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Bullet Camera Installation Guide UK

Bullet cameras are the most recognizable CCTV form factor offering long-range day and night surveillance. This guide covers bullet camera wall mounting, cable management, IR range, and weatherproofing for UK properties.

Selecting the Right Bullet Camera for UK Use

Bullet cameras have an elongated cylindrical design that makes them highly visible - a proven deterrent effect. They suit perimeter surveillance, driveway monitoring, and garden coverage for UK homes. Popular UK bullet cameras: Hikvision DS-2CD2T87G2-L (8MP colorVu, 100 at Amazon UK, colour night vision without IR), Dahua IPC-HFW2x41TP-ZS (4MP Starlight, 70 from Toolstation), and Swann SWNVK-884804UK bullet cameras (4-pack 4MP kit, 250 at Currys). Lens options: 2.8mm for wide angle (up to 105 degrees), 4mm for standard (80 degrees), 6mm for zoom (50 degrees, ~15m detection range). IR range is a crucial UK specification - choose cameras with 30m IR for gardens and 50m IR for long driveways. Hikvision darkfighter technology (0.003 lux) captures colour images in near-darkness without IR, ideal for UK properties where IR glow is a concern. Bullet cameras include a junction box base or integrated cable management. Always choose cameras with an integrated or separate weatherproof junction box mounted by Toolstation (15-25).

Bullet Camera Installation Guide

Step 1: Mount the wall bracket at 2.5-3m height on brick or timber walls. Use M6 stainless steel expanding anchors for brick (10mm SDS bit, 50mm depth). For EWI (external wall insulation) use extra-long 120mm fixings through the insulation into the brick substrate. Step 2: Run Cat6 external-grade cable to the camera location. Use a 20mm weatherproof cable gland at the wall entry point. Create a drip loop 150mm below the camera to prevent water ingress. Step 3: Seal the cable entry to the camera junction box with silicone sealant - Soudal Fix All Flexi (8 from Screwfix). Step 4: Mount the camera on the bracket and adjust the ball joint for the desired viewing angle. Tighten all locking rings to prevent drift in UK wind conditions. Step 5: Set up the camera in the NVR interface. For Hikvision cameras, use SADP tool on Windows, for Dahua use ConfigTool. Configure motion detection zones to exclude public pavement and focus on your property boundary. Step 6: Verify night vision performance - IR reflection off walls or soffits is a common issue. Adjust the camera stand-off bracket to angle the IR LEDs away from reflective surfaces.

Specifications and Comparison

Feature Bullet Camera Dome Camera UK Consideration
Visibility High - strong deterrent Low - discreet Bullets deter more, domes are stealthier
IR Range 20-60m (LED-based) 10-30m (ring IR) Bullets suit long UK driveways and gardens
Weather Rating IP67 standard IP67 standard Both handle UK rain; bullets shed water better
Cable Exit Rear or bottom (in junction box) Rear or side Bullets easier to weatherproof at exit point
Vandal Resistance IK08-IK10 IK10 (polycarbonate dome) Bullets less vandal-resistant than IK10 domes
Price Range 40-130 (4MP), 80-180 (8MP) 50-150 (4MP), 90-200 (8MP) Bullets generally 10-20 less than domes

FAQ

Are bullet cameras better than dome cameras for UK homes?
Bullet cameras provide longer IR range (20-60m vs 10-30m) making them better for gardens and driveways. Dome cameras offer better vandal resistance (IK10 polycarbonate domes). For UK front doors, a dome camera is often preferable; for perimeter walls and gardens, a bullet camera gives better range.
What IP rating do I need for outdoor bullet cameras?
IP67 is the minimum for UK outdoor CCTV. IP67 means dust-tight and protected against immersion in 1m of water for 30 minutes - sufficient for British rain. Ensure all cable connections are also IP67-rated using weatherproof glands and silicone sealant.
Can I use a bullet camera for ANPR in the UK?
Yes, but you need a specialist ANPR camera with integrated IR illuminator and a telephoto lens (12mm or 25mm). Hikvision ANPR cameras start at 250. Position to capture number plates at 5-15m distance with 30-45 degree mounting angle. Registration with the ICO is mandatory for ANPR systems. For more information see our Dome Camera Installation Guide UK.

Last updated: 2026-05-31.

External Resources

For further information consult authority guidelines at the National Security Inspectorate.