Installing an outdoor security camera is a great way to enhance your home’s security and give you peace of mind. SimpliSafe offers several outdoor camera options that are easy to install and provide high-quality video surveillance around your property. This guide will walk you through all the steps necessary to properly mount your SimpliSafe outdoor security camera.
Choosing the Right Location
The first step in mounting your SimpliSafe outdoor camera is deciding on the optimal location. Here are some factors to consider when choosing where to install your outdoor security camera:
Coverage Area
Determine which areas of your property you want the camera to monitor. Think about entryways like driveways and walkways, yards, patios, or anywhere else an intruder may approach from. Choose a mounting spot for the camera that provides a wide vantage point of your desired coverage area.
Power Source
SimpliSafe outdoor cameras need to be placed in proximity to an electrical outlet in order to be powered. Take into account the length of the power cable on your camera model when choosing an installation location. If you need to place the camera far away from an outlet, you may need an outdoor-rated extension cord.
WiFi Connectivity
Your SimpliSafe camera needs to maintain a strong WiFi signal in order to stream video back to the base station. Test the WiFi strength in potential mounting locations before permanently installing the camera. Consider using a WiFi range extender if needed.
Height and Angle
Ideally, you’ll want to mount your outdoor security camera 8-15 feet off the ground, angled slightly downward to optimize the field of view. Make sure the camera’s view isn’t obstructed by trees, shrubs, or fixtures on your property.
Shelter from Weather
While SimpliSafe outdoor cameras are weatherproof, mounting your camera under shelter such as an eave or awning provides additional protection from rain and sun. Just make sure the shelter doesn’t obstruct the camera’s view.
Selecting the Right Mount
SimpliSafe provides several different mount options for properly securing your outdoor security camera in place. Consider the composition of the mounting surface and the viewing angle you want when selecting the optimal mount for your situation.
Wall Mount
The wall mount bracket is best used when installing the SimpliSafe camera on the side of your home or other vertical surface. It provides adjustable tilting so you can fine-tune the camera’s viewing angle.
Eave Mount
Eave mount brackets allow you to install your camera underneath an overhang or eve. The design keeps the camera sheltered while angled down to monitor walkways and entry points below.
Pedestal Mount
A pedestal mount elevates your SimpliSafe camera higher for broader surveillance coverage. It allows for 360-degree panning and 90-degree tilting to customize the viewing angle.
Corner Mount
Corner mounts position your camera where two walls meet, providing wide-angle views of two adjacent areas. They also make your camera less noticeable to intruders.
Patio Mount
SimpliSafe’s patio mount fits well on balconies, porches, and deck railings. A ball joint lets you adjust the tilt and swivel for the optimal angle.
Installing the Mounting Hardware
Once you’ve selected the ideal mounting location and hardware for your SimpliSafe outdoor camera, it’s time to attach the mount. Here are the basic installation steps:
Step 1: Mark holes for drilling
Place the mount against the mounting surface in the exact position desired. Use a pencil to mark pilot holes where screws will be inserted into the wall or eave.
Step 2: Drill pilot holes
Take the mount back down and use a power drill to drill pilot holes in the marked locations. The holes should be slightly narrower in diameter than the anchor screws. This allows the anchors to grab firmly.
Step 3: Hammer in anchors
If your mounting surface is wood or vinyl, you can screw directly into it. For surfaces like brick, concrete, or stucco, first hammer screw anchors into the pilot holes using a mallet.
Step 4: Secure the mount
Hold the mount against the surface, lining up the screw holes with the pilot holes or anchors. Insert the mounting screws and tighten them with a screwdriver until the mount feels snug and stable.
Attaching the Camera
With the mounting base firmly attached to the surface, you can now securely screw in your SimpliSafe outdoor security camera:
Step 1: Connect wires first
If you have not already done so, connect the power cable and any other wiring coming from the camera prior to mounting it. This prevents having to work in tight spaces later.
Step 2: Align the camera
Carefully align the base of the camera with the mount so the screw holes line up properly. Slowly lower the camera into place over the mount.
Step 3: Tighten the screw knob
There will be a large plastic screw knob on the underside of the camera base. Tighten this firmly until the camera feels fully secured on top of the mount.
