Pratham

A while back, some home security websites were promoting the use of dummy security cameras to deter burglars. However, experienced burglars know if a security camera is working or not. To protect your home, you should use working security cameras.With that said, intruders might deliberately disable your camera system, and this will put you at the risk of a break-in. For starters, you need to know whether you are using a real or fake camera.
A Google search is the best ways to see if you have a real camera and to research on any potential problems with your brand of camera. Here are tips to help you check if your security cameras are working.

Copyright: Unsplash | License: COO Public DomainCheck the Security Camera Software

Most security systems provide cameras with accompanying software, and you can use it to check whether it is working or not. Log into the software and see if you can view the live stream from your smartphone or control panel.

If you get a continuous video feed, it is working. If not, there could be a problem with the cable or the cameras.

Use Electronic Bug Detectors

A properly functioning security camera will produce a balanced signal. This is a video signal that is converted for transmission along a medium other than a coaxial cable.

Security camera systems ought to produce high-energy radiation in their specified range, and thus electronic bug detectors will figure out the status of the security cameras.

Are The LEDs On?

A majority of the security cameras have LED lights. If you see small LED lights around the lens, then the camera is working. LED lights are also a way to tell whether the camera has night vision capabilities.

During the day, use a book to block the light from falling on to the camera. If you see red lights, the camera is powered on and working.

You could also use your smartphone’s camera to see whether the security camera is on. Launch the camera app and point the lens directly at the camera. If it is working, you should see one or several white rays of light. If there are none, then your security camera is not working.

Is The Camera Lens Moving?

A pan-tilt camera is one of the best home security cameras there is today. When working optimally, it should continuously move horizontally and vertically if it is turned on. The camera should also make a distinct buzzing sound when rotating.

If it is constantly moving, then it is working. If not, check whether the tour or patrol function is correctly set up.

Use Your Wi-Fi

Using the Wi-Fi is a little-known method of testing whether your camera is working or not. You can do this by searching for nearby Wi-Fi devices from the control panel or the camera's smartphone app. If the camera is on, you will find the Wi-Fi device on the neighboring found list.

Use Camera Detecting Apps

If you can connect your smartphone to the camera via Wi-Fi, you can use it to check whether the security camera is working. There is a variety of camera detector apps you can use to know whether the camera around you is on and in a working status.

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Regular Maintenance

Over time, security cameras begin to malfunction, and only regular maintenance can keep them working properly. On top of this, an expert will be able to identify potential problems and ensure that the camera is in proper working condition.

You should also conduct weekly tests by looking for:

• Damage to the camera’s housing
• Corrosion on the camera's connectors
• That the cables are connected securely
• Dirty or smudged lenses
• Power supply

Without regular maintenance, the camera could stop recording and working all together. In the case of the power supply, modern cameras come equipped with back-up batteries. This ensures that they continue recording even when there is a power outage.
It is advisable that you get home security systems serviced at least once every six months. If it is not, ensure to schedule for maintenance as soon as possible.

Conclusion

A working camera is one of the best burglar deterrents today. An experienced burglar will be able to tell whether the security camera is working or not. For this reason, you should ensure that the security cameras are working optimally and correctly positioned to remove any blind spots.