IP Camera Installation Checklist
Purpose
Use this checklist for every IP camera installation to ensure consistent, professional results. Complete each section in order.
Pre-Installation
| ✓ | Task | Notes |
|---|
| ☐ | Review site drawings / camera placement plan | Confirm FOV covers target area |
| ☐ | Confirm camera model and lens match job specs | |
| ☐ | Check PoE switch has available ports and power budget | PoE: 15.4W, PoE+: 30W |
| ☐ | Verify cable run path — no sharp bends, not near high-voltage | Max Cat6 run: 100m (328ft) |
| ☐ | Confirm mounting surface is structurally sound | Concrete anchor for concrete/block walls |
| ☐ | Have correct conduit / junction box if required | |
| ☐ | Have correct mounting hardware (wedge mount, pendant, surface) | |
| ☐ | Confirm camera firmware and VMS compatibility | |
Cable Run
| ✓ | Task | Notes |
|---|
| ☐ | Pull Cat5e/Cat6 cable from IDF/MDF to camera location | Label both ends |
| ☐ | Test cable with cable tester before terminating | All 8 pairs, check for opens/shorts/splits |
| ☐ | Terminate RJ45 using T568B standard | |
| ☐ | Punch down to patch panel at switch end | Label patch panel port |
| ☐ | Verify cable length does not exceed 100m total (cable + patch) | |
| ☐ | Weatherproof cable entry if outdoors (drip loop, silicone) | |
Mounting
| ✓ | Task | Notes |
|---|
| ☐ | Mark and drill mounting holes | Use camera base as template |
| ☐ | Install anchors / back box as required | |
| ☐ | Feed cable through mounting base | |
| ☐ | Mount camera — do not overtighten | |
| ☐ | Connect cable to camera (RJ45 or pigtail) | |
| ☐ | Seal cable entry if outdoor installation | Use manufacturer-supplied gasket or conduit fitting |
Power-Up & Commissioning
| ✓ | Task | Notes |
|---|
| ☐ | Plug into PoE switch — verify link light comes on | |
| ☐ | Camera powers on (status LED active) | Allow 2–3 min for boot |
| ☐ | Camera receives IP via DHCP or set static IP per project standards | |
| ☐ | Ping camera IP to confirm network connectivity | |
| ☐ | Add camera to VMS (Genetec, Milestone, Exacq, etc.) | |
| ☐ | Verify live video feed in VMS | |
| ☐ | Adjust lens / aim to cover intended FOV | Check image in VMS, not just physically |
| ☐ | Configure recording schedule and retention per client requirements | |
| ☐ | Verify recording is active and motion detection triggers correctly | |
| ☐ | Label camera in VMS with agreed naming convention | e.g. SITE-AREA-CAM01 |
Outdoor-Specific
| ✓ | Task | Notes |
|---|
| ☐ | Confirm camera has appropriate IP66/IP67 rating for exposure | |
| ☐ | Apply drip loop to cable before entry point | |
| ☐ | Use conduit or corrugated loom on exposed runs | |
| ☐ | Tighten all weatherproof fittings / gaskets | |
| ☐ | Check for IR reflection from nearby surfaces (night mode) | |
Final Sign-Off
| ✓ | Task | Notes |
|---|
| ☐ | All cameras visible in VMS with correct names | |
| ☐ | Recording confirmed on all cameras | |
| ☐ | No loose cables or exposed wire runs | |
| ☐ | Cleanup completed — packaging, scrap cable disposed | |
| ☐ | Document IP addresses, MAC addresses, port assignments | |
| ☐ | Client walkthrough completed if required | |
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