How to Maintain CCTV Cameras

Check that every camera is actually recording

Open the recorder (DVR or NVR) or the mobile app and play back footage from yesterday for each camera. A live picture only tells you the camera is on; playback tells you it is saving video. If a channel shows "no recording" or a gap in the timeline, note the date and the camera.

Keep the lenses clean

Dust, rain marks and spider webs make the picture blurry, especially at night when the infrared light reflects off them. Wipe the lens gently with a soft, dry microfibre cloth. Avoid household glass cleaners and rough paper, which can scratch the lens or its coating. For cameras that are high up, use a stable ladder and someone to hold it, or ask a technician.

Test night vision

Look at each camera's picture after dark. A clear black-and-white image is normal. If the picture is very dark, very white or shows a bright glare, the infrared light may be blocked, dirty or reflecting off a nearby wall or glass.

Check the camera angle

Storms, birds, cleaning or curious children can move a camera. Compare the current view with what it should cover: the gate, the entrance, the counter or the parking spot. A small change in angle can leave an important area out of view.

Look at the recorder's storage

The hard disk inside the recorder fills up and overwrites old footage automatically. In the recorder menu, check that the disk shows as "normal" and see how many days of recording you actually have. If you need footage from further back, ask about a larger disk or different recording settings.

Check cables, connectors and power

Look for loose connectors, chewed or cracked cables, and water near outdoor junction boxes. Make sure the recorder has airflow and is not covered by clothes or boxes. If your system runs on an IPS or UPS during power cuts, check that the backup still lasts as long as you expect.

Keep the date, time and passwords right

A wrong date or time makes it hard to find footage when you need it, and recordings may not be accepted as a clear record. Check the clock on the recorder after long power cuts. Change default passwords and do not share the admin password widely.

Know when to call a technician

Call for help if a camera shows no picture, the recorder keeps restarting, the disk shows an error, recordings have gaps you cannot explain, or you need to add or move cameras. Describe what you see and share a photo of the screen; it makes the visit quicker.

Monthly CCTV checklist

• Play back yesterday's footage on every camera.
• Wipe dusty or wet lenses with a soft cloth.
• Check the night picture on each camera.
• Confirm each camera still covers the right area.
• Check disk status and how many days are recorded.
• Look for loose cables, water and blocked airflow.
• Check the recorder's date and time.

Need CCTV help in Rajshahi?

KajKori can arrange CCTV installation, repair and maintenance in Rajshahi City. Call or WhatsApp our team with your location, the number of cameras and what you have noticed. Scope and cost are confirmed before any work starts.