17/1/24 06:14

CCTV Control Room Setup

ttiSetting Up a CCTV Control Room: What You Need To Know

Alicia10/16/2023

It is common to find a CCTV room in or around office and apartment

buildings. These special rooms play essential roles as the security and
surveillance hub for any installation. Whether you are a security expert or a
home or business owner looking to improve security, having a CCTV room can
be an effective solution.

In this article, we will discuss things to keep in mind when setting up a CCTV
control room, its equipment, and how it is run, among other things. By the
end of this guide, you should have an idea of how to establish your CCTV
room.

Table of Contents

What is a CCTV Control Room?

Tips for Planning the CCTV Room’s Layout

Equipment in a CCTV Control Room

Standard Operating Procedures of a CCTV Control Room

Daily Checklist When Operating a CCTV Control Room

Duties and Responsibilities of Operators

How to Design CCTV Control Rooms? Example Are Here

FAQs

Conclusion
What is a CCTV Control Room?

CCTV (closed-circuit television) is a system of video cameras whose signals are

transmitted to a specific set of screens, primarily for surveillance and security
purposes.

Therefore, the CCTV control room is where CCTV footage is monitored, and
data is retrieved, analyzed, and processed. Usually the heart of a building’s
security system, the CCTV control room is a hub where security personnel
monitor and manage security systems and processes.

In today’s world, where we face several potential security threats, a CCTV

control room can serve as a critical line of defense.

Tips for Planning the CCTV Room’s Layout

For efficient performance of a CCTV control room, all equipment should be

well-organized and operate correctly. Therefore, adopting a sensible layout of the
room is essential. You should keep the following in mind when planning the
control room’s design:

Make your CCTV Control Room Sufficiently Spacious

It’s easy to underestimate how much space you need for your CCTV control
room. To determine if your intended CCTV surveillance room is large enough,
mark the floor or walls to note where your control consoles, chairs, video walls,
and storage units will fit.

Remember to avoid having potential barriers such as pillars or poorly placed

walls in your control room. These structural features may seem innocuous, but
they could cause issues with line of sight and effective use of space.

Ensure the Room is Well-lit

Lighting is an often-forgotten factor in CCTV control room design that can make
a massive difference for your operators. Overly bright lighting
can cause eye fatigue, especially at night. At the same time, you need enough
lighting for operators to use their equipment comfortably.

We recommend using multiple light sources designed for control centers to create
consistent lighting throughout the room.

Keep the Space Distraction-free

CCTV control room operators must often concentrate on multiple tasks and
systems simultaneously. This requires a distraction-free environment, so you
need to consider noise and other interruptions and take action to insulate
workstations from outside. If you haven’t built your control room, choose the
right place; keep your control room far from major roads, railways, airports, or
other busy areas.

Consider the Line of Sight

CCTV control rooms rely on operators to react and seamlessly work together
quickly. Sometimes, operators may need to look at large monitors in other
parts of the room. Every station needs clear lines of sight to essential screens
and displays. You may want to avoid pillars and other blockages in your
CCTV control room design that could obstruct the clear view.

Choose the Right Equipment for Your Operators’ Needs

As operators may have to sit in control rooms all day, you should try to make
their workstations comfortable. When shopping for buying equipment, conduct
research to choose the best options. Use adjustable, ergonomic equipment like
chairs and consoles built to last. These will allow operators to work comfortably
and with good posture.

Equipment in a CCTV Control Room

A CCTV control room will have various equipment depending on its size, your
budget, and objective. Below are some devices you can expect to find in a
CCTV room.

1. Control
consoles

These pieces of equipment allow the operator to adjust the surveillance system’s
functions, such as switching between video feeds and controlling and changing
camera settings.

2. Storage units

After capturing footage, CCTV surveillance cameras transmit signals to the

security camera recorders for saving and replaying key moments.
NVRs and DVRs are often employed in CCTV camera systems for constant
recording.

NVRs and DVRs can also be used for setting up home security systems. Reolink
home security system products could be a great choice.

3. Displays

CCTV control rooms heavily benefit from a decent display system that shows all
the videos captured by different cameras from distinct sources. Display systems
like video walls are an excellent choice for control rooms wanting to condense
many live cameras views into one area.

4. Workspace

Each operator works via a workstation to view real-time surveillance feed

display. A basic workstation comprises a desk, a chair, and a monitor.

5. Alarm system

Alarm systems alert control room operators to events of interest in a surveilled

area. Alarm monitoring in a CCTV control room allows personnel to respond to
these alerts and take appropriate action quickly.

6. Communication equipment

Examples are headsets and intercom systems, allowing operators to

communicate efficiently.

7. Network equipment

Equipment like routers, switches, and servers are usually used in CCTV systems.
This equipment allows video feed to be transmitted and managed across a
network.

8. Backup power

Power outages can compromise video surveillance, so a backup power source is

required to keep the CCTV room functional when power is down.

Standard Operating Procedures of a CCTV Control Room

Establishing clear standard operating procedures can help control room operators
perform their required roles in all situations. This can help to reduce confusion
and increase the efficiency of the control room. Some standard operating
procedures include:

1. Task assignment

Supervisory operators are in charge of this part. Surveillance areas are divided
and assigned among operators to ensure they have designated areas to work on.

2. Access control

Access control systems allow businesses to restrict access to certain areas or

facilities based on predetermined criteria.

