CCTV · guide for installers

How to position cameras around a building and set their direction

Prepare a clear CCTV layout with camera directions, fields of view and a review of blind spots.

Prepared by EnergyHouse · Updated: 19 October 2026

For a demonstration house, four corner positions and a separate entrance camera can be a useful starting point. This is a discussion example, not a universal camera count. The final layout depends on building geometry, obstructions and the purpose of each view.

Five cameras around a building — demonstration project using the Dahua catalogue
Five cameras around a building — demonstration project using the Dahua catalogue. Screenshot of the Polish interface. Demonstration project; appearance and prices may change with updates. Click to enlarge.

Workflow

Aim corner cameras along the external walls, outside the building outline. Select a camera and rotate its field using the handle while observing its position relative to the wall. An entrance camera can face directly towards the entrance area. Do not accept a layout just because coloured fields cover the drawing: check that no camera points into a wall. The illustration shows five Dahua cameras in a demonstration project.

Cameras and sensor detection areas

The area shown on the plan helps assess the device’s direction and coverage.

  1. Add the exact camera model from the catalogue and select it on the plan.
  2. In its details, set the range, field-of-view angle, viewing direction and mounting height.
  3. For Optex sensors, check the green detection area and adjust its parameters to the mounting location.
  4. Verify the route type: CCTV to the rack, wired alarm sensors to the alarm panel.

The coverage drawing is a design aid. Range and geometry must match the specific model’s documentation and installation conditions.

Layers and object visibility

Layers control what you see on the plan without removing devices from the project.

  1. Open Layers and select the object groups you need.
  2. Deselect groups that get in the way and check which floor is active.
  3. If an object disappears, check layers and filters before adding the device again.

Hiding a layer does not exclude its items from pricing. Change the estimate scope separately.

Cable routes

The route type defines the device’s connection destination.

  1. Select an object and check Cable route in its details.
  2. Choose the correct destination, such as a distribution board, rack or alarm panel.
  3. In Wiring, select the installation type to view the relevant routes.
  4. Check the route after replacing or moving a device.

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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