Perimeter and entrance coverage

The challenge

What the client needed.

Entrances and approaches to the premises were unmonitored, including after dark. Anyone could approach the gate or a side entrance without being seen, and there was no record of who had come and gone. The owner relied on a gateman's memory and on neighbours reporting anything unusual.

The site had outdoor areas with no shelter, so any equipment installed would be exposed to rain, dust and heat. Earlier indoor-style cameras placed outside had failed, and the owner was wary of spending again without confidence that the system would last.

What we did

We surveyed the perimeter in daylight and after dark to see where light fell, where approaches were shadowed and where a camera would actually capture a face rather than a silhouette. Weather-rated cameras with infrared night coverage were selected for the exposed positions and mounted at heights that balance detail against reach.

Cable was run in conduit to protect it from weather and interference, and a recorder was installed inside the building with power protection. Recording was set to run continuously with motion events marked for quick review, and remote access was configured on the owner's phone.

• Weather-rated cameras with infrared night coverage at entry points
• Camera positions chosen after a day and night survey
• Protected cable runs in conduit
• Network video recorder installed indoors with power protection
• Continuous recording with motion-marked events
• Remote access configured on mobile

The outcome

The premises now have continuous entrance coverage viewable from a phone. Approaches are recorded day and night, and the owner can check the gate or review an event from anywhere with a data connection.

Because the equipment was specified for outdoor use and the cabling protected, the system has been running through rain and heat as intended. The gateman now has a screen to refer to rather than relying on memory, and visitors are aware the entrance is covered.