Security is always a priority in any commercial business. The same is true for any outdoor area that is lighted. One might think that a well-lit area is enough to deter criminal activity. However, the LED security 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 cars 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 they are 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). Let's take a 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 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.
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 to mount 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.
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 are 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.
Should a Security Camera Be Installed Above or Below Lights?
Security cameras should be installed below the lights. In fact, 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 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. Similar to 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 security camera poles 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. Heights come in 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 foot sizes. Our security camera light poles can be configured to suit all of your security application needs.
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) 441-7871 to talk with one of our experts.