Home and Business CCTV Systems

Modern CCTV systems bear little resemblance to the grainy, unreliable setups of a decade ago. Today's IP cameras deliver 4K resolution, night vision, AI-powered motion detection, and live streaming to your phone — all stored on a local NVR (Network Video Recorder) or cloud storage for evidential-quality footage.

Whether you need a simple two-camera domestic setup to cover a driveway and rear garden, or a multi-camera commercial system with access control integration, our electricians design, install, and configure CCTV systems tailored to your property and budget.

Types of CCTV System

IP (Internet Protocol) Cameras

The modern standard. IP cameras connect via network cabling (Cat6) or WiFi, delivering high-resolution footage to a central NVR or directly to cloud storage. Benefits include remote viewing from any device, AI motion detection that distinguishes people from animals, two-way audio, and easy scalability — adding cameras is as simple as plugging in another network cable.

Analogue HD (BNC/Coaxial)

Still common in commercial installations, analogue HD systems use coaxial cabling and a DVR (Digital Video Recorder). Modern analogue cameras now deliver up to 4K resolution — a significant improvement over older systems. They're often more cost-effective for basic surveillance needs and are less vulnerable to network-based attacks than IP systems.

Wireless Systems

Battery-powered or solar-powered wireless cameras (like Ring, Arlo, and Reolink) are popular for domestic use. They're easy to install — no cabling required — but depend on WiFi signal strength, need regular charging or battery replacement, and can suffer from connectivity drops. Best for supplementing a wired system or where running cables isn't feasible.

Key Features to Consider

  • Resolution: 2K (4MP) is the minimum for useful footage. 4K (8MP) provides clear identification at greater distances. Anything below 1080p is outdated.
  • Night vision: IR (infrared) LEDs provide black-and-white night footage up to 30m. Colour night vision cameras use supplementary white LEDs or starlight sensors for full-colour recording in low light.
  • Weatherproofing: Outdoor cameras need IP67 rating minimum. UK weather means year-round exposure to rain, frost, and UV.
  • Storage: NVRs with 2TB–8TB hard drives store 2–8 weeks of continuous footage depending on camera count and resolution. Cloud options provide off-site backup.
  • AI detection: Modern cameras distinguish between people, vehicles, and animals — drastically reducing false alerts from foxes, cats, and passing headlights.

Installation Considerations

Camera Placement

Strategic positioning is everything. Cover entry points (front door, back door, side gate), driveways, and any secluded areas. Cameras should be mounted at 2.5–3m height — high enough to prevent tampering but low enough for useful facial detail. We survey your property and recommend optimal positions before installation.

Cabling and Power

Wired IP cameras use PoE (Power over Ethernet) — a single Cat6 cable carries both data and power, simplifying installation. Cables run from each camera location back to a central NVR, typically located in a utility room, loft, or under-stairs cupboard. For retrofit installations in existing properties, we route cables through lofts, wall cavities, and conduit for a neat, hidden finish.

Legal Requirements

Under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, domestic CCTV that captures images beyond your property boundary (pavements, neighbours' driveways) makes you a data controller. You should display signage indicating CCTV is in operation. For commercial CCTV, a full Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) may be required.

Costs

  • 2-camera home system (4K, NVR): £500–£900 installed
  • 4-camera home system (4K, NVR): £800–£1,500 installed
  • 8-camera commercial system: £1,500–£3,000 installed
  • 16-camera commercial system: £3,000–£6,000+ installed

Want to secure your property with professional CCTV? Get a free site survey and quote from our qualified installers.

Common Questions

Frequently asked questions about this service.

For domestic installations, planning permission is not usually required provided cameras are within your property boundary. Listed buildings may require consent. Commercial installations in conservation areas or on listed buildings may need planning approval. Cameras must not point directly into neighbours' private spaces.
This depends on your NVR hard drive size, camera count, and recording resolution. A 4TB NVR with 4 cameras recording at 4K typically stores 2–3 weeks of footage. You can extend this with larger drives or by using motion-activated recording instead of continuous recording.
Yes. All modern IP camera systems include smartphone apps for live viewing, playback, and push notifications. You can view your cameras from anywhere with an internet connection. Most systems support both iOS and Android.
Yes. All cameras we install include infrared (IR) night vision as standard, providing clear footage in complete darkness up to 30 metres. Premium cameras offer colour night vision using starlight sensors or warm-white LEDs for full-colour footage even at night.

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