Can You Add Cameras to an Existing Commercial Security System?

If you’re here, you’re likely longing to enhance your commercial security system with cameras. If you had video surveillance, you could easily monitor activity across your property and better protect your customers, employees, and assets. At the same time, the idea of tearing out what already works doesn’t make much sense. Your system is in place and working, so why start over?

The good news is, you don’t have to! Phil & Son, Inc. has been helping business owners upgrade their security systems since 1972. Trained professionals, like those on our team, can typically add cameras to your existing setup without any issues.

To add cameras to your current security system, a professional will need to do the following:

• Check system compatibility with existing hardware and software.
• Upgrade or expand the Network Video Recorder (NVR) if needed.
• Rework or extend power and wiring routes for new camera locations.
• Integrate new cameras into your existing network for seamless monitoring.

With just four steps, you can have a stronger security system.

How Do I Find Cameras That Are Compatible With My Current Security System?

Compatibility is the first and most important step in adding cameras to your security system. Cameras that seem identical on the outside may communicate differently. If you select incompatible cameras, they may not connect to your system at all, or they may cause performance issues such as poor image quality and system crashes.

A trained technician will evaluate your current setup to determine system requirements and compatibility. The technician will:

• Identify Your System’s Technology: They will determine if your system uses analog, HD-over-coax, or IP-based technology to select the correct camera type.
• Match Camera Specifications to Your Network Video Recorder (NVR): The technician will check the camera’s resolution and encoding formats to align with your NVR’s capabilities, which support clear image quality.
• Confirm Brand and Third-Party Compatibility: They will verify brand-specific requirements and ONVIF support, allowing different manufacturers’ devices to work together smoothly.

After this evaluation, the technician can move forward with your camera installation.

Will I Need to Upgrade My NVR to Add More Cameras?

Once you have the right cameras, you may need to upgrade your Network Video Recorder (NVR). An upgrade presents a valuable opportunity to improve your security system’s capabilities. Your NVR determines how many cameras your system can support and at what quality it records footage. An upgrade may be necessary based on:

• Channel Limits: Each NVR supports a specific number of camera channels, such as four, eight, or 16. If all channels are in use, you will need an NVR with more channels to add cameras.
• Storage Capacity: More cameras require more storage space to retain footage. A new NVR can offer greater hard drive capacity, letting you store video for longer periods without sacrificing quality.
• Performance and Features: Newer NVRs often support higher-resolution cameras and advanced features such as artificial intelligence analytics. Upgrading allows your system to use the latest camera technology effectively and prepares it for future growth.

A security technician can determine if an NVR upgrade is necessary and walk you through your options.

What Changes Need to Be Made for Wiring and Power?

After your NVR system update, your new cameras can be installed. This process may require adjustments to your wiring and power configuration to support the upgraded equipment and maintain a clean, professional appearance. A professional installer will evaluate how your current system is wired and determine the most efficient way to build on it.

Here’s what that can involve:

• Extending Cable Runs to New Areas: New cameras often require different wiring. The installation may involve running new Ethernet or coaxial cables to each camera location. Professionals route these cables discreetly through walls, ceilings, and conduit to protect them from damage and preserve your facility’s appearance.
• Choosing the Right Power Method: Modern cameras can be powered in a few ways. Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a common solution that sends both data and power through a single Ethernet cable, simplifying the setup. If PoE is not an option, dedicated power supplies will be installed near the cameras.

Once all your cameras are properly wired and powered, you’re just one step away from having video surveillance.

How Are New Cameras Integrated With My Other Security Systems?

After the physical installation, the final step is to integrate the new cameras into your existing security network. This stage is important because it allows the cameras to communicate with your system, making daily monitoring simple for you and your staff.

This technical process includes several key actions:

• Network Configuration: Each camera is added to the network and assigned a unique IP address. This allows the devices to communicate and function correctly within your system.
• System Customization: Recording schedules are configured based on your operational hours, and motion detection settings are adjusted to match the activity levels of different areas.
• Remote Access Setup: Secure remote viewing capabilities are established so you can check your property from any authorized device, wherever you are.
• Dashboard Synchronization: Finally, all camera feeds are synced into one unified security dashboard. This gives you complete control and a comprehensive view of your entire facility from a single screen.

With these steps complete, your expanded surveillance system is fully operational and ready to go.

Strengthen Your Entire System With a Simple Upgrade

You do not need to replace your entire setup to get the visibility you want. When you hire the right security system expert, adding cameras to an existing commercial security system is typically straightforward. A professional will know exactly what to do, complete the job quickly, and leave your property secure.

Schedule a system evaluation with our team at Phil & Son, Inc. today. We will gladly review your property and show you how easily your current setup can be expanded.