The Key Considerations When Maintaining A CCTV System

CCTV systems are highly effective as a crime deterrent, and for capturing on camera any crimes that do occur on-site – the footage of which can then be used in court as evidence. Installing a CCTV system on your premises also helps to ensure the safety of your staff and the security of your property.

However, as with any type of security technology, regular maintenance is essential to guarantee that your CCTV system is working to a high standard.

In this article, we will cover why routine maintenance is necessary, discuss some common issues that CCTV systems experience, and outline the regular upkeep that should be carried out to prevent these problems from developing.

Why Is Routine Maintenance Necessary?

Regular maintenance helps to prevent faults arising in your CCTV system, which if left unfixed could lead to serious issues such as system failures that leave your property unprotected and vulnerable to criminals.

By ensuring your CCTV system is well maintained, you can also extend its lifespan, helping you save money on repairs and replacements.

In addition, carrying out routine maintenance and repairs ensures that your CCTV system remains compliant with the regulations and standards for your location and industry. This is vitally important, as non-compliance can mean your business is ineligible for contracts and liable to receive hefty fines.

However, please be aware that CCTV systems are complex pieces of equipment, and as such, any maintenance should only be completed by trained professionals. If you have an immediate need for your CCTV system to be maintained, you can call our expert team on 01234 230690.  

The Common Problems With CCTV Systems

CCTV systems are generally very reliable, but like any piece of equipment, wear and tear, technical gremlins, and environmental damage can cause them to malfunction over time.

For instance, some common issues that you may experience with your CCTV systems include:

• Poor quality images

• Interference

• Cameras becoming misaligned

• Impaired visibility

• Damage from weather conditions

• Failure to record

• Network problems

• Electrical issues

Any one of these problems can cause your CCTV system to become non-functional and unable to offer you protection.

Using A Maintenance Checklist

During the professional servicing of a CCTV system, a routine maintenance checklist will usually be used to help identify which upkeep tasks need to be completed.

Among other things, the tasks on a CCTV system maintenance checklist should include:

• Reviewing the images’ clarity, colour accuracy and resolution, and ensuring that there is no image distortion

• Making sure that the camera’s visibility is not impaired by surrounding shrubs, bushes, and trees etc.

• Checking for adequate visibility - can you clearly see the boundary of the property?

• Cleaning any dust or debris from the camera lens, casing, and monitors

• Checking that cables are securely connected and in good condition

• Checking that the zoom, pan, tilt, and focus functions are working

• Checking that all parts of the system setup are working

• Ensuring that the camera lens is adjusted and focused

• Ensuring that there are no exposed or loose wires

• Ensuring that the camera is securely attached

• Carrying out any pending software updates

• Checking the motion detection sensors

• Checking for wear and tear
  

Reviewing CCTV Footage

Regularly reviewing CCTV footage can also help to identify any issues with the CCTV cameras.

When reviewing footage, we will check for any image distortion, flickering images, or blank spots in your camera roll. This can also help to discover if anybody has tampered with your CCTV cameras.

Keep Your Focus

Keeping your CCTV system well-maintained is vital for ensuring that it continues to run seamlessly and without interruptions.

By scheduling regular services from trained professionals, you can prevent common issues from developing and stop any problems that do exist from escalating. This will help you avoid serious complications - such as system shutdowns that leave your premises unprotected - while ensuring that the lifespan of your CCTV system is maximised.

In particular, expert use of a routine maintenance checklist will help to prevent, identify, and fix any serious problems.

How We Can Help

If you want more info about what regular maintenance is required to keep your CCTV system in top condition, we can help!

At KCS Projects, we are security experts. We provide a wide range of services, from the design and installation of security systems - custom built to your premises - to routine maintenance and repairs. With over 20 years of experience in the security industry, we are fully equipped to deliver professional security services and guidance, helping you to ensure your property is properly protected.

Contact us today on 01234 230690 and one of our friendly team members will be happy to provide professional guidance. Alternatively, we can arrange for one of our experts to visit your premises and inspect your CCTV system for you!