1. Using Wi-Fi Cameras Where a Wired System Is Needed

Wi-Fi cameras look convenient, but Pretoria’s real-world conditions quickly expose their weaknesses:

• Thick brick walls block signal.
• Load shedding resets routers and breaks connections.
• Neighbour Wi-Fi causes interference.
• Cameras disconnect randomly or freeze.

This results in frozen footage, missed events and unreliable recording.

The Fix

Use a wired IP CCTV system with PoE and proper Cat6 cabling. Keep Wi-Fi cameras only for casual indoor monitoring – not perimeter security.

2. Buying Cheap CCTV Kits with Poor Night Vision

Most criminals operate at night, yet many systems are chosen based purely on price. Common issues include:

• Image blows out when a light hits the lens.
• Faces are not identifiable at night.
• Weak IR performance and grainy images.
• System looks fine in daylight but fails when you actually need it.

The Fix

Choose 4 MP or 8 MP cameras with good low-light performance (e.g. ColorVu-type lenses), and proper weather-rated housings. Night-vision quality is non-negotiable.

3. Cameras Installed in the Wrong Positions

Positioning mistakes are some of the most common cctv mistakes pretoria homeowners make:

• Cameras mounted too high, so you can’t identify faces.
• Cameras facing directly into the sun, causing over-exposure.
• Poor coverage of entrances and gates.
• Pointing at neighbours’ yards instead of your own risk areas.

The Fix

Ideal mounting height is around 2.2–2.6 m. Cover entrances, driveways, gates and perimeter lines first. Use proper brackets and anti-corrosion fittings.

4. No Surge or Lightning Protection

Pretoria thunderstorms regularly destroy unprotected systems. Typical mistakes include:

• No surge arrestors on outdoor cable runs.
• Cheap multi-plugs instead of proper protection.
• Unprotected PoE switches and NVRs.
• Metal mounting without insulation or earthing.

The Fix

Install surge protectors on all PoE lines, use quality AC surge protection, ground the system correctly and avoid mounting directly on electric fences or bare metal structures.

5. No Remote Access or Alerts Set Up

One of the most frustrating cctv mistakes pretoria homeowners experience is having cameras but no usable alerts or remote view.

Common issues:

• No Hik-Connect or similar app configured.
• No push notifications for events.
• No line-crossing or intrusion detection set up.
• No backup storage or off-site recording.
• No access for multiple family members.

The Fix

Enable remote access, create proper motion zones and events, add human/vehicle detection where available and set up notifications that are tested on your phone.

Final Thoughts

Most Pretoria homeowners think their CCTV system is “fine” – until something happens. A quick professional assessment can reveal blind spots or risks you didn’t know existed.

Regular maintenance, cleaning camera lenses, updating firmware and checking recordings all help keep your system reliable. Integrating alarms and motion sensors with your CCTV adds another layer of protection.

By avoiding these common cctv mistakes pretoria residents make, you can dramatically improve the effectiveness of your system.