5 Tips for Doorbell Camera Placement

Choosing the precise location for your doorbell can be as vital as buying a premium device because the positioning of your doorbell will significantly influence its effectiveness.

So, here are five tips for doorbell camera placement that will ensure your doorbell functions at its maximum efficiency.

The Importance of Proper Doorbell Camera Placement

Proper placement of your doorbell camera is crucial to maximise its functionality and get the most out of its features. Here are a few points to underscore its importance:

• Optimised field of view: Correct doorbell camera positioning provides an optimal field of view to adequately monitor the area around your front door. It’s important to ensure the camera captures visitors’ faces and doesn’t just provide a view of the top of their heads. A poorly placed camera may not capture vital footage, reducing its effectiveness as a security tool.
• Effective motion detection: The placement of your doorbell camera directly influences the motion detection feature. A well-positioned camera will accurately detect and record movement in its vicinity, ensuring that you receive prompt notifications about any activity around your front door. In contrast, a poorly positioned camera may result in frequent false alarms or missed alerts.
• Reliable connectivity: Placing your doorbell camera in a location with a strong Wi-Fi signal ensures it maintains a stable connection, providing uninterrupted live video feed and instant alerts. Poor connectivity can result in lagging or intermittent video feed, making real-time monitoring difficult.
• Enhanced night vision: Proper doorbell camera placement is also vital for enhanced night vision. The camera should be positioned in a location where it’s free from direct light sources such as streetlights or porch lights. These lights may interfere with the infrared technology used in night vision, reducing the camera’s ability to capture clear images in low-light conditions.
• Weather protection: Positioning the camera under an eave or overhang can shield it from adverse weather conditions, extending its lifespan. Exposure to harsh weather elements may damage the camera and impair its performance over time.
• Avoiding obstructions: It is essential to place the camera in a location free from obstructions such as tree branches, decorations, or reflective surfaces that might interfere with the camera’s field of view or trigger false-motion alerts.
• Privacy considerations: When positioning your doorbell camera, it’s essential to respect others’ privacy. Placement should focus on capturing images within your property boundaries and avoiding areas where neighbours or passers-by may expect privacy.

Proper doorbell camera placement significantly influences the device’s functionality and effectiveness as a security tool. Now that you have a basic understanding of how a proper doorbell camera placement can do wonders in your home security, it’s finally time to share some tips on how to implement it.

Tip #1: Opt for the Right Height

Creating an all-encompassing field of view starts with setting your doorbell at the correct height. For a ring doorbell, this generally means mounting it approximately 48 inches (around four feet/ 1.2 metres) above the ground. This height allows it to detect motion effectively and provides an excellent view of incoming visitors while avoiding passing cars.

However, knowing the height is not solely limited to the distance from the ground. It’s equally important to keep your doorbell close to the front door without compromising its functionality. If placed too far from the door frame, the doorbell’s camera may not aptly capture the view of the person at the door, thereby defeating its purpose.

Tip #2: Maintain the Right Angle

The angle at which your doorbell camera is positioned plays a crucial role in its motion reading efficacy. Horizontal movement is most effectively detected by motion sensors, which means the camera lens should be angled to capture such movement for optimal motion detection.

In this context, it’s worth considering tools like wedge mounts if your doorbell camera isn’t facing directly towards the area you want to monitor. These wedges, often available in the installation kit of your ring doorbell pro, allow you to adjust the angle horizontally and vertically for the best camera view.

Tip #3: Reconsider the Location

Sometimes, better motion detection comes from considering not just the placement of the device but what you want your device to capture. For a ring doorbell, putting it on the door frame on the side of the door close to the street maximises its field of view, allowing the capture of incoming visitors but minimises false alarms from random street movements.

That said, a lot also depends on the doorbell wires that connect to the power source. For hardwired ring doorbells, the placement may be limited by the wiring system. In such cases, carefully position your ring doorbell correctly to make the most of your doorbell setup.

Tip #4: Ensure Adequate Wi-Fi Connection

Your ring video doorbell’s primary function is to provide a live video feed anytime you want or whenever it detects motion. However, if your doorbell camera’s placement is too far from your Wi-Fi source, it might not function correctly. Therefore, when deciding on the doorbell placement, proximity to an effective Wi-Fi connection should be factored into the decision.

The ring app on your smart device can help you test the connection strength in your chosen location before installing your doorbell camera there. If the signal is weak, you may have to rethink the position or consider getting a Wi-Fi extender.

Tip #5: Protect the Device from Weather Elements

Whilst ensuring the technical aspects of the doorbell camera placement, don’t forget the physical aspects as well. Exposing your ring doorbell to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight could impact its video quality and functionality. This includes everything from overheating to a glare blocking your camera’s view.

While doorbell covers and shades are available to guard against the direct effects of weather, the best approach is to position your doorbell camera on a flat surface that’s safe from weather extremities. An optimal placement would be under an eave or on a wall with a slight overhang.

Hire a Professional for Proper Installation

Installing your ring video doorbell may seem straightforward, but it involves careful consideration of many factors. Therefore, to ensure that you have the perfect doorbell’s field for maximum efficiency, consider hiring a professional.

Whether you’re opting for a hardwired ring doorbell or a passive infrared one, professional expertise can guide your doorbell’s proper positioning, guaranteeing that it provides a broad and effective detection area that perfectly captures the surroundings without hindering the doorbell’s field of view.

Keep Your Home Safe with Proper Doorbell Camera Placement

From choosing the correct height to considering the conditions that may alter your doorbell’s performance, the process of doorbell camera placement involves thorough scrutiny of each factor. With these tips at your disposal, ensure the effective positioning of your doorbell to achieve the best possible security view of your space.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See After Hours Electrical’s Terms & Conditions here.