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