CCTV · guide for installers

CCTV hard drive selection — information needed for the design

Check recording assumptions before selecting storage and finalising a CCTV estimate.

Prepared by EnergyHouse · Updated: 19 October 2026

Before selecting a drive, establish the camera count, required retention period and recording mode. Continuous recording and event-triggered recording use different assumptions. Do not promise a particular number of recording days based only on disk capacity.

Hikvision catalogue in EH Designer — finding specific models
Hikvision catalogue in EH Designer — finding specific models. Screenshot of the Polish interface. Demonstration project; appearance and prices may change with updates. Click to enlarge.

Workflow

EH Designer helps select a hard drive for the CCTV project. Before accepting the result, review the camera and recording parameters used in the estimate. Treat the result as a design assumption to check against supported drives and recorder capabilities. Record the target retention period and assumptions in the quotation so the client understands what the estimate covers.

Choosing a model from the catalogue

Search for the exact model in the appropriate system or manufacturer’s catalogue.

  1. Choose a system in the catalogue and enter a product name or model code. Adjust the category filter if needed.
  2. View opens product information. Select prepares the device for placement; then click its installation location on the plan.
  3. On a computer, you can also drag a product card onto the plan.
  4. After placement, check the object type, cable, route and mounting height in its details.

Prices and stock levels come from the catalogue’s data source. Check current availability before purchasing.

How the estimate total is calculated

The estimate depends on selected scopes, line items, quantities, rates and discounts.

  1. Open Estimate and check which items are included in the estimate and quote scope.
  2. Check equipment, wiring and service items, including quantities and net prices.
  3. Complete the design, installation and programming rates for the project.
  4. Check discounts and the assignment of shared items to scopes.
  5. Compare net, VAT and gross totals. If only part of the price is visible, check scopes and permissions first.

Deselecting a scope excludes it from the estimate and quote without deleting its devices.

Rack cabinet and shelves

The U size specifies the device’s mounting height in the rack.

  1. Choose Rack cabinet from the view menu and set the cabinet size.
  2. Add a switch, recorder or other device using Add to rack, or drag the model into the cabinet.
  3. Check U heights and occupied positions. Add shelves where devices need support.
  4. Move a shelf or change its U position. Check that the moved assembly does not overlap other devices.
  5. Run the cabinet check before exporting documentation.

Try it in your own project

Open EH Designer on a computer with a mouse. Start with one room or part of the installation, review the result and expand your project. For available plans, see pricing.

Create an EH Designer account

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