How to Hide a Security Camera in a Window
Introduction
The popularity of security cameras has grown in the last few years. This is mainly because people are looking for additional ways to protect their property and more ways to catch criminal acts committed by intruders. There are many different types of surveillance equipment that you can buy for your home or business. These items include alarm systems, doorbells, safety lights, smoke detectors, and so on.
However, one item that is not widely discussed when protecting a person or place from crime is the hidden camera in a window. A hidden camera can be used for many different reasons, including protection, amusement, investigation, etc. Today I am going to discuss a technique on how to hide a security camera in a window. So let us get started.
Summary: Hiding a security camera in a window can be tricky, but with a bit of ingenuity and some supplies, it can be done. First, measure the width, height, and depth of the window you want to mount the camera in. Next, decide where you would like the camera to be mounted. This will help you figure out how much wire you will need. Finally, gather your supplies and get ready to install your camera!
Step-wise Guide on How to Hide a Security Camera in a Window
- Determine your camera placement by drawing a sketch of your window and locating your security camera on the sketch where you want it to be placed. Also, determine how high or you low want it to be mounted. Mark these dimensions as well, along with any other important information about the location of your camera, such as objects that may obstruct its view. Figure out how many holes are needed for mounting brackets. This is very important because “no bracket, no mount” means that if your security system has more holes than what fits into the glass or acrylic you plan to use, then this can lead to the weakening of the material and possible failure in holding up your equipment during heavy rain or strong winds.
- Install conduit into your opening and attach a length of black RG59 coaxial cable to it. This will be used to hang the security system from its bracket.
- Run the CAT-5e or CAT 6 Ethernet cable to your camera location after ensuring that you have secured at least two ways for ethernet wiring if one is compromised by water damage. Also, ensure you use three cable protection mechanisms on the wire(s), such as electrical tape, wire ties, or conduits.
The first is a waterproof conduit, then electrical tape and rubber electrical tape around the outer layer of this conduit. Also, run power wires (or 12 VDC power cables if your camera has this option) into the conduit and seal with more waterproof/heat resistant shrink tubing. Allow these cables to hang out of the opening and down into the room below where you work.
This will make it easier when mounts need to be attached later. Also, run your audio wires if this feature is included in your camera(s). That way, you can connect them after mounting conduit so that they don’t get mixed up with video/power wires during installation.
- Clean the window and funnel a large amount of dirt/debris down into the storm drain via the inside mount hole using an old paintbrush or similar tool. Using plastic tape, the cover area around the outside edge where frames are sealed together (if applicable). Use a blow dryer to heat adhesive areas from old weatherstripping and remove from both sides while carefully pulling from its edges near corners (if applicable).
- If glue was used to seal window frames together, remove the old glue and apply new construction adhesive outside the frame where the remaining weatherstripping is stuck fast. Be sure to cover a larger area than what you think will be needed for re-installation due to over-spilling onto surrounding walls. Secure this down with more plastic tape around the outside edge where windows are sealed together to keep it from coming loose while installing mounts later on.
You can also use sprayable silicone instead of construction adhesive if repairing the same spot during installation is unnecessary and you plan to completely redo the entire window installation in the future. Apply plenty of silicone inside the mounting hole before sliding in a piece of acrylic or glass to protect it from damage during installation.
- Sew up any tears/holes in old weatherstripping with threads on the inside and a hot glue gun on the outside (if applicable). Use clear filament tape to cover the seams and allow this adhesive to dry.
It is also recommended that you apply electrical tape around the edges of your cameras to keep them from being scratched by sharp tin snips when cutting through the window frame if they protrude slightly past the mounting surface (if using older analog cameras) since there could be some difference in their thickness due to years of exposure to heat, cold, humidity or other environmental factors which can cause slight warping over time. This will ensure that they fit in their mounts without causing damage to them.
Precautions While Learning How to Hide a Security Camera in a Window
- Covering a security camera with blinds may seem like a good idea, but if it is not done properly, you might as well have left the security camera open. Make sure that the blinds completely cover the lens of your hidden security camera.
