If we were to go around the world and check out every CCTV system ever installed, we would be able to find a common thread of problems that haunts us all.

This is not to say that every system has a problem, but every system that does have a problem can be categorized into one of three areas: design, installation and field service problems.

In addition, it does not matter what language we speak, the crime we are trying to detect, or which object that is being observed, the faults, the problems, and the cures are exactly the same.

Following is a top 10 countdown of problems most CCTV installers face on a daily basis.

10. Lack of Documentation Hurts Installers

Documentation falls under all three categories: design, installation and field service. A common thread evolves around the various CCTV systems of the world, and that thread is financial.

9. 3-Piece Crimp-On Recommended

Connection points within a CCTV system are a serious consideration, but fall to the number nine priority listing of problems on a worldwide basis.

There are three styles of connectors used today. The standard connector is a solder-on connector. The screw-on connector can be utilized in a CCTV system. It tends to vibrate off, has poor contact between the connector and the cable and, in general, causes far more problems than it is worth.

Lastly, is the crimp-on connector, which comes in three formats: single-body, two-piece and three-piece connectors.

8. Proper Cable Runs Illustrate Experience

Systems involving the use of fiber optics, twisted pair and other forms of cabling to carry the video signal, tend to have fewer problems than those using coaxial cable.

7. Correct Camera/Lens Setup Keeps Images In Focus

Improper camera/lens set up accounts for roughly 50 percent of all field-related problems with new and existing installations.

6. Wrong Purpose for System Defeats Camera’s Job

All security, regardless of the type (access control, electronic, CCTV, etc.) must have a purpose of design or it will fail.

5. Bad Image Relationship Can Make Tapes Inadmissible

The relationship of image to security is everything when you consider that the only job of the CCTV system is to catch a visual image of John Doe stealing a car from your client’s property. If in the end you don’t end up with an image of John that can be identified by a group of 12 peers in a court of law, you have wasted your time and money.

4. Wrong Camera, Lens Can Equal Fuzzy Application

There are four basic compatibility points that must be matched to ensure that your people in the field have equipment that will work when put together. They include:

Format size of the lens meeting or exceeding the format size of the camera.

C standard/CS standard.

Color corrected lens on a color camera.

video lens/DC lens.

3. Camera Sensitivity Gives User Bad Results

Camera sensitivity is a serious problem and one that is responsible for the most negative, nighttime field results of all outside applications.

2. Good Tools Are Not Optional

The number two problem among designers, salespeople, installers and field service professionals on a global scale is a basic lack of tools.

1. There’s No Excuse for Lack of Education

There is no excuse for not having your entire staff trained from the perspective of application, design, installation or field service.

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