CCTV system setup in Exeter
Professional cctv system setup services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
From £160
Typical Duration
3-6 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
CCTV systems installed and configured. Multiple cameras mounted, cabled neatly, recording properly. Homes and small businesses.
Proper Security Coverage
CCTV is only useful if it's positioned right, recording properly, and actually working. Too many DIY systems have blind spots, failed recordings, or cameras pointing at nothing useful.
💡 Pro tip: Camera position matters more than camera quality. A cheap camera covering your front door is better than an expensive camera pointing at your wheelie bins.
What's Involved
CCTV installation is more than screwing cameras to walls:
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Cameras cover key areas (doors, paths, driveway) | Blind spots everywhere |
| Cables run neatly and weatherproofed | Dangling wires, water getting in |
| Recording working and tested | Think it's recording - it isn't |
| System configured properly | No idea how to access footage |
What You Get
🔧 The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Plan | Walk the property, decide camera positions |
| Mount | Fix cameras securely, weatherproof connections |
| Cable | Run cables neatly (or configure wireless) |
| Configure | Set up recorder, test recording, show you how it works |
📦 You're Left With
- Cameras mounted and positioned properly
- System recording continuously
- You know how to access footage
- Property covered by working CCTV
Pricing Guide
| System Size | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| 2-camera setup | 2-3 hrs | £110-£160 |
| 4-camera setup (typical house) | 3-4 hrs | £160-£210 |
| 6-8 camera setup (larger property) | 5-6 hrs | £260-£310 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Complex cabling or difficult access adds time. Call for accurate quote.
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ Home security - cover doors, driveway, garden
✅ Small business - shop, office, workshop
✅ Bought a kit - need it installed properly
✅ Peace of mind - actual working CCTV, not decorative cameras
Why Choose Us for CCTV system setup in Exeter?
Multiple cameras positioned properly
Cabled neatly or wireless setup
Recording configured and tested
Homes or small businesses
What to Expect
Step 1: Site Survey
Walk around with you to work out camera positions, cable routes, where the recorder goes. Plan the whole installation.
Step 2: Installation
Mount cameras, run cables (or configure wireless), connect everything to the recorder. This is the bulk of the work.
Step 3: Configuration & Handover
Set up recording schedules, test everything works, show you how to view footage and change settings. Make sure you're comfortable using it.
🔧 DIY Tips
CCTV installation is complex, but if you want to try it yourself:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Drill and masonry bits
- Screwdrivers
- Cable clips and cable
- RJ45 crimping tool (for wired systems)
- Ladder for high cameras
- Silicone sealant (weatherproofing)
📐 Planning camera positions
- Cover all entry points (doors, accessible windows)
- Cover approach paths (driveway, garden path, side access)
- Overlapping coverage is good (no blind spots)
- Height: 2.5-3m is ideal (too high loses detail, too low gets vandalized)
- Avoid pointing at bright lights or sky (ruins the image)
🔨 Installing the system
- Mark camera positions and check fixing points are solid
- Drill and mount cameras securely
- Run cables to recorder location (avoid sharp bends)
- Weatherproof all outdoor connections with silicone
- Connect cameras to recorder/DVR
- Power everything on and check each camera feed
- Configure recording schedule and motion detection
- Test playback of recordings
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Cameras too high (can't identify faces)
- Pointing at bright sky (washed out image)
- Not weatherproofing connections (water = dead camera)
- Cables exposed to weather (degrade quickly)
- Not testing recording (finding out it doesn't work when you need it)
- Forgetting power for wireless cameras (still need power!)
💡 Pro trick: Test your system at night BEFORE relying on it. Night vision range is often overrated - check cameras actually capture useful images in darkness.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎨 GDPR awareness: If your CCTV captures public areas (street, neighbor's property), you might have GDPR obligations. Keep it focused on your own property, display warning signs, and know how to provide footage if requested.
Wireless isn't cable-free. Wireless cameras still need power cables. True wireless (battery) cameras need frequent recharging. Consider whether running one cable (power + data) is actually easier than managing batteries.
Recording storage fills up. A 4-camera system recording 24/7 in HD fills a hard drive surprisingly quickly. Either set it to motion-only recording or accept you'll only have a week or two of history before it overwrites.
This is basic installation. I'll get your system mounted, cabled, and recording. For complex network setup, remote access configuration, or integration with alarm systems, you might need a specialist CCTV company.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's involved in CCTV system setup?
I mount the cameras in the right positions (covering key areas like doors, driveways, paths), run cables neatly (or set up wireless), connect to the recorder/DVR, configure the system, and test everything works. Takes 3-6 hours depending on how many cameras and how complex the cabling.
Can you install my CCTV system or do I need to buy one?
You buy the CCTV kit (cameras, recorder, cables), then I install it properly. I can advise on what to buy if you're not sure - different setups for different needs. Send me photos of your property and I'll suggest what would work.
How much does CCTV installation cost?
Depends on the number of cameras and complexity of cabling. A typical 4-camera setup for a house takes 3-4 hours (£160-£210). I can give you a more accurate quote once I know what you've got and where you want cameras.
Can you hide the cables?
I'll run cables as neatly as possible - along gutters, through lofts, under soffits. For fully hidden cables you might need a separate electrician to channel into walls. Wireless cameras avoid cables but still need power.
Do you configure the remote viewing?
Basic setup yes - I'll get it recording and show you how to view locally. For app-based remote viewing (watch on your phone), that depends on the system you've bought. Some are simple, some need network configuration that's beyond basic installation.
CCTV system setup Also Available In:
Get a Free Quote in Exeter
Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for your cctv system setup job in Exeter.
01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
Why Trust Us
Need CCTV system setup in Exeter?
Get a free quote for your cctv system setup job in Exeter today.