- If you are hiding your wireless security cameras using curtains or any other mobile object in front of them, make sure that there are no gaps between the curtains and the window frames. Otherwise, anyone can lift the curtain and see what is happening inside your house or office through those tiny openings created by curtains/blinds!
- When installing a hidden remote control DVR security camera behind glass window panes, make sure to buy tempered glass made by reputable companies such as Corning, Pyrex, or Tempered Glass Company. This kind of glass is made to resist scratches and impacts very well.
- When installing a hidden wireless security camera behind windows, it is important to do proper planning first while calculating the distances between cameras and your remote viewing location, such as the room where you will be keeping your DVR security video recorder so that there are no blind spots in your surveillance system. You can keep an eye on all points inside the targeted structure 24/7.
Other Tips for Hiding Security Cameras
1. Use Decorative Planter Boxes :
Plant boxes are one of the most popular ways to hide security cameras behind plants, flowers, or trees at home and in-office surroundings. They can also be used to place small surveillance cameras inside it without being noticed by anyone else, especially if placed in a garden or back yard where no one enters much frequently except you and your family members that they will not figure out that there is something different in this planter box.
2. Place Hidden Camera In a Picture Frame :
Picture frames are quite common as they used to be placed almost everywhere; on home walls, office corners, reception areas, or even in a bathroom cabinet, but who said they are only for photos? You can hide your security camera inside it and place it anywhere you like to monitor the activities without being noticed. Simple drill a hole through it to fit micro spy cameras like Pinhole Spy Camera HD 1080P, Mini Hidden Camera GQ-S01, etc.
3. Use Wall Plugs :
Wall plugs can be used as one of the most effective ways to hide a surveillance camera behind them and use these mounted electrical outlets for charging removable battery packs such as Vivitar 5200mAh Rechargeable Battery Pack and other devices with USB connection interface at home or office locations. Just hide your cameras inside the wall socket covers and place them in the desired location, and you are good to go.
4. Use Socks :
Sock might be an odd choice for hiding security cameras, but what if I told you that you could do this trick at home? Just wrap socks around the covers of some removable battery-powered devices like Vivitar 2800mAh Portable Charger and hide them behind any background objects so well that no one will even notice it while recording or charging the device to its maximum level! For outdoor surveillance cameras, you may try using large socks like Nike Pro Combat, bigger than other products available on the market.
5. Use Pillows :
Pillows also work as great ways to hide surveillance cameras, especially when placed behind a sofa or armchair. It is hiding the camera and can be used to hide other small items such as USB chargers, removable batteries, etc.
6. Use Toy Cams :
You might wonder why I chose this unusual idea for a security camera. Well, it’s simple; toy cameras are always kept in children’s rooms so they can record all their daily actions and keep them as memories for them when they grow up. In addition, they will never think of checking these toys if they find some strange devices attached to them because kids will definitely love to play with toys that look like spy gadgets that will actually work just fine for recording purposes.
7. Use Miniature Dollhouses :
If your windows or doors have glass panes, now you can use miniature dollhouses to hide small surveillance cameras inside them without being noticed much. You can also install some fake mid-size rooms with different backgrounds, such as a kitchen or bedroom, and place them anywhere you like so that the viewers will not be able to spot any oddity while viewing from outside at your window sill.
8. Use Toys :
Suppose you are planning to hide security cameras inside toys for recording purposes. In that case, this is certainly the best way ever because kids will play with these toys almost every day from morning to night, and you wouldn’t want them to hit or throw them accidentally, causing damage to your hidden device. So buy some toy cameras online or at any electronics store near you and hide behind these toys that will be placed behind your child’s furniture.
9. Step
Use Fake Fireplace Remember the old days when we used to switch off lights and watch fire flames popping up on a fireplace from our bedroom window while laying in bed? You can do the same trick with a hidden camera inside it! Just place spy cameras inside it and position it at an angle of 180 degrees so that it can capture everything happening outside without being noticed easily. It is one of the most effective ways to hide your security camera.
Conclusion
I hope this article has helped me learn how to hide a security camera in a window. Ensure proper care while performing the tasks. Thank you, and have a nice day!
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