Security is always a priority in any commercial business. The same is true for any outdoor area that is illuminated. One might think that a well-lit area is enough to deter criminal activity. However, security light poles with LED lights may not be enough as thieves will find a way to stealthily access valuables even in the brightest commercial lighting situations. For example, parking lots are well-lit areas, but reports of items being stolen from cars are common in the news. Even the vehicles themselves are targets, making outdoor security for your business a priority.
One way to add to the preventative measure of lighting is installing security cameras. Studies have shown that security cameras are highly effective in deterring crime when combined with other deterrence methods such as improved lighting. Now, you can combine both theft deterrents by installing a security camera on your existing light pole(s). Mounting security cameras on light poles provides a more elevated height. The light pole height allows for a panoramic and unobstructed view. This enhances surveillance coverage and discourages potential intruders when they observe it. It also makes it almost impossible to tamper with. Let's look at how you can install a security camera on a light pole and some of the options available to you.
Can I Put a Security Camera on a Light Pole?
Yes, you can put a security camera on a light pole. As a matter of fact, installing surveillance cameras on light poles is a great way to kill two birds with one stone. Instead of separate poles for lighting and security, you can use your existing pole for two items. It saves you money since you don't have to buy a new pole for the camera, and it looks better. It also eliminates the need for additional wiring because there is already an existing power source for the light fixture.
The attachment of the security camera is easy by installing a security camera bracket. Many of the brackets on our website can be used for camera mounts:
- Bullhorn Brackets are useful for mounting multiple items on a pole. Their steel or aluminum construction is built to withstand the elements with ease. They come in several styles and can mount two or more cameras on a round or square light pole.
- Right angle brackets can be mounted to poles of any material, including wood, steel, aluminum, and fiberglass. They are also great for mounting a camera on a wall.
- Wrap-Around Brackets can have one to four arms and are made for round poles with a diameter of 7-13 inches. Our wrap-around brackets are made from galvanized steel which can withstand corrosive environments.
- Sports Lighting Brackets are useful for mounting a camera to your sports lighting setup. The brackets can hold multiple items if desired.
- Wood Pole Brackets: If you want to mount a security camera to your wood pole, there are many choices, including cantilever, steel tie rod, aluminum tie rod, upsweep, cross arm, and elliptical brackets.
Before installing a security camera and its associated mounting hardware to a light pole, it's best to know if the pole can safely handle the additional load. You'll need to determine the EPA rating of all these components, including the light fixture(s) that is already mounted.
What Types of Security Cameras are Compatible with Pole Mounting?
There are three types of security cameras that are compatible with pole mounting based on their shape:
- Bullet Cameras - These are the most common type. They don't tilt or pan unless adjusted manually, making them ideal for specific spaces.
- Dome Cameras - Like bullet cameras, they have a fixed viewing angle. Unlike bullet cameras, their dome casing makes it difficult to determine the direction they point.
- PTZ Cameras - Pan-tilt-zoom cameras can pan, tilt, and zoom manually or automatically. They have a motorized base which allows for flexibility of movement.
It's also important to note that any security camera that is mounted on a light pole outdoors must be able to withstand the elements. They need to have an IP (ingress protection) rating of IP66 or higher.
How Do I Install a Security Camera on a Light Pole?
Once you've decided that you're ready to install a security camera on your light pole, it's a good idea to know how to install it so that you understand the process better. The following is a list of general steps that can be followed for a security camera mount:
- Choose the correct bracket: There are many types and sizes of brackets, just as there are different types of materials that poles are constructed from. Plan ahead, so you are sure to use the best bracket for your purposes.
- Consider exact camera placement: Plan on where you want the camera to be mounted and the desired height. Take into account existing lighting and any extraneous lighting in the area.
- Get up to the desired height safely: Depending on how high you want to install the security camera, a ladder may not give you enough height. A cherry picker or bucket truck will offer more height and more safety.
- Mount the camera: Depending on the type of bracket, you may need to drill holes into the pole to securely attach the bracket.
