Whether you’re trying to deter parcel theft or enhance general home security, installing an external-facing CCTV is a practical way to protect your home. For the uninitiated or experienced homeowners looking to improve their home security, here’s a guide to installing these CCTV cameras to keep your home safe right from your doorstep.
Understanding HDB’s latest CCTV regulations
An example of a CCTV installed within the boundary of a home.
Image adapted from: APEK CCTV
You might have recalled seeing outdoor CCTV cameras on the list of illegal HDB renovations, but that doesn’t mean that having one installed is out of the equation. If yours is a special case and you find yourself in need of some extra security, you can seek approval from your town council.
As your corridor is considered a shared space, written permission is usually required but the rules can differ based on which town council you fall under. The process is said to take anywhere between 1-2 weeks, and the approval is valid for 6 months before reapplication is needed!
Thankfully, HDB does allow the installation of outward-facing CCTV cameras as long as the camera is situated within your gate, the external side of your front door.
Deciding between wired or wireless CCTVs
Image credit: SQ Feed
A common dilemma faced by homeowners is deciding between wired and wireless CCTV systems. Here’s a quick comparison to guide your decision:
| Factors | Wired CCTV | Wireless CCTV |
| Installation | Requires more invasive installation: drilling and wiring | Easy to install, often USB rechargeable or battery-powered |
| Stability | Lower risk of power or data interruptions | Generally stable, but might be dependent on Wi-Fi strength and battery life |
| Audio and video quality | Transmits higher quality audio and video signals quickly | Might have slight lag or lower quality footage, depending on network quality |
| Aesthetic | Wiring might be visible, might add clutter to your doorway | No obvious wiring, sleeker and tidier for more minimalist homes |
| Suitability for renters | Permanent fixtures that are less renter-friendly | Renter-friendly option: cameras can be attached with adhesive and magnetic mounts, no drilling required |
A seamless & legal outward-facing option: Smart doorbells
Image credit: @limkopihomu
Smart doorbells are becoming an increasingly popular option among homeowners. These devices combine multiple functions into a single device, such as a security camera, door viewer and intercom. Many models offer fuss-free installation, fitting neatly into the pre-existing HDB doorbell slot. Some models with built-in door viewers can even be installed into existing peepholes without requiring additional drilling, making installation more convenient.
Features to consider
Image credit: @glosx on Lemon8
Remote monitoring
Popular CCTV brands such as Xiaomi and Ring come with companion apps that allow homeowners to remotely view footage from their phones. These apps send real-time notifications when any visitors or loiterers are detected, offering peace of mind even when you’re away from home. This function also saves you the hassle of repeatedly opening your door throughout the day, especially when you’re eagerly waiting for an online shopping delivery.
Range of vision & night visibility
To ensure that your surroundings are fully covered and protected, cameras with wide-angle or panoramic view features are recommended to help eliminate surveillance blind spots. In addition, built-in night vision ensures the camera remains effective in low-light conditions for 24/7 surveillance.
Memory capacity
Most CCTV systems support Micro SD cards for local storage. For example, a 256GB card can store up to 21 days’ worth of video footage. Some brands also offer cloud storage with paid subscription plans, allowing you to access past footage conveniently.
Video timestamping
For instances where CCTV footage is required as evidence, timestamping is an important part of proving your evidence. Be sure to check that your CCTV records the exact time and date of the video recording, which can be helpful if any incidents occur.
Powering your CCTV
To ensure the longevity of your CCTV surveillance system, it’s important to have a stable power source and internet connection. In particular, wireless CCTVs may need recharging or battery replacement every few months, so it’s important to keep track of battery levels to avoid any lapses in surveillance.
A strong Wi-Fi signal is also essential for your CCTV to transmit and receive data without disruptions. If your wifi signal is weak near your front door, Wi-Fi mesh extenders can help to optimise network coverage for your CCTV.
Keeping your footage safe
It’s a good idea to invest in trusted CCTV brands that offer encrypted storage and cybersecurity features to safeguard your home surveillance data. These brands can store your recordings in a secure cloud environment to reduce the risk of data loss or unauthorised access. Just like your bank account, it’s important to use strong and unique passwords for your CCTV accounts to keep them protected.
Follow CCTV etiquette
Image credit: Lester Chan
CCTV installation
While installing your camera, it’s crucial to be mindful of your neighbours’ privacy—it should only capture your immediate corridor and avoid facing the door or windows of your neighbour’s flat. During installation, you can check the camera’s coverage range to ensure that it captures your doorway without intruding on your neighbour’s space.
For units facing each other, consider using a mounting bracket to adjust your camera angle. Brackets are available to shift the angle inwards by 15° to 45°, ensuring that your camera isn’t pointed directly at the opposite unit.
Informing your neighbours
While it’s not compulsory, it can be a good practice to inform your neighbours that you have installed an external-facing CCTV and assure them that it’s for general safety. When properly positioned, CCTVs can help deter parcel theft and improve the security of the corridor.
Installing an external-facing CCTV at home
Whether you’re living in a quiet corner unit or along a high-footfall corridor, an external-facing CCTV can enhance your home security and offer peace of mind. With a suitable setup and thoughtful placement, the camera not only safeguards your home but also contributes to a safer corridor, while respecting your neighbours’ privacy.
For more tips to improve home safety:
- 6 best parcel lockers for your HDB corridor
- 4 types of digital door locks and where to get them
- 9 easy ways to fireproof your home
Cover image adapted from: APEK CCTV, SQ Feed, @snowsstory on Lemon8
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