What to Know About the Different Types of CCTV Cameras

Understanding the different types of CCTV cameras gives you the ability to choose the right ones for your needs. Surveillance is a big part of keeping your business secure and the right CCTV security cameras will make a difference.

There are a few specific types of cameras you will want to consider. Let's look at each of them to see what they are and how they can help your security system.

10 Types of CCTV Cameras

1. Dome Cameras

Offering both an interior and an exterior option, done cameras are one of the most common CCTV security cameras. They look like a dome instead of a camera, which means it's hard to know which way it will be pointing. These cameras deter criminals and they offer vandal-resistant features.

2. C-Mount Camera

Offering a good camera for distances up to 40 feet, C-mount cameras come with detachable lenses and fit for different applications. They are commonly used indoors.

3. Bullet Cameras

Another common CCTV camera is the bullet camera. They are often used outside and provide long-distance viewing with a protective casing. The compact size and night vision make bullet cameras a good choice for your security system.

4. Day/Night Cameras

The key with day/night cameras is the ability to capture images during the day and at night. These cameras come in many sizes and record in color or black and white.

5. Discreet Cameras

Sometimes it's beneficial to make it clear a camera is present and other times you don't want a criminal to know. These cameras are harder to spot and tend to blend in with the area.

6. Varifocal Cameras

A CCTV camera with the ability to zoom out without losing focus, varifocal cameras work well for dead zones and close-ups.

7. Dark Fighter Technology Cameras

A specialized camera created to pick up images in low light conditions, the dark fighter camera works during the day and night. Without the need for an extra light source, these cameras can pick up very high-quality images even during the black of night.

8. ANPR/LPR Cameras

Another specialized type of camera is the ANPR/LPR camera. This type of camera will pick up registration plates and read them. They work well for hotel overstay management, toll booths, parking lots, and more. ANRP stands for Automatic Number Plate Recognition, while LPR stands for License Plate Recognition.

9. PTZ Cameras

Pan, Tilt, and Zoom or PTZ Cameras provide an option for security guards to move as necessary. The camera can pan, tilt, and zoom as necessary to capture the proper picture.

10. Thermal Image Cameras

A great choice for airports, seaports, and other critical infrastructures, thermal image cameras or infrared cameras pick up moving figures even when it's pitch black.

Many of these CCTV cameras offer high definition, network capabilities, and many other features. It's best to speak with a security professional to find out which CCTV security cameras are best for your needs.

5 Chicago Winter Security Tips to Use in Your Home

You might think the cold winter temperatures in Chicago scare off criminals and keep you safe. This isn't true and you still need to make sure your home is fully protected. 

When the winter rolls around, criminals have new opportunities to try to break into your home. It gets darker sooner in the day and stays darker for a longer amount of time. If your home isn't completely secure, you could be at risk.

It's actually common for more home burglaries to happen during the winter season. Before you let the Chicago winter provide the cover a criminal needs, use these Chicago winter security types for your home.

1. Keep Doors and Windows Locked

It's amazing how careless homeowners can be. The fastest way for a criminal to get into your home is through an unlocked door or window. It's rather common this is exactly how a home robbery will happen, too.

Make sure you keep your doors locked and at least lock the ground floor windows. You will likely leave the windows shut throughout the winter, anyway, so lock them and make sure they stay locked.

2. Motion Sensor/Time-switch Lights

Lights that come on at a specific time of day are a great security feature for your Chicago home. You can also choose motion sensor lights that will come on when they sense any type of motion.

These types of lights can help to keep burglars from finding dark places to enter your home. Time-switch lights can be used inside your home to come on when you're not home, as well. They can provide the appearance someone is home even when you're gone.

3. Install a Security System

A home security system complete with security cameras is a great idea for your Chicago home. You will have far better protection and most burglars won't even try to break in when they find out you have a home security system.

Your security system can include video monitoring, sensors for doors and windows, motion sensors, smoke detectors, and more. Make sure you get a full system with 24/7 monitoring to keep your Chicago home safe during the winter and throughout the year.

4. Don't Hide Keys

Hidden keys make it easy for burglars to get in. It's not a good idea to use the fake rock trick or hide a spare key under the mat. Instead, leave a key with a trusted friend or neighbor as your backup option.

5. Keep the Outside of Your Home Maintained

A sloppy looking outside area to your home is an invitation for criminals. By keeping your driveway and walkways clear and bringing in all your mail, you can deter criminals. They won't see your home as an easy target or assume nobody is home right now.

These Chicago winter security tips will help to ensure you keep your home safe this year. The winter might be brutal in Chicago, but it won't keep burglars from trying to get in.

The Most Common Type of Iron Gate Repairs

An iron gate needs to be taken care of to last a long time. Even with proper care, repairs may become necessary. Even though these gates are very strong, the welds can break, hinges come loose, and rust becomes a part of the look.

When it's time to deal with iron gate repairs, you need an expert to help. The Professional Locksmith handles all the common types of iron gate repairs found below, along with plenty of other repairs. If you're gate needs repair, we're here to help.

Rust

Probably the most common reason for an iron gate to need to be repaired is rust. Over time, the moisture may cause your iron gate to rust. This is a pretty easy fix, as a professional will be able to sand down the rust and repaint your iron gate restoring it to its' former beauty.

Broken Welds

Another common repair you may need to address with an iron gate is a broken weld. Sometimes, iron gate welds break and they will need to be repaired. If you don't address this type of issue, you could be leaving your property open for thieves to get in.

It's common to use an epoxy weld to repair a broken weld on an iron gate. This isn't something most people can't do on their own.

If you notice a broken weld, you will need a professional iron gate repair service in Chicago. The Professional Locksmith provides full iron gate welding services and will help get your gate back to normal quickly. You don't need to leave your property open for thieves.

Stuck in Open or Closed Position

If you have an iron gate that opens and closes automatically, you may end up with this common iron gate repair. Gates get stuck in an open or closed position for a number of reasons. A professional iron gate repair service will diagnose and fix the issues for you.

Broken or Bent Pickets

The pickets of an iron gate may become broken or bent over time. When this happens, it's best to have them replaced by a professional. The process includes cutting the damaged pickets out with a cutting torch, creating new pickets to fit the space, and installing them.

If the pickets are just bent, they may be able to be straightened. This requires a specialized tool and isn't an easy thing to do if you don't have experience with iron gate repairs.

A few other common iron gate repairs include:

• Broken Gate Openers

• Gates Opening on their Own

• Broken Hinges

• Sagging Gates

• Repairing Screens

Iron gates are very strong and provide an excellent security feature for any property. Even though they are strong, damage is still possible, especially around the welds. These common iron gate repairs should all be addressed as soon as possible, once they have been noticed.

If you need an iron gate repair service in Chicago, The Professional Locksmith is your go-to choice. We provide excellent service with the ability to repair just about any iron gate.