Alarm & CCTV Installation Course

Lesson 1 • Security Industry Overview

Covers the scope of the physical security industry, key stakeholders, and market segments. Provides context for why alarm and CCTV systems exist and how they are deployed.

Lesson 2 • CCTV System Types and Components

Surveys analog, IP, and hybrid CCTV architectures along with cameras, recorders, and displays. Connects component knowledge to system design decisions made later.

Lesson 3 • Alarm System Types and Components

Introduces intruder alarm categories, control panels, detectors, and signalling devices. Builds the component-level vocabulary used throughout the course.

Lesson 4 • Electricity Fundamentals for Installers

Reviews DC and AC electrical principles, Ohm's Law, and circuit types relevant to security installations. Ensures safe and accurate wiring practices from the start.

Lesson 1 • Power over Ethernet and Power Supplies

Addresses PoE standards, power budgeting, and standalone power supply units for cameras and panels. Correct power delivery is essential for reliable system operation.

Lesson 2 • Cable Routing and Installation Methods

Teaches surface mounting, conduit, trunking, and concealed routing techniques. Proper routing protects cables and meets installation standards.

Lesson 3 • Signal Transmission Principles

Explains analog video signal, digital data transmission, and signal degradation factors. Understanding transmission ensures correct cable length and amplification decisions.

Lesson 4 • Termination and Connector Techniques

Covers stripping, crimping, soldering, and connector fitting for all cable types used in security systems. Reliable terminations are critical to system performance.

Lesson 1 • Alarm System Testing and Handover

Covers full system testing procedures, fault diagnosis, and customer handover documentation. A structured handover ensures the customer can operate the system confidently.

Lesson 2 • Keypads, Sounders, and Strobes

Addresses keypad wiring, sounder circuit configuration, and strobe installation requirements. These devices form the user interface and audible/visual alert system.

Lesson 3 • Control Panel Installation and Configuration

Covers panel mounting, zone wiring, tamper circuits, and initial programming. The panel is the system's brain, so correct setup underpins all other alarm work.

Lesson 4 • Detector Types and Placement

Examines PIR, dual-tech, door/window, vibration, and glass-break detectors and their optimal placement. Correct placement maximises detection while minimising false alarms.

Lesson 1 • Lens Selection and Focus

Covers fixed, varifocal, and motorised lens types, focal length calculation, and focus adjustment. Correct lens choice determines the detail captured at a given distance.

Lesson 2 • On-Camera Settings and Image Quality

Configures exposure, white balance, wide dynamic range, and privacy masking on the camera. Correct image settings maximise usable footage in varying lighting conditions.

Lesson 3 • Camera Selection for the Environment

Matches camera types—dome, bullet, PTZ, fisheye—to indoor, outdoor, and specialist environments. Correct camera selection is the first step toward effective surveillance.

Lesson 4 • Camera Wiring and Connection

Addresses coaxial and Cat cable runs, connector fitting, and PoE camera connection to switches. Reliable connections ensure continuous, high-quality video transmission.

Lesson 1 • Networking Fundamentals for Installers

Introduces IP addressing, subnets, MAC addresses, and the OSI model at an installer-relevant level. This foundation is required before configuring any IP security device.

Lesson 2 • Switch and Router Configuration

Covers managed switch setup, VLAN creation, and router configuration for security networks. Proper network segmentation protects security systems from general network traffic.

Lesson 3 • Network Security for Security Systems

Addresses default credential changes, firewall rules, encrypted streams, and cybersecurity best practices. Unsecured security systems are vulnerable to unauthorized access and tampering.

Lesson 4 • IP Camera Discovery and Configuration

Teaches device discovery tools, IP assignment, ONVIF compliance, and firmware updates. Correct IP configuration is required before cameras appear on the recorder.

Lesson 1 • DVR and NVR Installation

Covers rack or shelf mounting, hard drive installation, and initial power-up of recording units. Physical setup must be correct before any software configuration begins.

Lesson 2 • Recorder Configuration and Scheduling

Addresses channel naming, recording modes, motion detection zones, and schedule programming. Proper configuration balances storage use with continuous evidence capture.

Lesson 3 • Network Configuration for Remote Access

Teaches IP addressing, port forwarding, DDNS, and VPN setup for secure remote viewing. Remote access extends monitoring capability beyond the physical site.

Lesson 4 • Video Playback and Evidence Export

Covers timeline navigation, event search, clip export, and chain-of-custody documentation. Correct export procedures ensure footage is admissible and legally defensible.

Lesson 1 • Remote Access and App-Based Control

Configures cloud-based and app-driven alarm control, notifications, and remote arming. App integration extends system usability and customer satisfaction.

Lesson 2 • System Logs and Event Reporting

Teaches event log retrieval, report generation, and audit trail maintenance for alarm systems. Logs provide evidence for insurance claims and regulatory compliance reviews.

Lesson 3 • Alarm Signalling Technologies

Compares PSTN, GSM, IP, and dual-path signaling methods for alarm transmission. Signaling path selection determines system resilience and monitoring centre compatibility.

Lesson 4 • Monitoring Centre Integration

Covers account setup, signal formats, and communication testing with alarm receiving centres. Correct integration ensures alarms are received, decoded, and actioned promptly.

Lesson 1 • Fault Finding Methodology

Applies a systematic diagnostic approach to isolate faults in alarm and CCTV systems. A structured method reduces diagnostic time and prevents misdiagnosis.

Lesson 2 • Pre-Commissioning Checks

Establishes a structured checklist for verifying wiring, power, and device placement before system activation. Pre-commissioning checks prevent faults from being discovered during live testing.

Lesson 3 • Full System Commissioning Procedure

Walks through powering up, programming, testing, and certifying a complete alarm and CCTV system. A structured commissioning process ensures every function meets specification.

Lesson 4 • Component Replacement and System Upgrade

Covers safe component swap-out, compatibility verification, and upgrading legacy systems. Correct replacement procedures restore system function without introducing new faults.