A guide to setting up a home security system

Home security has come a long way from a basic alarm and a front-door light. Today’s systems are more accessible, more intelligent and easier to install, which is great news for homeowners and renters alike.

But before you start adding security cameras to every corner, think about the reasons why you want to install a home security system:

• Do you want to deter intruders?
• Protect your household?
• Have peace of mind and remote access to your home security while away?
• Keep an eye on deliveries or simply feel more at ease day to day?

It’s likely all of the above and more. Get the basics right – from placement to power – and you’ll have a system that works quietly in the background, doing exactly what it should.

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

At a glance: What you need to know about home security

• Make sure you angle security cameras only on your own property.
• “CCTV in operation” signage is considered best practice.
• Smart security systems have improved to include features such as auto tracking, clearer nighttime footage and AI-powered detection and alerts.
• It's best to have backup batteries or a backup power system in case of power outages.
• You can choose to connect your system via batteries, Wi-Fi, wired Ethernet or Network Video Recorder (NVR).

What are the rules of setting up a home security system?

• In Australia, you can generally video your own property – think front doors, driveways and entry points – but not areas where others have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as inside neighbouring homes or backyards. John Fleming, general manager of the Australian Security Industry Association, says a common mistake is to position cameras too broadly. “Even unintentional capture can lead to complaints or legal action,” he warns.
• Taking a few minutes to angle cameras correctly and use settings that block out parts of the camera’s view can save you from repositioning equipment later – or worse, dealing with disputes.
• Audio can be even more sensitive. Recording conversations without consent is often prohibited, depending on your state or territory. While signage isn’t always mandatory, a simple “CCTV in operation” sign is considered best practice. It shows transparency and can also help deter unwanted behaviour.

What is the latest in smart home security?

If your last experience with security cameras involved grainy footage and false alerts, things have changed. Nick Nigro at Reolink says there have been major leaps in smart home security over the past few years, including:

• AI-powered detection: Cameras can distinguish between people, vehicles and pets, reducing unnecessary alerts. “With smart alerts, you can be in control of what you’re notified about, making the system more useful,” says Nick.
• Increased capability: “Higher-resolution cameras, including 4K, allow you to zoom in without losing detail — critical for identifying faces or reading number plates,” he adds.
• Auto-tracking: Cameras can follow movement to keep a subject in frame, while dual-lens designs provide both a wide view and close-up detail at the same time. “For users, it’s the difference between ‘something happened’ and ‘I can clearly see what happened’,” says Nick.
• Home security is shifting towards prevention, not just recording: Marcus Tomczak of Eufy says products are now used for more than just capturing an incident as it happens. “They can track and deter threats before an incident occurs,” he says.
• Improved night performance: Newer systems are able to capture clearer footage in low light, sometimes even in full colour, giving you more usable vision.

Can a home security system work without a power supply?

When the electricity supply goes out, your security system can go with it – unless you plan ahead. “Security systems should be supported by backup power sources to maintain operation during mains power loss,” says John. A small Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) system will keep key components like cameras, routers and control panels running during outages. Built-in backup batteries are another option, but they should be tested regularly to ensure they’ll work when needed.

Is home security better wired or wireless?

Wired Ethernet systems with encrypted protocols offer superior security; wireless systems transmit through radio frequencies can be vulnerable to interception and depend on network password strength.

• Wi-Fi cameras are quick to install and ideal for renters or D.I.Y. set-ups. You can place them almost anywhere, often without the need for drilling, and take them with you when you move.
• For a more permanent solution requiring installation by a licensed sparkie, wired Ethernet or Network Video Recorder (NVR) systems are more reliable, offering continuous power and 24/7 recording. They’re better suited to larger homes or long-term set-ups where you want dependable, round-the-clock monitoring.
• Battery-powered cameras sit somewhere in between. They’re useful in spots where wiring isn’t practical — sheds, fences or driveways — and can often be paired with solar panels for low-maintenance charging.

Tip: Want to improve your home security? Check out this handy guide.

Frequently asked questions and answers

Q: What is the best place to put security cameras at home?
A: Outdoors wise, focus first on entry points such as front doors, back doors, garages and accessible windows. From there, layer your set-up. A video doorbell covers the front approach, cameras monitor blind spots and motion-activated lighting removes dark hiding places. Keep paths well lit and trim trees and shrubs to ensure clear sightlines.

Indoors, a simple tabletop camera in the hallway can keep an eye on entry points (or pets) without any installation – a good option for tenants or apartment-complex dwellers.

Q: How is security system footage (recorded surveillance data) stored?
A: Local storage, such as SD cards or NVR systems, avoids ongoing subscription costs and keeps footage on-site, while cloud storage offers backup, with easy remote access.

Q: Where should I avoid putting home security cameras?
A: Avoid placing security cameras in the following areas:

• Bedrooms;
• Bathrooms;
• Private changing areas; and
• Never point cameras directly into a neighbour’s property or private windows due to legal privacy concerns.

Additionally, avoid mounting outdoor cameras too low (within arm’s reach), directly into blinding sun glare, or facing reflective surfaces that wash out nighttime vision.

Keep in mind…

Any hardwired electrical fixtures must be installed by a licensed electrician.

Ready to D.I.Y. your home security?

Check out our article on how to install security cameras.

Photo credit: Arlo, Ring, Swann. 

[disclaimers]
Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.