Security cameras are a smart way to protect your business. They deter crime and bring comfort to both employees and customers. However, without proper maintenance, these units may not provide a clear and uninterrupted picture. Here are some simple steps that will help ensure continuous operation.

How to Take Care of Commercial Security Cameras

1. Regularly Clean the Lenses

Over time, dirt and debris can coat camera lenses, making the image unclear and ineffective for security purposes. To prevent this, clean the lens every couple of months. It's also wise to clean the lenses of outdoor cameras immediately following harsh weather. 

To start, remove any dirt or debris stuck to the lens with a glass or lens cleaner. A microfiber cloth works best because its tightly packed fibers make it highly absorbent, removing contaminants and preventing streaking. If the camera is housed in plastic and/or metal, wipe down those surfaces too.

2. Perform Semi-Annual Inspections 

To avoid system failures and malfunctions, perform a thorough inspection at least twice a year. First, use the controls to move and zoom the camera, making sure each command is carried out seamlessly. 

Check indoor and outdoor power supplies to ensure connections are secure and not corroded. A professional should address loose or frayed cables and damage to the housing, such as cracks in the polycarbonate, which might let in water or encourage tampering.

3. Prioritize Landscaping

Maintaining the areas around your security cameras is crucial to their effectiveness. Keep an eye out for any shrubs, trees, branches, or vines that might block the camera’s views. The growth should be trimmed back periodically, and the equipment should be checked for nesting insects or animals. Any critters that have made a home near cameras can be removed to prevent the obstruction of views and damage to equipment.

Protect your business with security cameras from ACC Telecom, serving a 50-mile radius around Columbia, MD, and Washington, D.C. for nearly 40 years. These IT experts carry a range of state-of-the-art workplace technology solutions to help make your business safer and more connected. In addition to surveillance systems, they provide cloud-based and VoIP phone systems, and they're proud to boast an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau®. Call (410) 995-0101 to discuss their large selection of cameras and learn more about their surveillance products online.