Common Faults in CCTV Systems
In this blog, Eye Tech Securities explains common CCTV setup Faults that will arise over the time.
CCTV cameras and recording devices run 24/7, which means they are exposed to constant electrical, environmental, and mechanical stress. Over time, different components may develop issues that affect performance. Being aware of these common faults helps in early detection and timely service.
1. Voltage Fluctuation
Impact: Sudden power spikes or low voltage can damage DVRs, NVRs, hard disks, HDMI ports, and even cameras.
Cause: Power surges during thunderstorms, unstable electricity supply, or lack of surge protection.
Result: System shutdown, corrupted recordings, or complete component failure.
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2. Heat-Related Issues
Impact: Overheating shortens the lifespan of hard disks, DVRs, and power boards.
Cause: DVRs and hard disks run continuously 24×7, producing heat; lack of ventilation worsens the issue.
Result: Sudden reboots, hard disk crashes, or permanent damage to electronic boards.
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3. Hard Disk Wear & Tear
Impact: Recording errors, missing footage, or complete loss of data.
Cause: Continuous 24×7 operation eventually causes sectors on the hard disk to fail.
Result: Corrupted video files, reduced storage capacity, or complete hard disk failure.
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4. Power Supply Failure
Impact: Cameras stop working or DVR/NVR doesn’t boot.
Cause: Capacitors and components in power supply units weaken over time.
Result: Unstable video feed, flickering cameras, or dead system.
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5. Cable & Connector Problems
Impact: Poor image quality, flickering video, or loss of signal.
Cause: Loose connections, damaged cables, or use of low-quality materials.
Result: Blurred or distorted video, frequent disconnections.
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6. Environmental Factors
Impact: Blurred footage or damage to outdoor cameras.
Cause: Dust, spider webs, rain seepage, and exposure to extreme weather.
Result: Obstructed view, water damage, rusting of camera housing.
But In Practical, issues to Outdoor Cameras due to environment factors are very negligible within 3-5 years. Replacing PVC Box for outdoor will reduce this environment error factor.
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7. Loss of Recording due to Time Mismatch
Impact: One DVR switch OFF and ON again, date will go to 1970 or 2004.
Cause: Due to the Expiry of CMOS Battery's life.
Result: Can't get Previous Playback.
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8. Recording Reliability Issues
Impact: Risk of losing critical evidence when needed.
Cause: Standard NVRs/DVRs rely on a single hard disk; if it fails, all data is lost.
Result: Gaps in recording history or Total Hard disk failure.
Note: RAID-enabled NVRs reduce this risk but are expensive and usually available only in higher-end 32-channel models.
CCTV recordings are undoubtedly important, but we must also consider practical realities. If recording continuity is absolutely critical and cannot be compromised, the ideal choice would be a RAID-enabled NVR. However, such models are typically available only in higher-end systems starting from 32-channel NVRs, and even a basic 2-camera setup with RAID support could cost upwards of ₹80,000.
To put this into perspective, choosing a RAID NVR is like opting for a premium car such as a BMW or Mercedes, where maximum safety is assured. However, due to affordability, the majority—about 95%—prefer two-wheelers, which involve a certain level of compromise and risk.
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Conclusion
CCTV systems are made of sensitive electronic components that naturally undergo stress and wear over time. Voltage fluctuations, heat, hard disk failures, cable issues, and environmental factors are the most common causes of faults. Being aware of these issues helps users act quickly and minimize downtime when problems arise.
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