Multi-Camera CCTV System Design Guide¶

Designing a multi-camera CCTV system requires careful planning of camera positions, cable runs, NVR capacity, storage, and viewing angles. This guide covers system design methodology for UK homes with 4, 8, 16, or more cameras including cost estimation and future expansion.

System Design Planning for UK Properties¶

A structured methodology ensures a well-designed multi-camera system. Step 1: Site survey - walk around the property noting entry points, vulnerable areas, and coverage requirements. Measure distances from each potential camera position to the NVR location. UK semi-detached house: front door, driveway, side gate, back garden, rear patio, garage (6 cameras). Detached house: add side boundaries, additional garden coverage (8-10 cameras). Corner plot: extra side boundary coverage on the exposed side. Step 2: Camera type selection per position. Front door: dome (2.8mm) for facial ID. Driveway: bullet (4-6mm) for number plates and vehicle recognition. Garden perimeter: bullet (4mm) with 40m IR. Garage/shed: dome (2.8mm) for close-up coverage. Interior: mini-dome (2.8mm) for hallway and living room. Step 3: NVR sizing. Choose an NVR with spare channels: for 6 cameras, buy 8-channel NVR; for 10 cameras, buy 16-channel. PoE budget: each camera consumes 8-15W. 8 cameras at 12W = 96W total. Choose an NVR with 120W+ PoE budget or add an external PoE switch. Step 4: Cable routing. Plan cable routes from each camera to the NVR. Keep each cable under 100m. Use external-grade Cat6 for outdoor sections and standard Cat6 for indoor. Route cables through ceiling voids and underfloor spaces. Label each cable at both ends.

Cost Estimation and Future-Proofing¶

System cost breakdown for a 6-camera UK system: Cameras (6 x 4MP bullet/dome) = 350-550, 8-channel PoE NVR with 2TB HDD = 200-300, External-grade Cat6 cable (100m) = 60-80, Connectors, glands, and junction boxes (6 sets) = 50-80, Tools (if needed) = 50-100, Professional installation (if not DIY) = 300-600. Total DIY: 660-1,030, Total installed: 960-1,630. For an 8-camera system with 4K cameras: Cameras (8 x 4K) = 800-1,600, 16-channel NVR with 4TB HDD = 350-500, Cable and accessories = 100-150, Professional installation = 500-900. Total: 1,750-3,150. Future-proofing tips: install conduit during building work to allow future cable replacement, run at least 2 spare Cat6 cables to the loft for future roof/gutter cameras, buy an NVR with one model higher channel count than currently needed (e.g., 16-channel for 10 cameras), choose 4MP cameras as standard (not 1080p) to be satisfied for 5+ years, and select ONVIF-compliant cameras to allow mixing brands in the future. Expansion: additional cameras can be added at any time if the NVR has spare channels and PoE capacity. Use an external PoE switch (TP-Link TL-SG1005P, 40) when NVR PoE ports are exhausted. Remote access via the manufacturer cloud app works for up to 64 cameras (Hik-Connect) or 36 (DMSS).

Specifications and Comparison¶

System Size	Cameras	NVR Channels	HDD Size	Storage (Days)	DIY Cost	Installed Cost
4-Camera System	4 x 4MP	8-channel	2TB	6 continuous, 18 motion	400-600	600-900
6-Camera System	6 x 4MP	8-channel	4TB	8 continuous, 24 motion	660-1,030	960-1,630
8-Camera System	8 x 4K	16-channel	6TB	10 continuous, 30 motion	1,300-2,000	1,800-2,800
16-Camera System	16 x 4MP	16-channel	8TB	12 continuous, 36 motion	2,000-3,500	3,000-5,000

FAQ¶

How many cameras does a UK house need?: Semi-detached: 4-6 cameras (front door, driveway, side gate, back garden, rear patio, garage). Detached: 8-16 cameras (add side boundaries, additional garden coverage, front wall, outbuildings). Flat/apartment: 1-2 cameras (front door video doorbell, optional balcony camera). Corner plots and rural homes need more.
Should I mix camera brands in a CCTV system?: No - stick to one brand (Hikvision or Dahua) for the NVR and all cameras. Mixed-brand systems using ONVIF have reduced functionality: no smart detection (line crossing, intrusion), no auto-tracking for PTZ, no ANPR integration, and 4K support may be limited. A single-brand system just works.
What is the budget for a quality CCTV system in the UK?: Budget: 300-600 for 4 cameras (1080p, basic NVR, DIY). Mid-range: 600-1,200 for 6 cameras (4MP, 8-channel NVR, 2-4TB HDD). Premium: 1,500-3,000 for 8 cameras (4K, 16-channel NVR, 6-8TB HDD, PTZ). Professional installation adds 300-900 depending on system size and complexity. For more information see our CCTV Camera Placement Guide for UK Homes.

Last updated: 2026-05-31.

External Resources¶

For further information consult authority guidelines at the Electrical Safety First.