We were called back by one of our very first customers from nearly 15 years ago to look at a range of issues, the biggest of which was a failing IP CCTV system. Their existing maintenance provider had been unable to get it working and had instead tried to sell them a whole new replacement system — thankfully, they called us before agreeing to it.
For a domestic installation, this was a big one: 9 cameras spread across hundreds of metres of grounds. Solving it called on the full range of our skills, from mains electrics and low-voltage DC, through to IP networking and wireless.
The core switch would run for about 20 seconds after a reboot before locking up. Tracing the cause led us to a single network cable that ran outside, underground, under a lake, and back underground to a junction box — a box that had been sited too close to the ground and become a nesting spot for ants. Several of the RJ45 connectors inside had been poorly terminated and crammed into too small a space, leaving them failing.
After re-terminating the damaged connectors, we discovered two further cable runs heading off in opposite directions that were also causing problems when connected:
With all 9 cameras finally online, a couple of issues remained. One pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera was online but showing a black screen and not responding to controls — a quick reboot restored full control and got it pointing the right way again. We also found a timer switch cutting power to a camera every 24 hours, a wider issue the customer was happy to leave for now.
Finally, the family wanted to view the cameras on the TV in their kitchen, so we configured one of their existing PCs to act as a viewer.
The customer was delighted — they felt safe in their home again, and avoided a replacement system that had been quoted at thousands of pounds.
Get in touch
