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Avoid Installing Cameras on or Near Windows

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  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/23/avoid-installing-cameras-on-or-near-windows.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, December 23rd 2025 at 5:33 GMT by The Independent

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The Ultimate Guide to Avoiding the Worst Spots for Home‑Security Cameras

When it comes to protecting your home, a well‑placed security camera is one of the most effective deterrents against burglary and vandalism. Yet the very effectiveness of a camera can be undermined by poor placement. A recent feature in The Independent – “Where to avoid installing a home‑security camera – the worst spots” – delves into the common pitfalls of camera positioning, offering a practical roadmap for homeowners who want maximum coverage without sacrificing privacy, security, or convenience. The piece is richly illustrated, supported by links to deeper dives on camera technology, DIY installation, and home‑security best practices, and draws on expert advice from security consultants and product specialists.

Below is a concise summary of the article’s key take‑aways, broken down into the “worst spots” to avoid, the reasons why they’re problematic, and the recommended alternatives that keep your footage reliable, discreet, and compliant with privacy laws.

1. Avoid Installing Cameras on or Near Windows

Why It Matters

• Visibility to Intruders: A camera positioned behind a window can be seen from the street, letting burglars gauge its field of view.
• Easily Tampered With: Windows are one of the easiest points for a thief to break into and remove the camera.
• Legal Concerns: In many regions, recording through glass that faces public property can raise privacy issues if the footage is shared publicly.

Recommended Fix

• Mount cameras on the opposite wall of the window or slightly above eye level on the interior. Use a wide‑angle lens so you capture the window area without making the camera itself obvious.

2. Don’t Place Cameras in or Near High‑Traffic Areas (Hallways, Living Rooms)

Why It Matters

• Privacy Violations: Cameras inside living rooms, kitchens, or hallways can inadvertently capture family members or guests in intimate moments, which can be a breach of privacy and a legal risk.
• False Alerts: Constant motion in busy rooms often triggers false alarms, draining your alerting system and battery life.

Recommended Fix

• Focus your cameras on entry points: front door, back door, and garage entrances. If you must monitor a hallway, use a camera with advanced motion‑detection that can distinguish between a person and a pet, and set it to ignore certain zones within the frame.

3. Avoid Ceiling‑Mounted Cameras with No Obstacle Protection

Why It Matters

• Easily Accessible: Ceiling mounts can be reached from a ladder or a sturdy chair, allowing an intruder to tap the camera or disconnect its power.
• Blind Spots: A camera that is too high can miss a lot of detail at ground level, especially if there are pets or children moving in front of it.

Recommended Fix

• Mount cameras on the wall at an angle that offers a “ground‑level” view. If you still need a top‑down perspective (e.g., a roof view for a small property), choose a weatherproof, tamper‑resistant mount that’s hard to reach.

4. Never Install Cameras Directly Above Doorways or Door Frames

Why It Matters

• Obstruction: A camera above a doorway can be blocked by a doorway itself or the person passing through, resulting in a narrow field of view.
• Vulnerability to Tampering: A camera that’s directly above a door can be removed by simply stepping in front of the doorframe.

Recommended Fix

• Place the camera on the opposite wall, angled toward the doorway, or slightly above and behind the doorway to capture a clear view of anyone entering or leaving.

5. Avoid Cameras Near Sensitive or Private Rooms (Bathrooms, Bedrooms)

Why It Matters

• Legal Issues: Many jurisdictions have strict rules about recording in bathrooms or bedrooms. Even if the camera is not aimed directly at the interior, the possibility of capturing sensitive footage can lead to liability.
• Ethical Concerns: Your family members may not want to be recorded without explicit consent.

Recommended Fix

• Use cameras outside of these rooms, focusing on entry points or adjacent hallways. If you need to monitor a room for security (e.g., a high‑value room), consult local regulations and consider placing a camera in the doorway with a clear indication that recording is occurring.

6. Avoid Installing Cameras in Close Proximity to Wi‑Fi Routers or Power Lines

Why It Matters

• Signal Interference: Cameras that are too close to routers or other RF emitters may experience interference, resulting in dropped frames or lag.
• Power Supply Issues: If you’re using wired cameras, proximity to power lines can increase the risk of accidental unplugging or shorting.

Recommended Fix

• Keep cameras at least a few feet away from routers and use a dedicated PoE (Power over Ethernet) adapter if possible. For wireless cameras, place them within the optimal range of your router (usually 30–50 ft).

7. Avoid Low‑Resolution Cameras or Those with Poor Night‑Vision

Why It Matters

• Inadequate Footage: Cameras with low megapixel counts or weak night‑vision can produce blurry, grainy footage that’s difficult to identify.
• False Negatives: A camera that can’t clearly capture a face or a license plate leaves you blind to critical evidence.

Recommended Fix

• Opt for at least a 1080p resolution camera with infrared night‑vision capable of at least 15 ft of clear visibility. Brands such as Arlo, Ring, or Nest often provide integrated night‑vision options, but always check the specifications before purchase.

8. Avoid Installing Cameras in “Easy‑Reach” Areas

Why It Matters

• Tampering or Removal: Cameras that are within reach (e.g., on a counter or low shelf) can be removed or repositioned by an intruder or an untrained family member.
• Safety Concerns: Cameras on exposed wires or low posts can be hazardous, especially to pets and children.

Recommended Fix

• Use mounting hardware that allows the camera to be secured to studs or other structural elements, and consider a “hidden” or “discrete” model if the camera’s visibility is a concern.

The Bottom Line

Proper camera placement isn’t just about maximizing coverage—it’s also about protecting the privacy of your household, ensuring the integrity of your footage, and preventing tampering. The Independent article offers a practical checklist:

1. Prioritize Entry Points – Focus on doors, windows, and driveways.
2. Use Angled Wall Mounts – Capture a broader view and reduce blind spots.
3. Check Legal Restrictions – Stay compliant with privacy laws.
4. Use Quality Hardware – Invest in cameras with sufficient resolution and night‑vision.
5. Secure the Mounting – Ensure the camera is hard to reach and tamper‑proof.

The article also links to companion pieces that explore how to integrate cameras into a full‑blown smart‑home security system, how to set up motion‑detection thresholds to avoid false alerts, and a comparison of wired vs. wireless camera systems. By following the guidelines above—and staying aware of local regulations and technological advancements—you can install a security camera network that gives you peace of mind without compromising your home’s safety or your family’s privacy.