Locations to avoid when installing home security cameras

In the digital age, protecting your home has become much simpler. With just a smartphone, you can control everything from door locks to security cameras. However, to ensure safety and avoid legal troubles, you need to know how to install cameras properly.

Choosing the location to install a security camera is very important. If you are not careful, you may encounter many problems such as false alarms, unclear images, conflicts with neighbors, and even legal problems. Here are the locations you should avoid when installing a security camera for your family:

1. Private spaces

Installing security cameras to protect your home is essential, but you need to keep in mind that you should not let the camera point into other people's private areas. This may violate the law and you could be sued. The law protects everyone's privacy, so please respect that when installing security cameras.

In fact, you should not install security cameras in places like bathrooms, bedrooms, or other private spaces. If you must install cameras in these places (for example, if you rent your house to multiple people), make sure the camera is in a prominent location and everyone knows about it.

For outdoor security cameras, the camera is allowed to record in public spaces, such as sidewalks or streets that run past your home, because these areas do not require much privacy.

Remember, cameras are there to provide a sense of security and serve as a tool to keep you and your home safe. Make sure they aren't placed in places where they're ineffective or, worse, actually endanger someone's privacy.

2. Look straight into the neighbor's house

When installing security cameras, you need to respect your neighbors’ privacy. Avoid pointing the camera at their homes, windows, or backyards. Not only is this illegal, it can also cause unnecessary conflict in neighborly relationships.

To avoid causing unnecessary misunderstandings with your neighbors, you should take advantage of the camera's "privacy zone" feature. This feature helps you obscure sensitive areas such as your neighbor's windows, ensuring everyone's privacy. If any disputes arise, you can use this feature to prove that you have no intention of trespassing.

3. Places that are difficult to see with the naked eye

While it may seem logical to place cameras in hidden areas to catch intruders by surprise, statistics show that burglars often target obvious entry points. Instead of focusing on hidden corners, prioritize installing cameras in key locations such as doors, ground-floor windows, and main walkways. This will help you detect signs of trouble early and ensure the safety of your home.

In fact, most break-ins occur through seemingly the simplest routes. According to statistics from the security company ADT (USA), 34% of thieves choose the front door, while 22% take advantage of first-floor windows to break in. This shows that focusing on installing security cameras in vulnerable locations such as the main door and first-floor windows will be most effective in preventing crime.

4. Area with many obstacles

An effective security camera system not only requires modern technology but also needs to be installed in the right locations. Choosing the location to install the camera needs to be carefully calculated, especially natural elements such as trees. Make sure that the camera's view is not obstructed by branches and leaves, especially during the rainy season. This will help you protect your home and property in the best way.

In addition to placing the camera in a convenient location for observing the outside, you also need to consider the viewing angle inside the house. Make sure the camera can record clear images when the door is opened or closed. In addition, you should avoid placing the camera in places where it is likely to be tampered with by pets. For example, if the camera is placed on a high shelf, your cat may accidentally knock it over. Or, if the camera is placed in a place with a lot of people passing by, it may be bumped and change the shooting angle.

Choose a safe and convenient location to install the camera, where you can clearly observe every necessary angle without fear of being accidentally bumped into by someone.

5. Place on window

Many people want to save money by buying a camera for indoor use only and intend to place it next to a window to better observe the outside area. However, doing so will encounter two major problems.

The first problem is glare from sunlight shining through the window. Even though the camera is placed close to the glass, the image quality is still seriously affected, especially in strong sunlight or at night. In addition, dirt and dust that accumulate on the glass over time also significantly reduces the ability to observe.

Second, the viewing angle through the window is quite limited. The camera can hardly cover the entire area you want, especially important locations such as the entrance to the house, yard, or road.