Security cameras are a fantastic addition to any home security setup, as they allow you to monitor places that you usually wouldn’t be able to see. We can’t be watching all areas of our property at all times, but security cameras can be the next best thing.
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When installing cameras, the locations you choose can be essential, as you need to gain maximum visibility. Installing a security camera under the eaves of your home or property can be a great idea if you want to cover the peripherals of your home.
However, before diving in you may wonder how to install these cameras and what you will need to do it. If that is something you’re wondering about, this article will cover the basics and show you some great products you can use to install your cameras and make your home a bit safer.
Key Takeaways
- Installing a security camera under your eaves can be a great option as you will have a higher view that will help you to see better.
- We will go over some of the materials you will need with everything from the camera itself to wiring, tools, and supplies.
- Using your newly acquired tools and supplies, we will take you through the steps for installing your cameras.
Why Install a Security Camera Under Eaves?
When choosing where to place a camera, it’s best to put some thought into it. It can be tempting to just choose a spot and call it a day, but there are many reasons why you would want to be more careful.
With a security camera, the goal is to be able to view as much as possible. It’s also a good idea to train the camera in areas where an intruder would almost certainly have to pass. Entrance ways are a common place for cameras, for this very reason.
Installing a camera under your eaves gives the camera a high vantage point which will allow you to have a better view of things. It’s also a less noticeable place that intruders may not think to check when scanning for cameras.
While it’s a great vantage point, it can be a bit of a hassle installing it, which is why we have some tools, products, and tips that should make it much easier.
If you want a look at some great security camera options, we have previously looked at 5 of the best outdoor security cameras.
The detailed guide on installing security cameras under eaves reflects a growing trend towards DIY home security enhancements. With property crimes evolving in sophistication, homeowners are empowered to take proactive steps in safeguarding their homes. By following best practices for camera installation, individuals can significantly improve their home’s security posture, making it a less attractive target for burglars and enhancing overall neighborhood safety.
– Kirk MacDowell, Home Security Expert
Materials Needed
In this next section, we will go over some of the basic tools you will need when installing cameras under your eaves. Using these will make the process much easier and ensure you’re well-equipped for the task at hand.
- Outdoor Security Camera- When it comes to cameras, we chose the EufyCam 3 4 in one kit. We chose this one because it’s not only from a great brand but also has everything you need to get started.There are 4 cameras for spread placement, and they have solar power capabilities as well. This would be an excellent option for easy installation and maintenance, and there are also great features on offer such as 4K resolutions and motion sensing.
- For another camera option, we have also looked at the Abode Cam 2, which is another great outdoor camera choice.
- Ethernet Cable (For Wired Connections)- If you plan on having a wired internet connection (which can be advisable for more consistent coverage,) then we would recommend the Ercielook ethernet cable for optimum speeds and lengths.
- Fish Tape (Around 50-Foot-Long) For Pulling The Cable From One Hole To The Next- Fish tape is an excellent tool to use when looping cables through holes, and you can use 100ft Ninja Fish tape to accomplish this task.
- Ladder- One of the main reasons installing cameras under eaves is so tricky is that it can be hard to reach those higher, more precarious locations. This telescoping ladder reaches up to 16.5 feet, making it ideal for most houses.
- Drill And Appropriate Bits- You will almost certainly need a drill and various bits when installing a camera, and this drill and bit set by Black and Decker would be the perfect set for installing cameras or any other household tasks.
- Soffit Color Matching Paint- For small paint patches, we would recommend Rust-Oleum semi-gloss paint. It comes in a variety of different color shades to match your specific conditions.
- ¼-Inch-Thick Aluminum Strip For Mounting The Security Camera Bracket On The Soffit-
For mounting the security camera on the soffit, you can use these special aluminum bars. - Misc- The next few items are smaller items that you may or may not need, but that can come in handy in a variety of ways.
- Electrical tape by Temflex.
- This set of files by Libraton for filing and sandpapering.
- This 66-piece set of screwdrivers would be perfect when installing your cameras.
- There will likely be a lot of measuring involved when setting up your cameras, so this Craftsman tape measure could be one of the most essential tools in your arsenal.
- Lastly, you never know when you may need to see in a dark space, so this Lylting rechargeable flashlight could certainly be handy.
The Guide
Next, we will briefly cover the main steps that will be taken when installing your cameras. For a more in-depth look at how it is done, be sure to check out this video guide by the Home Improvement Channel.
If you would like more solar camera options to lessen the need for wiring, then you can check out this list of some of the best solar cameras we have looked at before.
Step 1: Carefully plan the security camera wiring route- You should carefully follow the path any wiring will be taking to ensure there will be no blocked paths and plan for areas you will need to drill.
Step 2: Prepare the device and tools- Before you begin, make sure that all of your tools are ready and prepared. Any that need to be charged should be charged before using, and you should ensure you have power sources for any that need them.
Step 3: Measure the camera wiring route- Your tape measure will come in handy now as you measure the wiring route to plan for how much wiring you will need.
Step 4: Drill openings in the soffit large enough to fit the camera cable- Next, with your wiring route planned you can drill appropriate holes in the soffit that the camera cable will go through.
Step 5: Slip the home security camera wires through the holes- Now you can snake the security camera cables through the holes you have drilled.
Step 6: Secure the home security camera and establish a connection- With everything installed, you should follow the instructions of your chosen camera to connect it to the home internet network.
Step 7: Set up and test the home security camera- It should all be ready to go now, and you can test your newly installed cameras to not only see if you have a good connection but if the placement will work for your purposes.
Conclusion
That’s all there is to it, and if you have the right tools at hand then you should be able to face any additional challenges. We kept the instructions very brief and simple to suit a wider range of scenarios, but the video we suggested would be great if you need an extra hand.
The tools and materials we listed will be great to have if you need to improvise, but be sure to get expert consultation if you’re not sure of how to do something.
Final Thoughts
Installing a security camera system in your eaves may seem like a daunting task, but as with most things, it can depend on how prepared you are. We tried to cover all of the tools and materials you could possibly need in this endeavor, so if you use them then we’re confident you will get it done in no time.
The best part about many of the suggested tools is that they would come in handy for so many household tasks and projects. But even if you just use them for the cameras, you can be confident that it’s all working towards making your home more secure.
If the security of your home and family is something you want to take control of, then implementing a camera system is a great way to get started. We hope this article helped get you started on your journey to making your home a lot safer!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Outdoor Security Cameras Have Audio?
This depends on the make, but many outdoor security cameras do indeed have audio capabilities.
Do You Need Wifi for Outdoor Security Cameras?
Many outdoor security cameras will need wifi for full functionality, but some of them record entirely locally to make them less reliant on wifi.
How Far Can Outdoor Security Cameras See?
This will depend on the make of the camera, as some can see further than others. It could also depend on lighting or weather conditions.