Excdng 100000 KVA	85042100	18%
29	Network Switches including connector/Socket	85365090	28%
30	Optical Fiber Connector	85367000	28%
31	Switches, Relays, Fuses, Surge Suppressors, Plugs, Sockets, Lamp-Holders, Junction Boxes, Circuit Breakers	85369010	28%

HSN Code of CCTV Camera Cable and import duty.

2

Make a diagram of your surveillance needs. It is both expensive and inefficient to monitor every square inch of your house, so you need to prioritize what areas you want to watch the most. Draw up a rough diagram of your house or print out the blueprints and note where you might want to place cameras. When you are done, check out each location to make sure it is not blocked by anything and provides the best view possible. You may want cameras for:

·        Front and back doors.

·        Off-Street Windows

·        Large common spaces (kitchen, living room etc.)

·        Driveways

·        Porches

·        Stairways 

3

Choose a high, broad angle for your camera. The best angle of any room is usually looking down from the corner where the ceiling meets the walls. Make sure you can clearly see all entries and exits and that the camera is near a power outlet.

If you are mounting a camera outside, place it above 10ft so that it cannot be easily knocked down. Mount your camera to the wall. Some cameras come with sticky pads to adhere your camera to the wall, but screwing your camera in is the safest way to mount your cameras long-term. While every camera is different, most of them can be mounted the same way:

• ·        Place the mount in its desired location.
• ·        Using a sharpie, make marks on the wall where each screw should go.
• ·        Drill a hole for each screw using an electric drill
• ·        Hammer in any molding pins.
• ·        Screw the mount into the wall.
• ·        Position the camera to your desired angle.

Attach your camera to a power source. Almost all cameras come with a power adapter that plugs into a normal wall socket. Plug the small, round end into the power input on the back of the camera and plug the other end into the outlet.

Use a power supply box to power multiple cameras through one outlet. Power boxes, available online and in hardware stores for Rs.200-Rs.400, allow you to power your cameras through a single wall outlet. They come with multiple ports and are great for powering close-together cameras or cameras that aren't near an outlet, like attic cameras. However, you will need to run lengthy amounts of wire to attach each camera to the same box.

·        Always attach the cameras before hooking the box to electricity.

·        Make sure you buy a power supply box big enough to power each one of your cameras. They should list how many outlets they support on the box.

If your power adapter is missing or broken, contact your manufacturer.

4

Now the most important part is Cable. In Security camera cable is basically manufactured in such a way that it should optimize video signal quality. CCTV camera cable is composed of two sub cables that will run simultaneously for transmitting both video and power signal, Video transmitting cable also called RJ59 Cable, one sub cable is the central solid copper conductor core shielded by dielectric material, then further shielded by copper or alloy braid that will transmit video signal and another is power cables that will transmit power and both two-part is insulated by PVC having diameter of 5.5 mm to 7.5 mm.

Now I would like to explain core means RJ59 cable, which is made up of dense copper having diameter of 0.22 to 0.28 mm. this core is very crucial and play a vital role for CCTV integrator. If use cable which have good quality solid copper which have more than 0.25mm diameter and have more than 30 shielded braid then definitely you can transmit video up to 150 meter but you should keep in mind that for 150 meter Video transmission you should also transmit power for 150 meter, for this you need good quality AWG power cable. In India this type of cable is very rare you have to make on order. General Cables comes in Indian market have 0.22mm diameter core that will transmit up to 90 meters only.  As far as security camera cable wire color code is considered generally yellow wire is used for video, Red color power wire is used for positive (+), Black color wire is used for Negative(+) and green is for ground. BNC Connector is connected to yellow wire and DC connector is connected to red and black color.

There is 3 type of security camera cable which as is as follows.

·        4+1  CCTV Cable – This Cable is the composition of two type sub cable that will run simultaneously one part is four power cables that will transmit Power and another part is the RJ59 cable that will transmit video.

·        3+1  CCTV Cable – This Cable is the composition of two type sub cable that will run simultaneously one part is three power cables that will transmit Power and another part is the RJ59 cable that will transmit video.

·        2+1  CCTV Cable – This Cable is the composition of two type sub cable that will run simultaneously one part is two power cables that will transmit Power and another part is the RJ59 cable that will transmit video.

