I joined CCTV/Access Control Installation Specialist Matthew Henely as we met on the campus of St. Edward’s High School in Lakewood, Ohio.

Today, the goal is to add one new camera to an existing network by obtaining a license, and then installing the new camera overlooking an entrance.

But first, I had to get a tour, so let me show you some of the existing security equipment that was installed on this project.

Security System Equipment That Gets Installed at High Schools

Here’s Matthew wiring S2 panels:

This is where the wiring for the access control system begins. The S2 Netbox is the access control system that lets the technician link all the biometric scanners to a network.

Wires must be run from the S2 box, through the ceiling, and eventually end at the four installed card access points.

Let’s get into some of the installed equipment around the school:

This is a biometric access system for specialized classrooms. This biometric screener is used to protect expensive chemistry equipment.

This is an installed Avigilon camera that will look down a hallway at St. Edward’s High School.

This is a biometric fingerprint reader allowing access to certain individuals seeking access to a brand new classroom.

This is a 270 degree camera installed on the exterior of the High School.

Let’s view the footage on the 270 degree camera on a computer screen. You can see that the camera can view both sides of the corner, as well as straight ahead, all at the same time.

Let’s Get into Installing a New Camera

The first step is to get into the Avigilon network to register a new camera and obtain a license. Obtaining a license enables you to register the camera online so you can unlock all the settings and recording options.

The second step is to choose a location for the new camera. Here, the goal is to view the entrance on the side of the High School:

This location grants the camera access to view the entrance of the High School (located on the right). There is open space, which is needed. Also, there’s a light next to this area, so installing a spherical camera wouldn’t make the camera seem out of context.

Next, we need to drill holes to be able to run wires from the ceiling (where the CAT 6 Ethernet Cable runs), which will be connected to the new camera.

Now we need to run the wire from the camera and pass it through the ceiling where it can link up the CAT 6 cord.

However, there is a very small opening, so we need to tape the cord to a wire pull rod to get the cord through to the ceiling.

Once the wire is secured through, it’s time to insert the camera and bracket:

The next step is to test out the camera to make sure it’s hooked up to the network and to make adjustments. We want to make sure there’s a clear view to the entrance of the school, as well as the walkway near the school.

Once the camera is adjusted to the customers liking, we secure the housing with caulk so no liquid/condensation/bugs can enter the unit and cause damage:

Once that’s complete, all you have to do is insert the cover and you’re done!

Conclusion

Hopefully you’ve learned something new about CCTV systems, the installation of a system at a high school, and the step by step process to install a new camera.