There are many things that the owner of a CCTV system can do in terms of periodic maintenance however there are just as many things that must be accomplished by a qualified technician. Only a qualified technician can be sure that an auto iris lens is functioning properly. Only a qualified technician can inspect the head end equipment, multiplexer, video tape or digital recorder and monitor and insure that the equipment is working at its full specifications. If the environmental controls (heater and fan) in the camera housing are not functioning properly then the service life of the camera and lens in the housing will be reduced.

Cables that are not protected from the environmental conditions can become deteriorated. The insulation on the cables can crack and let in moisture. This moisture degrades the video signal produced by the camera. Multiplexers and recorders, especially video tape recorders must be cleaned and maintained. Should the heads on the video tape recorder become clogged with the iron oxide that is on the tape, there will be no images recorded on the tape to play back. Monitors must be cleaned and free from dirt and dust. The dirt and dust that accumulates on the monitor builds up heat inside of the monitor and reduces the lifespan of the monitor.

The simplest way to have CCTV maintenance preformed is for the owner of the CCTV system sign a maintenance contract with the provider of the system. The existence of the maintenance contract will insure that if one of the components in the system fail (and like any machine CCTV systems do fail) the component will be replaced free of charge or with a nominal charge. The cost of replacing components is often far greater than the entire cost of the maintenance contract.

Choosing a CCTV maintenance contract is a valuable asset for the owner of the CCTV system. The cost of the maintenance contract is often far less than the cost of the replacement of the component that failed. With a CCTV maintenance contract in place the owner of the CCTV system can be certain that not only is his equipment being maintained but that the cost of replacement of a failed component is minimal.

Did you learn something about CCTV maintenance? Find out more: Maintenance Equipment