How to check if a security camera is on or working?
Knowing whether a security camera is on or not might be important for some of us. Here we are introducing 5 ways that would help you notice if a camera is working. Let’s see what are them:
1. Observe Movement
In order to spot whether the camera is off or on you should observe its movement. If you install a pan tilt type security camera, you can see this type of cameras will rotate continuously when it’s on. Also, when it is rotating you would hear a distinct buzz. Keep in mind that some of the fake security cameras also have movement and they can rotate. Beware! Don’t be deceived by them.
If you have set up the patrol/tour function of the pan tilt IP camera, you can see it moving constantly when in working status.
2. Log in to Your Security Camera Software
This is a solution in cases you want to check your own security camera. Do this in order to check whether you can view the live streaming in your software or not. Now you can identify if your camera is working.
For example, you can turn on your monitor to see whether your IP CCTV camera is recording video tape. If the footage is showing up correctly, your camera is working and it is on. If not, it would be either the cable or the camera issue. Try to fix it.
3. Check LED Lights
Check the status of the LEDs in the security cameras. If the camera is an infrared one, you are able to see small red lights around the lens of the security camera in the dark, when this security camera is working. It’s also a quick way to tell if a security camera has night vision.
Moreover, you can block the light falling on your security camera using a book or any covers. If you see the lights turn red, it means that the security camera is working.
4. Use Electronic Bug Detectors
We can say that it’s also a pretty easy way to detect hidden cameras, or check if there are surveillance cameras are around.
When cameras are on or in working status would produce what is called a balanced signal. A balanced signal is a video signal that has been converted for transmission along a medium other than coaxial cable.
Security cameras would transmit higher energy radiation in their specified range. Thus you can use the electronic bug detectors in order to find out the status of the cameras.
5. Check whether the security camera is real or fake
You may need to identify whether the security camera is real or fake. Actually, if it’s a fake camera, it will never be on.
These 5 steps were some obvious signs to show if a camera is working and is on or not. Of course there are some other ways for detecting this issue. If you have something more to tell, you can share your unique points in the comment below.
