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Electrician and tech expert Ricky Kosmopoulos shares his security camera installation tips.
Every day around Australia, private homes, jobsites and businesses are hit by thieves. Household valuables, tools, site supplies – pretty much anything not bolted down – can be targeted. But there’s a straightforward answer to help keep you and your clients safe: home security technology.
From something as ubiquitous and simple as a sensor light, to the hi-tech world of facial recognition doorways, there’s a range of possibilities to prevent your business and clients from becoming a statistic. Even better, knowing the products and how to install them is a business opportunity, says Victoria-based electrician and security tech expert Ricky Kosmopoulos of Prokop Electrical Services.
Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
“If you listen to the radio or watch the news you’ll know crime is up,” Ricky says. “Your clients will also realise that, but often they don’t know which steps they should be taking and that’s where you can help. I arrive armed with stats when I visit a client.”
The latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show more than 160,000 victims of robbery via Unlawful Entry (break-in) per year, with the numbers rising in most states – and some areas have specific issues that can benefit from tailored security solutions.
If a laneway is getting hit by graffiti or rubbish dumpers, for example, a sensor light can be enough to deter them. If it’s break-ins, then something more could be needed.
“People often aren’t aware of a problem in their area until it’s too late,” Ricky says, while cautioning: “You’re not there to scare anyone, but knowing what they should be on the lookout for in their area can affect what solutions they may need.”
For a lot of clients, the first thing they’ll ask for is CCTV. Given how effective the cameras are and how simple they are to use, that’s a logical choice, but is that really enough? A static camera with motion sensor at a home or business entrance will give instant updates via a mobile phone app on anyone arriving, but it’ll be far more effective with lights. Does it need an alarm as well? What about an intercom to question the visitor? And what about smartlocks?
“This is where your knowledge comes in again,” Ricky says. “Ask what sort of budget your client has and what features they want, then do a walkthrough of the site and look for any vulnerable areas. Good cameras can be installed for less than a thousand dollars. A full array can be $10,000 or more, and sometimes it’s a combination of cameras, lights, alarms and more traditional security options. Your job is to help them decide what they need.”
“It is 100 per cent in your best interests to know what technology is available and how it works,” Ricky says. “That way if someone contacts you with a query, you can immediately suggest solutions.”
Plus, once you’ve done that site inspection, you’ll spot where the various options can go.
“A motion-sensor light, for example, can make a camera far more effective,” Ricky points out. “An alarm will let anyone know they’ve been detected and an intercom means real-time conversations can sort out if someone is there to make a delivery (which can be safely done via a smart remote-access door lock) or if the police need to be notified.”
The question of what security someone needs is open-ended, Ricky says, so the best way forward might be to ask what they were planning to spend and then you’ll know what to suggest.
“Again, it’s not about upselling,” he says. “It’s about educating clients on what’s best for them. They’ll appreciate it and you’ll get more work.”
Even without a detailed brief on what your client wants, there are some logical starting points to suggest to them. Here are four:
The Ring Stick Up Cam is a fantastic example of an entry-level camera that is simple to install and use. A single battery charge should last up to three months, while sensitivity levels and exclusion zones can be set, sending the notification of anyone detected to a smartphone. There is also a speaker to interact with the visitor (unwanted or otherwise). Even the basic subscription package keeps the footage for later viewing at an offsite location, so what the camera sees is always available.
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Swann Xtreem4K Wireless Security Camera, I/N: 0562011
The SwannBuddy4K Wireless Video Doorbell can be connected either via existing doorbell wiring or wire-free, offering 180-degree viewing in 4K ultra HD with talk-back capabilities via intercom. Detecting heat, motion, vehicles and more, this provides instant notification of anyone approaching the front door – even in darkness – with video stored in the device and offsite. Paired with remote-access locks, this tech option will change the front door security of any home.
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Eufy Smart Touch Lock With Wifi, I/N: 0247101
The Gainsborough Liberty Smart Entrance Lock is a sleek home or office battery-powered security option with a back-up USB power source providing the ultimate peace of mind. Forgetting keys is a thing of the past because, although it still has a physical lock, it also features an advanced fingerprint sensor and keypad, as well as the ability to lock and unlock using just your voice by connecting to Alexa or Google through Orion’s Grid Connect Wireless Hub (sold separately).
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Eufy Security Video Smart Lock, I/N: 0385502
The Swann MaxRanger4K Security System is 100 per cent solar powered, so it’s always charged – even in a power failure – and it features a Wi-Fi base that is up to 20 times stronger than others.
This also means that the cameras can be mounted in more suitable and discreet locations: on walls, doorways, in the garden, in sheds – wherever they are needed. The system also includes lights, sirens, an intercom and more, and all of it can be accessed and controlled via a simple app.
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EufyCam 3 4-Camera Kit With HomeBase 3, I/N: 0429564
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Disclaimer
Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores but may be ordered online or at the special orders desk.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