How Do I Manage Power and Data Transmission Connections for a Security Camera Mounted on a Light Pole?
First, you’ll need to understand the connectivity technology used by different security camera types:
- Analog security cameras use analog format to capture video signals and then use coaxial cables to transmit them to a monitor or DVR. These cameras are pretty basic and do not have special features like video analytics or motion detection.
- IP security cameras use digital technology to send video data over an IP network like a LAN or internet. Video data is stored on a network storage device or uploaded to the cloud.
Next, you’ll need to understand the difference between wired and wireless security cameras.
- Wired security cameras are directly connected to a monitoring or recording system via cables (coaxial or ethernet). These cables supply power to the camera and also transmit video signals.
- Wireless security cameras use power adapters or batteries to power the camera. Video data is transmitted via wireless communication like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to a router or LAN.
Any cables used for power or data transmission can be wired through the light pole to keep them safe from tampering. You can also tap into the existing power source used for the light fixture. Backup power options include outdoor UPS battery backup and solar power kits.
Should a Security Camera Be Installed Above or Below Lights?
Security cameras should be installed below the lights. Every effort should be taken to keep the light fixture out of view of the camera. This is to prevent the glare of the light from interfering with the camera's view. Ideally, the light should flood the camera's view range without shining directly into the camera.
Suppose the camera is installed above the light. In that case, the light fixture can obstruct the camera's view, and the glare would greatly reduce the visible portion of the picture. In addition, it is important to take into account any outside light sources that may be in the camera's view, like street lights or floodlights. These lights create bright spots that become blind spots for the camera, which can defeat the purpose of installing the camera.
How Do Security Camera Poles Differ from Light Poles?
Security camera poles are specially made to carry a security camera. Like light poles, they are available in aluminum, steel, and fiberglass. Light poles may have a slight sway in high wind conditions. This sway is perfectly normal, and the movement does not affect light dispersal.
Security camera poles are more rigidly constructed to restrict movement in high wind conditions to prevent this from occurring. They are also installed with anchor bolts for a secure base. However, any swaying or movement of a camera mounted security pole would result in an unstable image for the camera and a shaky video.
Can I Buy a Security Camera Pole?
Sure, you can. You may have a situation where you want to install a security camera on its own pole without mounting the camera to an existing light pole. If that is the case, there are certainly options available to you.
We have security camera poles available, including aluminum, steel, and fiberglass. Our camera poles come in various shapes, including round, round tapered, square, and hinged poles.
- Square poles have more surface area which allows for more space when installing fixtures or cameras.
- Round and round tapered poles have better wind resistance and are more aesthetically appealing.
- Hinged poles allow for easier maintenance and installation without the use of lift buckets or scissor lifts.
Heights come in 10-, 15-, 20-, 25-, and 30-foot sizes. Our security camera light poles can be configured to suit your security application needs.
Before purchasing a security camera pole, you'll want to consider the geographical and environmental characteristics of the area where it will be installed.
- The salt and moisture in the air around coastal areas can accelerate corrosion on security poles. This is especially true with steel poles. Aluminum and fiberglass poles are much more corrosion-resistant and are recommended in these types of areas. If you must use steel, make sure that it is galvanized.
- Some areas in the United States, such as around the Great Lakes, along the coast, or in the mountains encounter stronger wind conditions than other parts of the country. EPA ratings are used to determine if poles and their associated fixtures can meet the requirements of a given geographical area.
- Vibration can have a big effect on pole-mounted security cameras. Poles installed on structures such as bridges or atop parking garages are especially prone to vibration. This causes the camera’s video quality to degrade because of the movement. One solution to this is to use vibration dampers.
LightMart.com Can Help
Security is a priority and installing security cameras on your existing light poles is a great theft deterrent. With all the choices that need to be made, it can get confusing. Don't worry. LightMart.com is ready to help you with all of your lighting and light pole security camera needs.
With over 250,000 poles sold, we have the necessary experience to guide you to the right decisions. Visit our website to contact us or call us today at (866) 702-6255 to talk with one of our experts.