Planning a CCTV Installation — What Should I Consider?
Before installing CCTV, decide which areas most need coverage such as entrances, gates and compound corners, confirm you have reliable power or backup during outages, and think about how much footage storage and remote viewing on your phone you need. Looker Service is a platform that connects people looking for services with skilled service providers around their area, including IT technicians who install and configure CCTV systems in Kampala and beyond.
Identify the areas that most need coverage
Walk around the property and list the points a technician should prioritise — the main gate, the compound perimeter, the front door, parking area, and any blind spots created by walls, trees or outbuildings. For a shop or office, this also includes the till point, stockroom and entrance.
Mentioning these priority areas upfront helps the technician recommend the right number of cameras and lens types instead of a generic setup.
- Main gate and compound entrance
- Perimeter walls and dark corners
- Front door and any side or back entrances
- Parking area and driveway
- Till point, stockroom or cash office, for businesses
Plan for power outages
Power interruptions are common in many parts of Uganda, and a CCTV system that stops recording during an outage defeats its purpose. Ask the technician about backup power options, such as a small UPS (uninterruptible power supply) or connecting the system to an existing solar or inverter setup, so recording continues when mains power is off.
Think about storage and how long footage is kept
CCTV footage is usually stored on a DVR or NVR hard drive, and how much storage you need depends on the number of cameras, the recording resolution, and how many days of footage you want to keep before it is overwritten. If you need to review footage from an incident days or weeks later, make sure the storage capacity matches that expectation.
Decide whether you need remote viewing on your phone
Most modern CCTV systems can be configured so you can view live footage and playback from a phone app, even while away from the property. This needs a working internet connection at the installation site and correct configuration during setup, so mention it clearly if remote access matters to you, as it may affect the equipment recommended.
- Number and type of cameras needed for your priority areas
- Backup power plan for outages (UPS, solar, inverter)
- How many days of footage you want stored
- Whether you need to view cameras remotely from your phone
- Whether cabling will be concealed or surface-mounted
- Ongoing maintenance, such as cleaning lenses and checking recordings
Frequently asked questions
Will my CCTV system keep recording during a power cut?
Only if it has backup power such as a UPS, solar system or inverter connection. Ask the installing technician to include this if outages are frequent in your area.
How much footage storage do I need for a CCTV system?
It depends on the number of cameras, resolution and how many days of footage you want to keep. Tell the technician how long you typically need to be able to review past footage.
Can I view my CCTV cameras from my phone while away?
Yes, most systems support remote viewing through a mobile app, provided there is a working internet connection at the property and the system is configured for it during installation.
How many cameras do I need for a home or small business?
It depends on the size of the property and the number of priority areas, such as gates, entrances and blind spots. A technician can recommend camera numbers and placement after hearing your priority areas.
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