How to Mount a Security Camera

Hi, I’m Jake. I’ve been installing security cameras for over 10 years now, and what used to be a painstaking process doesn’t have to be these days. 

There’s a variety of methods to mount security cameras, each of which depend on the application you’re using the camera in. For example, outdoor cameras can be mounted inside boxes which have heaters and fans inside to control the environment.  Mounts will also vary based on the type of camera, such as Dome, Bullet, Turret, and PTZ, which may have different mounts. 

In this post, I’m going to talk about some of the most common methods of mounting security cameras and when they’d be most applicable. Stick around to the end and see how NOT to mount a camera.

Most common types of camera mounts

To really get to the bottom of what the most common type of mount, we have to take a closer look at the most common types of cameras on the market and check them out individually. 

At this point, the two most common types of cameras on the market are Bullet and Dome cameras, followed by Turret, PTZ and others. 

Dome cameras typically mount via a metal plate. The plate will be attached to the wall with screws, either into a stud, or attached via an anchor. 

Once that plate is attached to the wall, you can attach the camera interior body to the plate, usually with recessed screw holes or screws held in place by a spring. (Specifically referring to Hanwha Techwin cameras here)

Once the camera is attached, you’ll finally need to screw the dome cover on. Be sure the camera is facing the right direction, and is focused prior to installing the dome if you have a manual focus camera.

Let me know if you’re interested in more of a step by step with photos in the comments and I can do some demo mounts. 

Bullet cameras are similar in nature, but typically have an additional ‘back box’ which gets attached to the wall, instead of a metal plate. It serves a similar purpose, but gives you the ability to have a wire more easily tucked inside, or a conduit that comes out of the back box. Most back boxes have a conduit hole accessory. 

Now, how to attach them. 

First, you’ll need to attach the ‘back box’ to the wall. This will usually be accomplished by screwing the back box into the stud, or by anchoring into the wall and screwing into the anchors. Make sure this is secure, because bullet cameras have more pull from the wall since they sit further out than their dome equivalents. 

Next, screw the bullet portion into the base plate. Be sure that the ethernet and/or power connections are all connected up before sealing the box. Some boxes, like the Hanwha Techwin bullets, may have an extra panel that will also need to be closed and screwed down. 

Turret cameras usually mount in the exact same fashion as Dome cameras. They will have a metal ring that attaches to the wall, then the camera attaches to the ring. Be sure that the ethernet and power cables are pushed through the wall, too. 

PTZ cameras are usually mounted outdoors, and hang upside down from a gooseneck mount from a pole or building. 

These are going to be the most complicated type of mount, so i’ll walk you through it step by step. 

First, the back plate portion which the gooseneck arm attaches to needs to be banded to the pole. This is completed using a Banding Tool, metal banding material and a hammer. Once the back plate is attached to the pole (or if you’re attaching to a building, just use anchors in the brick/screw into the studs) you will need to attach the gooseneck arm to the plate, usually with 4 bolts. 

Once these are in place, there is usually a cap piece that gets threaded on. Be sure to use plumbers tape if you’re mounting outside, to keep it weather proof. 

Finally, push the camera on and twist. Each manufacturer will have a slightly different method of these last two steps, so be sure to refer to the manufacturer’s materials. 

Drop-Ceiling Mounts

Interior PTZs can be installed with a drop ceiling mount. These are significantly easier than the wall mounts for outside. 

With these mounts, you’ll cut a hole in the drop ceiling the size of a provided stencil. 

Next, clip in the camera in that hole and spread the metal springs. Allow gravity to pull the springs down and sit flush, and slide the drop ceiling tile back in. 

What’s great about drop ceiling mounts are they can be installed with little to no tools. I’d say a razor blade would be best, at least for cutting the hole in the drop ceiling. 

Non Permanent mounts

Some of the newer consumer grade equipment has been working on non permanent magnetic mounts. For example, the Wyze Cam V2 has magnets in the camera’s base, which attach it to a provided metal washer. 

The washer is then attached to a surface with 3M double stick tape, also provided with the camera. 

This method of mounting makes it so anyone can have a camera in their home, even renters who can’t put holes in the walls. 

I posted a few weeks ago about a magnetic mount I made for a camera the other day. Check it out by clicking here!

Exterior mounting

Any time you’re mounting outside, be sure to take the time to make sure everything is weather tight. Cameras are typically specially designed to be used outdoors, and will have support equipment such as goosenecks, back boxes, and conduit that may be required in order to make a properly water tight installation. 

How NOW to install a security camera

Every once in a while I come across a hack job DIY project and you can’t help but laugh. Here’s a perfect example of how NOT to install a security camera.

Conclusion

While these are definitely things to keep in mind, they shouldn’t keep you from installing security cameras around your home. There’s a variety of mounting methods available, in this article we covered only the most common. Get creative! I’ve used the Wyze Cam V2 magnetic mount to attach it to cars, bucket trucks, ladders, workbenches, and microwaves. 

What creative mounts can you come up with? Tell me in the comments!