Note:

Maximum length for coaxial cable for CCTV is 300 meters of CCTV Cable without any joint but it will transmit video only up to 100 meters.

Hide your wires. To have a truly professional looking system you can run your cables through the walls and towards your surveillance hub. Be sure you know the layout of your walls and the location of any pipes, cables, or studs as you begin running wires. Running cables requires you to drill a hole in the wall, then thread the cable through the walls to your DVR through open spaces in your house, usually the attic.

·        If you are not comfortable drilling into your walls and running cables through, call a professional carpenter or handyman to take care of the cabling.

·        You can also secure cables to the walls or baseboards using a staple gun.

·        Consider hiding cables under rugs, but tape them down so that no one accidentally trips.

 5

Attach a wired camera to your DVR. Surveillance equipment is connected using a BNC (Bayonet Neill–Concelman) connection.

BNC cables are simple to use -- they are identical on both sides and you simply plug them into the appropriate port, turning a small nut on the end to lock it in place. Plug one end into your camera's "Output" and the other into one of the DVR "Input" ports.

·        Note which input you plug into -- this is the input your DVR must be set to in order to view your camera's video.

·        If your cable does not have a BNC connection you can buy a simple BNC adapter online or at a hardware store. This will slip onto the end of your cable to make it BNC compatible.

Attach the monitor to the DVR. This connection frequently uses a BNC cable as well, but some DVR's can attach with HDMI cables or coaxial cables. Using your preferred connection, attach one end to the DVR's "Output" port and the other to the monitor's "Input."

·        You can hook up as many cameras as your DVR has inputs -- it will automatically record every camera you install.

·        Note which input you plug into-- this is the input you need to choose to see your cameras.

6

Create a central "surveillance hub." When you are wiring a lot of cameras at once, you'll need one simple place to bring all of the feeds together to your DVR. This should be a place that is easy to access, and where you can comfortably run wires from anywhere in the house. Attics, offices and your internet router all make good places to base your surveillance system.

You should only need one DVR for all of your cameras. Attach each video cable to a separate DVR port. Your DVR can handle multiple cameras at once, allowing you to record every room in the house with only one box. Your monitor will then display every camera, or you will have to cycle through them using the "input" button on your DVR.

Guidelines for outdoor security camera placement

• Install cameras 8-10 feet from the ground. This height is low enough to capture fine details but high enough to be out of easy reach of thieves and vandals.
• Don’t point cameras directly at the sun. Bright light causes glare and high contrast in your footage, which makes it hard to tell what’s going on. Consider the movement of the sun and angle your cameras for indirect light.
• Decide whether you want the camera to be visible or hidden. Visible security cameras are effective burglary deterrents, but they are also targets for theft and vandalism. Some homeowners choose to prominently install a fake decoy camera and back it up with a real one that’s slightly more concealed, while others add heavy-duty hardware or casing around the camera to make it more difficult to damage.  
• Protect the camera from the elements. Top outdoor security cameras have ample weather- and waterproofing, but they are not all created equal. Choose a camera that’s appropriately rated for your climate, and place it under eaves or in another semi-protected area if you can.

Guidelines for indoor security placement

• Corners are your friends. Hanging an indoor camera in the corner of a room usually gives you the largest possible vantage point.
• Windows can cause reflection issues. Pointing a camera out the window might degrade its image quality. Many security cameras have infrared (IR) light technology, which aids in motion detection and enables the cameras to function in low light. IR light can reflect off of windows and other glass objects and obscure your footage, especially in the dark. If your footage looks washed out or whited out, there is likely a reflection problem going on.
• If it’s necessary to point a camera out the window, positioning the lens as close as possible to the glass and/or backlighting the outdoor area (perhaps with motion detector lights) are two glare-minimizing measures to try. It can also be helpful if your camera has wide dynamic range (WDR) technology.
• Angle for indirect light. Again, direct light will wash out your footage. With indoor cameras, be mindful of lamps, light fixtures and bright windows. Avoid facing your camera directly toward any of these light sources.

Attention: Don’t be cheated by some cheap wired security camera systems with DVR, which use old analog cameras, and record fuzzy and useless videos. Some other wired CCTV DVR security camera systems may have more functions and cost you over Rs. 12500, almost the price of a quality NVR wired security camera system with improved performance on all rounds.

Anyway, the wired security camera with DVR is by no means a futurist choice, if it is not outdated.