* Camera is Properly Adjusted: Set focus, iris and shutter speed using a portable monitor. It is worth noting that many LCD monitors have internal Automatic Gain Control (AGC), making brightness adjustments difficult. The use of a Video Level Meter will result in more accurate levels, as demanded by today's sensitive DVRs. Alternately, use an oscilloscope or an older glass “jug” monitor to verify the signal.

* Avoid Ground Loops and Transient Damage: A ground loop is a system-grounding problem that occurs when one device in a system is connected to an electrical ground different from the ground of the other devices. At low voltage, the ground difference is detectable at voltages as low as 200mV, and can be identified as a “Hum Bar.” At high voltage, it is identified as a lightning hit or other transient. Large currents can travel through the wire to the other ground, damaging equipment along the way.

Leaving the camera floating is a far superior approach than local grounding. This may require rubber pads or plastic screws, but it is well worth the time in lightning-prone areas. Parking lot cameras or those mounted on metal-skinned buildings are particularly vulnerable.

If a transient protection device is used, place it right at the camera. Connect the protector's ground wire to the camera's chassis (or shield of the BNC connector), rather than the local ground, to prevent transients back-flushing into the system. This “single-point grounding” practice is highly effective for both high-voltage transients and low-voltage ground loops. These practices should always be subject to regulatory safety requirements such as Electrical Code.