Where Should I Place My Recorder?

There are two main considerations to consider when placing a Network Video Recorder (NVR): Access to wiring/network infrastructure and physical security.

Access to wiring/network infrastructure:

When choosing a location for your NVR, consider the number of required of cables and how they will be routed from the cameras and the network router to the NVR. Ideally, the NVR should be placed in a secure area with easy access to wiring access areas. Plan out where you will be running camera cables and consider how you will access them, considering the most common cable routes:

• Attic
• Unfinished basement or crawl space
• Drop Ceiling
• Soffit
• Conduit and surface mounting

Ideally, the NVR should be placed in a secure area with easy access to wiring access areas, such as a utility room. For businesses with an IT room or closet, this is the best place for the NVR. The NVR can tie into your existing cable and network infrastructure and can be rack mounted for a clean installation.

Place the NVR in a dry, clean and well-ventilated location. Refer to the operating temperature range of the NVR to ensure compliance. Do not place the NVR in areas such as an attic or unfinished basement where it may be exposed to extreme temperatures moisture, heavy dust or dirt.

After initial setup, the NVR does not require a monitor and mouse if it is connected to a local area network. The network connection will allow for remote operation via a web browser or the AvertX apps for Apple or Android devices. If you do plan to connect a monitor to the NVR, take into consideration the location of the monitor and the route for the cable.

Physical Security

During a break-in, thieves will often attempt to search for and steal your video system’s recorder, thereby eliminating evidence of their crime. Because of this, we recommend placing the NVR in a location that can be secured, such as a locked closet or utility room. If you do not have access to such a location, we recommend placing it in a lockable DVR box or Server Rack, available online through many sellers.

Since you don’t need to connect a monitor and keyboard to use an AvertX systems, the NVR can often be hidden in an inconspicuous location for considerable, but limited security.

Uninterrupted Power Supplies (UPS)

An AvertX recorder can benefit from an Uninterrupted Power Supply. Not only will the system continue to record during a power outage, but an Uninterrupted Power Supply can improve performance issues due to poor or unsteady power. We recommend an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) unit with sufficient battery capacity and that includes line-interactive automatic voltage regulation (AVR) feature. This function helps monitor/regulate brownouts and power spikes, which could help prevent equipment damage. 

We also recommend that only the NVR, and perhaps the router, be attached to it in order to prolong the battery time if the location were to lose power.  The more devices that are attached the less time one will have to shut things down in an orderly manner, especially if power is lost for a period longer than 10 minutes.

Under a full load, AvertX recorders consume up to 300W. When choosing a UPS, purchase one that will supply this amount of power for the amount of time you would like.

Additional Considerations:

• For proper ventilation, make sure the vents on the side and back of the unit have at least an inch of clearance.
• AvertX recommends using a surge protector to shield the NVR from power surges.
• Under a full load, AvertX recorders consume up to 300W. If you would like to use an Uninterrupted Power Supply with your recorder, purchase one that will supply this amount of power for the amount of time you would like.
• Do not place the NVR near flammable or hazardous materials.