Living in Adelaide means dealing with sunny days, rainy evenings and occasional break‑ins. The good news? You don’t need a massive budget or a tech degree to keep your house safe. Below you’ll find easy‑to‑follow tips that work for any Adelaide neighbourhood, whether you rent a flat or own a family home.
Wireless cameras are the go‑to choice for most Aussie homeowners because they avoid messy cabling and can be moved if you change rooms. Look for a model that supports 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi, has an IP66 rating for dust and rain, and offers at least 1080p video. In 2025, many cameras come with built‑in night vision – a must for those dark summer evenings. If you’re on a budget, pick a camera with infrared LEDs that give clear black‑and‑white footage after dark.
When you set up the camera, place it high enough to see the whole front door but low enough to avoid the neighbour’s driveway. A height of about 8‑10 feet works well for most homes. Test the live feed on your phone before you finish – you want to make sure the angle shows the whole entryway without cutting off corners.
Video doorbells are a game‑changer for Adelaide homes. They let you see who’s at the door from your couch, work desk, or even the car. When picking a doorbell, focus on three things: power source, video quality and local storage. If you can run a wired connection, you’ll never worry about battery life. If you prefer a battery model, choose one that lasts at least six months in our climate.
Many doorbells store video locally on a micro‑SD card – handy if you don’t want a monthly subscription. Just remember to keep the card protected from heat; a shaded spot under the eave works well. And always enable two‑factor authentication in the app; it blocks anyone trying to hack your feed.
Other quick wins include adding a motion‑activated floodlight near the door. Floodlights are brighter than regular security lights and scare off animals that might set off the sensor. In Adelaide’s subtropical zones, a floodlight with a wide beam helps the camera pick up clearer images at night.
Every camera, doorbell or alarm system talks to your router. If your Wi‑Fi is using outdated WPA2 security, a hacker could slip in and watch your footage. Upgrade to WPA3 if your router supports it, or at least change the default admin password to something strong and unique.
Separate your security devices onto a guest network. This keeps them isolated from the devices you use for banking or streaming. It’s a tiny step that adds a big layer of protection.
Adelaide occasionally faces power cuts during storms. Most wired cameras stop recording when the mains goes down unless you have a backup. Invest in a small UPS (uninterruptible power supply) for your DVR or NVR. It will keep the system alive for a few hours, giving you time to switch to a mobile data backup if needed.
If you prefer a fully wireless setup, choose cameras with built‑in battery packs that can run for at least 12 hours. Pair them with a solar panel kit for truly hands‑free operation.
Before you point a camera at your neighbour’s garden, check South Australian privacy rules. You’re allowed to record your own property, but you can’t capture areas where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy, like a neighbour’s back yard.
Post a simple sign that says “CCTV in operation” at the front of your house. It not only meets legal requirements but also deters potential intruders.
With these straightforward steps – choosing the right camera, securing your network, planning for outages and respecting privacy – you’ll have a solid security base for any Adelaide home. Stay safe, stay simple, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a well‑protected house.
Thinking about getting security cameras but worried about the cost? This article breaks down real-world CCTV installation prices in Adelaide, covers what impacts your final bill, and shares tips that can save you money. You'll learn how much different types of camera setups run, what you really need for effective coverage, and how to avoid sneaky extra fees. Find simple, local advice that keeps your wallet in mind. Clear, useful info—no jargon or upsell.