
Best Practices for Placing CCTV Cameras: Optimal Mounting Positions & Coverage
, by Rukshika Perera, 4 min reading time

, by Rukshika Perera, 4 min reading time
Proper camera placement makes the difference between capturing crucial evidence and missing critical events. At IT Gallery Computers, we've learned that strategic positioning maximizes your security investment.
1. Cover All Entry/Exit Points - Every door, window, and gate needs monitoring
2. Eliminate Blind Spots - Overlapping coverage ensures complete security
3. Position for Identification - Capture faces and details, not just silhouettes
4. Protect the Cameras - Mount out of reach to prevent tampering
Standard: 2.5-3 meters
Perfect for facial capture, general surveillance, deterrence. High enough to prevent tampering, low enough for clear identification.
High Mount: 3.5-5 meters
Best for parking lots, warehouses, wide area coverage. Broader view but sacrifices facial detail.
Low Mount: 1.5-2 meters
Ideal for ATMs, POS systems, direct face capture. Easy to tamper with - use protective housing.

The 10-15 Degree Tilt
Mount cameras angled 10-15 degrees downward for optimal facial capture without hat obstruction.
The 45-Degree Corner
Position in corners at 45 degrees to cover two walls simultaneously, maximizing coverage with fewer cameras.
Avoid Direct Light
Never point at sun, bright lights, or windows. Use WDR cameras or reposition to prevent glare and washed-out footage.

Main Entrance
Height: 2.5-3m above door | Angle: Down at face level | Camera: 1080p+ with night vision
Back Doors
Height: 2.5-3m | Coverage: Door + 2-3m approach path | Often overlooked but critical
Driveways/Parking
Height: 3-4m high mount | Coverage: Entry/exit and plates | Use wide-angle with IR
Cash Registers
Height: 2-2.5m directly above | Angle: Down on transaction area | High-res with audio
Perimeter/Walls
Height: 3-4m along fence | Coverage: Overlapping fields | Long-range IR (50m+)
Stairways/Hallways
Position: End of corridor looking down length | One camera covers entire pathway
Choke Point Strategy
Focus on unavoidable paths: stairs, single corridors, gates everyone must pass through.
Layered Defense
Cross-Coverage
Position cameras to view each other's areas. If one is tampered with, another captures it.

Monsoon Protection
Sun & Glare
Coastal Areas (Negombo, Galle, Colombo)
Power Issues
❌ Too High: Can't identify faces - keep under 3m for residential
❌ Pointing at Lights: Creates silhouettes - reposition or use WDR
❌ No Overlap: Blind spots between cameras - ensure 10-20% overlap
❌ Easy Access: Cameras within reach - mount high, use tamper-proof housing
❌ Exposed Cables: Easily cut - use conduits and hidden routes
❌ No Testing: Discover issues too late - walk test before finalizing
Small Shop (4-6 cameras):
✓ Main entrance ✓ Cash register ✓ Product displays ✓ Back door ✓ Parking
Home (4-8 cameras):
✓ Front door ✓ Back door ✓ Driveway ✓ Side gates ✓ Perimeter ✓ Ground windows
Office (12-20 cameras):
✓ Reception ✓ All entries ✓ Elevators ✓ Stairwells ✓ Parking ✓ Server room ✓ Perimeter
Warehouse (8-16 cameras):
✓ Loading docks ✓ Main entrance ✓ High-value inventory ✓ Perimeter ✓ Gates
After installation, verify:
Proper placement is as important as camera quality. Strategic positioning with 2.5-3m height, 10-15 degree angles, and overlapping coverage delivers maximum security.
Key Takeaways:

At IT Gallery Computers, our certified technicians conduct free site surveys, design optimal layouts, and professionally install systems maximizing your security coverage.
Contact us today for expert camera placement and complete peace of mind.

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