3.0—Home Security and Surveillance Systems

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Chapter
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3
Camera Locations
Surveillance cameras can be mounted outside the home to provide recognition
of someone wishing to enter the security perimeter area, such as a front
door or driveway gate. They should be located where no blind spots exist or
where it is not practical to use other types of sensors. Cameras can be mounted
on any surface area of the home or garage where coverage is required as
long as the area is illuminated sufficiently at all times after dark. They are
often used in the interior of the home to monitor a child’s playroom or nursery.
Although not usually a problem in a residential application, certain legal
implications are involved in using video surveillance cameras. They are not
to be used where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy by individuals
who are not aware that they are in a location where a camera is installed. This
obviously does not apply to a person breaking into a business or home.
Surveillance cameras can be used in most exterior residential locations; however,
you should remember that a surveillance camera cannot be located where there is a
reasonable expectation of privacy.
Exterior Security Lighting Systems
Exterior lighting is often used to illuminate dark areas or areas to be protected
using motion detection sensors that activate security lighting to deter
an intruder. Dark areas surrounding the home where there are trees or
shrubs are specific areas that need to be illuminated with security lighting
systems. Motion detector-activated lights are also popular for exterior lighting.
The most common and reasonably priced style is the two-floodlight
design with the motion sensor mounted beneath them. The dual-lamp type
exterior security lighting system is shown in Figure 3.9.
Figure 3.9 Motion detector light.
Exterior security lighting should be used near landscaped areas around the home,
such as shrubs, bushes, foliage, and trees. Security lighting systems used during
dark hours avoid the problem of allowing an intruder to enter the area surrounding
a home and attempt entry while unobserved in a dark area.