This article asks: Do you need to be qualified to fit CCTV? We look at who can install CCTV and the training required for CCTV installation.
Can anyone install CCTV?
When you are discussing home security cameras, absolutely anyone can install CCTV cameras. However, in order to install CCTV systems professionally, an individual needs to have proper training and qualifications.
An individual also needs to be physically fit and trained in order to install CCTV. This is because, in most cases, the majority of cameras will need to be installed while working at height.
There are hundreds of different CCTV installation courses that do not require the individual to hold any previous qualifications already in order to join, so no matter what your experience level may be, you should be able to find a course that will work for you.
In addition to this, there is also no age restriction on becoming a CCTV installer. This means that you can begin the training at any stage of your life. It is important to remember that you may need a specific license when you are working on a commercial property.
What does the security system installer do?
A person that installs security systems and helps maintain systems that help detect intruders and control access to properties and premises will do the following activities.
The activities of security installers include the following:
The activities of security installers include the following:
Go through site surveys in order to find out where security devices can be placed
Test systems and teach customers how to use the systems if they need help
Discuss any security plans with customers
Maintain, test, and check any existing systems
Installations of CCTV, access control to properties, burglar and fire alarms, and types of electronic surveillance equipment
Implement security systems and connect them to control panels that are controlled through WiFi, fibre, and other connections
Do You Need To Be An Electrician?
The simplest answer to this question is that no, you do not need to be an electrician in order to install CCTV systems.
When it comes to home security cameras, there is no ruling on who can or can't install them. In fact, the majority of people probably assume that CCTV can easily be installed with zero preparation or strategy.
The majority of individuals who install CCTV on their own property usually do it in order to dissuade potential burglars from either trespassing on or breaking into their homes, which of course, is highly illegal. Unfortunately, this will not always work out well.
For the professional installation of CCTV, on the other hand, requires a high level of training and certification. The individual carrying out the work also needs to be physically fit, as a lot of the jobs assigned to CCTV installers are done at work at height requirements.
As well as this, there are many different complex parts and components with this kind of work, so if you make any small mistakes, then you can end up wasting a lot of your own time and your own money. In the worst-case scenario, you could even hurt yourself, someone in the household, or a person in the public just going through their life.
What Training is required for CCTV installation?
If you are hoping to carry out commercial CCTV installations, then there are various different CCTV installation courses that you can join which have no barrier to entry, meaning that you do not need any prior certification.
This means that no matter what your level of expertise may be, you should be able to find a CCTV installation course that is appropriate for your skill level. As well as this, there are commonly zero age restrictions on courses to become a CCTV installer, so you can start the training at any point in your life if you desire.
Once you have finished your training as a CCTV installation expert, you will be given a certificate that will clearly show that you are qualified to work professionally.
This certification might be required for some occupations, and if you are hoping to work for a commercial CCTV installation company, then they will definitely ask to see some proof that you have completed your training courses.
When you are a CCTV installation professional, your job will be assisting clients by keeping their businesses and homes secure. While you are training to have a career in CCTV, there are various options.
You can go through an online course, earn a college degree, or start with an apprenticeship. In order to install CCTV professionally, you need to be qualified. There are various CCTV training courses that do not need any prior credentials, and this makes the job appropriate for all people at all varying levels of experience and age.
Is CCTV covered under the Data Protection Act (DPA)?
CCTV of all kinds, no matter whether it is being used for either domestic or commercial purposes, is included under the Data Protection Act and the Information Commissioner's Office, also known as ICO. It is highly recommended that anyone who is using CCTV needs to conduct a Data Privacy Impact Assessment. This ensures that you are not minimising the privacy of any individual data subjects.
Can I install CCTV at home?
The shortest and easiest answer to this is yes; you always have the right to protect your own property, and CCTV will do exactly that. Before purchasing and installing your new CCTV system, ensure that you have a definitive answer to all of the following questions:
Why do I need the CCTV system?
What do I want the CCTV cameras to record?
Are there any other security measures I can put in place in order to help increase the protection of my property?
Can I install CCTV on commercial property?
You can install CCTV cameras in and around your own commercial premises. However, what makes this different from domestic premises is all the strict guidelines that need to be followed. It is important that you do the following:
Put up signs which make all other people aware that you have CCTV cameras up for filming and why they are there
Have the ability to provide images within 40 days. You can also charge up to £10 for this service.
Share images with the necessary authorities, such as the police, as and when they are requested with zero charges
Do not keep CCTV images for any amount longer than they are necessary
It is important to be aware that there are more rules that businesses need to follow under the rules established by the Information Commissioners Office.
CCTV On Commercial Propery
CCTV Camera
Do you need permission to install CCTV?
In order to install CCTV within a domestic property, permission is not commonly required. If you are living in a listed building or within a conservation area, then there can be some specific restrictions in regard to how and where you can install security camera systems.
The best way to check whether installing a CCTV system on your property will be acceptable is to speak with your local planning authority before you start actually purchasing equipment.
Before any installations of CCTV systems can be done on commercial premises, it is important that you register with the Information Commissioners Office and that a full Privacy Impact Assessment has been conducted.
Once this has been finished, there are strict guidelines that need to be followed. The work also needs to be carried out by an individual that has been fully trained and qualified with installing CCTV systems. This is important so that the system can be setup safely and correctly.
Preston Alarm Experts provide professional CCTV camera system services in and around Preston, Accrington and Lancashire. Whatever you require, our professional team can assist you with everything from small repairs to installing completely new security systems.