This can include requiring individuals to present a valid identification card or

passcode to gain access. After receiving this information, CCTV cameras with
AI functions can automatically monitor and verify the identity of individuals
seeking access.

3. Remote monitoring
This is the primary task of a CCTV room operator. Remote monitoring allows
security personnel to monitor and respond to potential threats in their assigned
area.

4. Alarm system monitoring

Alarm systems are used to alert security personnel to potential threats. Once alarms
have been triggered, the operator should alert the necessary authorities.

5. Reports feedback

At the end of each day, operators should give detailed feedback on what
happened during their shifts. They can provide a written or oral report to their
supervisors.

Daily Checklist When Operating a CCTV Control Room

After the equipment is set up, it must be checked daily to ensure it is

functional for work. Below is a guide on things to inspect in a CCTV
room’s equipment:

Camera Checklist

The daily checklist about cameras may include the following: Checking if the

cameras’ lenses are focused and adjusted correctly. Checking for stains and

smudges on camera lenses.

Checking if the motion detection sensors are working properly. Checking if

camera functions like pan, zoom & tilt are working correctly. Checking for

obstructions in the camera view.

Storage Capacity Checklist

Ensuring surveillance footage is stored correctly and accessible. Checking for

sufficient storage space on the storage device.

Checking for repairs on storage devices

Wire and Cable Checklist

To ensure all equipment has a stable Internet connection, wires and cables should
be checked too.

Ensuring cables are in good condition and connected correctly. Checking for

exposed wires of equipment.

Control Equipment Checklist

Apart from the things mentioned above, control equipment, for example,
display devices, monitors, and other equipment, need routine checks too, like these
questions:

Confirming the displays, monitors, and other equipment are fully functional.

Ensuring footage is visible.

Adjusting the brightness and contrast settings of displays and monitors. Ensuring

the time and date stamp are correctly set.

Duties and Responsibilities of Operators

Once you’ve set up the CCTV room, you may need operators to handle daily
operating procedures. And their dusties and responsibilities include the following:

1. Observing surveillance footage

This involves sitting in front of a bank of several screens, constantly monitoring
the live footage coming from the surveillance cameras.

2. Operation of cameras

This involves adjusting camera settings and the occasional camera inspection to
ensure they work smoothly.

3. Use of security software

Security software can help security personnel more efficiently monitor and
manage the security systems. This can include software for managing CCTV
cameras, access control systems, and alarm systems.

4. Alert emergency responders

Operators will also be responsible for alerting authorities like the police or fire
station as the situation may require.

How to Design CCTV Control Rooms? Example Are Here

Below are picture examples of CCTV room layouts to help you visualize them
better.

Statement: We download all the pictures below from Internet. If the usage of
these pictures infringe your copyright, please contact us. We will remove them
from our post as soon as possible.

Example 1: Basic layout of a CCTV control room

Basic Layout By Russbassett

A spacious CCTV control room with different screen displays and individual
workstations for operators.

Example 2: Professional CCTV control room

Professional CCTV Control Room By

Insights

This photo shows the setting up of a more professional CCTV control room. A
large video wall is placed in front of the room where operators can watch live
views from surveillance cameras.

Example 3: Display screen

Display Details By WREXHAM

This is what the display equipment of a CCTV control room looks like; different
screens are arranged to form a video wall, with each screen displaying footage
from more than one camera.

Example 4: Operator position

Operator Position By Evolution Media Walls

Operators usually sit in front of display screens, carefully observing footage.

Example 5: Emergency response

Actions of Alarm Control By Intelligent Transport

When a potential threat or suspicious person is detected, operators inside the

control room will alert the appropriate responders.

Example 6: Ventilation Systems - Air Flow Design Air

Flow Systems By Control Room Consoles

A CCTV control room needs good ventilation to keep operators comfortable

and prevent equipment from overheating. The photo shows a specialized
ventilation system for control rooms.

FAQs

What Is the Purpose of Setting Up a CCTV Control

Room?

A CCTV control room is usually a central hub within a facility or organization

where security personnel control and monitor security systems and processes.
Setting them up mainly aims to monitor activities occurring inside a building and
protect people and businesses from potential threats.

What Equipment Should Be Inside a CCTV Control Room?

Essential equipment for a CCTV control room includes video storage devices,
workstations, access control systems, alarm systems, and other security
technologies.

What Is the Standard Size of a CCTV Control Room?

There is no standard size for a CCTV control room. Several factors can affect
the size, such as the requirements of the surveillance system and the number of
operators. You just have to ensure the location is spacious enough for your
setup.

How Do You Organize Different Areas of the CCTV Control Room?

Like every working space, the CCTV room can be organized into distinct areas,
depending on available space. This would allow the room to function as
smoothly as possible. Examples of the room’s sections are the viewing area,
communication area, control area, etc.

Conclusion

Establishing a CCTV control room requires good planning and consideration of

several factors. Operators, too, are essential, as they ensure the control room
works as efficiently as possible.

If you want to keep watch over an area, you can’t go wrong with a CCTV
control room, whether an amateur or a security expert. Hopefully, this guide has
given you basic knowledge of the workings of the surveillance room.
If you have any questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to share your ideas with
us in the comment section below!

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Alicia

Editor from Reolink. Interested in new technology trends and willing to share
tips about home security. Her goal is to make security cameras and smart home
systems easy to understand for everyone.

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