Step 4: Adjust angle and position
Your SimpliSafe camera base allows you to tilt, swivel, and pivot the camera as needed to achieve the optimal viewing angle. Make minor adjustments until you have the right coverage zone in sight.
Routing and Securing Cables
SimpliSafe cameras have cables for power and WiFi that will need to be connected and secured:
Use exterior-rated cable
For outdoor installations, use only outdoor-rated, weatherproof extension cables if needed. Normal indoor cables can deteriorate when exposed to the elements.
Neatly route cables
Route cables from the camera down the wall neatly using mounting clips or cable staples. Keep cables tucked close against the wall or eave rather than dangling loosely.
Avoid tripping hazards
Position cables going along the ground so they do not stretch across walkways or dangle where people could trip over them. Use cable ramps over high-traffic areas when necessary.
Prevent cable snags
Keep cables away from places where they could get snagged or pulled loose, like tree branches or corners. Use the appropriate length cable for your setup.
Connect camera to power
Connect your SimpliSafe camera to a nearby outdoor electrical outlet using the provided power adapter. Use weatherproof outdoor covers for all outdoor outlets and connections.
Finalizing the Installation
To complete your outdoor security camera installation, finish up with these final steps:
Secure loose ends
Use cable ties, clips, wraps, or tape at connection points and along the cable length to keep everything neatly tied down and prevent loose ends from dangling.
Test the feed
Verify that your camera has power and is transmitting video back to the SimpliSafe app by monitoring the live feed. Tweak the camera angle if needed.
Check on it periodically
Check your outdoor camera periodically to make sure cables remain securely attached and the camera angle hasn’t shifted out of position. Perform any necessary maintenance promptly.
And that covers the complete process for properly mounting your SimpliSafe outdoor security camera! Taking the time to find the optimal location, angle, and mounting method will ensure your outdoor camera provides reliable 24/7 surveillance. Contact SimpliSafe customer support if you have any other questions arise during installation.
FAQs About Mounting SimpliSafe Outdoor Cameras
Can I install my SimpliSafe camera myself?
Yes, SimpliSafe cameras are designed to be set up by the owner in a DIY manner without professional assistance. Just make sure to follow all the provided mounting and installation instructions closely.
Where is the best place to mount my outdoor camera?
The ideal mounting spot places your SimpliSafe camera in an elevated position (8 to 15 ft off the ground) with a wide vantage point of driveways, doorways, yards, or other areas intruders would enter from.
How do I mount my SimpliSafe camera under an eave?
Use an eave mount bracket secured to the underside of the eave. Make sure the overhang does not obstruct the camera’s field of view and that drainage from the roof won’t damage the camera.
What surfaces can I mount my outdoor camera on?
SimpliSafe cameras can be mounted on any sturdy material like wood, vinyl, brick, concrete, and stucco walls using the appropriate screw anchors for the material.
How do I prevent rain or snow from damaging my outdoor camera?
Install your outdoor camera under an overhang or eave to provide shelter from the elements when possible. SimpliSafe outdoor cameras also have weatherproof casings.
What if I can’t reach an electrical outlet for power?
Use an outdoor-rated extension cord to safely extend power from an outlet to your WiFi security camera location. Evaluate cord placement to avoid tripping hazards.
How can I improve my outdoor camera’s WiFi connection?
Position the camera closer to your WiFi router, install a wireless range extender, or set up a dedicated outdoor WiFi extender for your security cameras to strengthen the signal.
How can I make my outdoor camera less noticeable?
Using a corner mounting bracket or eave installation can partially conceal the camera compared to a full wall mount. You can also try painting the camera to blend in with its surroundings.
When should I replace my outdoor camera mount?
Check mounts periodically for damage or looseness. Replace any mount that becomes cracked, corroded, loose, or otherwise unfit to securely hold your outdoor security camera.
Conclusion
Installing a SimpliSafe outdoor security camera is an easy DIY project that can completed in just a few steps. By properly selecting the optimal mounting location, hardware, and installation method, you can set up a surveillance camera that reliably monitors your property despite harsh weather conditions or security threats. Don’t settle for subpar video footage or equipment failures. SimpliSafe’s outdoor cameras and compatible mounts are built to withstand the elements and deliver 24/7 security right to your smartphone. Give yourself peace of mind by effectively mounting your outdoor camera today.