DVR/NVR Connections & Rack

Purpose

This document covers how to correctly connect up a Hikvision DVR or NVR at the head-end — cameras, hard drive, monitor, network, and power. A well-organised head-end is easier to fault-find, easier for other engineers to pick up, and creates a professional impression.

Head-End Location

Choose the DVR/NVR location carefully at survey. Requirements:

• Power — a 230V socket nearby or a spur that can be installed
• Network — the customer's router must be reachable by cable for remote access (Hik-Connect)
• Ventilation — DVRs generate heat; do not install in a sealed enclosure without airflow; hard drives fail early if run hot
• Security — a DVR stolen during a burglary takes the only evidence with it; consider a locked cabinet, high mounting, or alarm coverage of the area
• Cable routing — all camera cables must reach this point; it is the hub

Common locations: Loft, airing cupboard, utility room, office. Avoid garages on external walls (temperature extremes) and anywhere damp.

Rear Panel Connections

DVR

NVR

Hard Drive Installation

DVRs and NVRs ship without a hard drive. Fit it before powering on.

1. Power off the unit completely
2. Remove the lid (typically 4 screws on sides or rear)
3. Locate the HDD bay — most units have a tray or direct mounting points
4. Connect the SATA data cable from the drive to the motherboard socket
5. Connect the SATA power connector from the internal harness to the drive
6. Secure the drive with the mounting screws — do not leave it loose; vibration will cause early failure
7. Replace the lid
8. Power on — the DVR detects the new drive and prompts to format
9. Format through the menu — this initialises the drive for recording

Use WD Purple or Seagate SkyHawk only. Consumer HDDs will fail prematurely under 24/7 write loads.

Connecting the Cameras

Analogue DVR

1. Terminate each coax cable with a BNC at the DVR end
2. Label each cable with the camera position before connecting
3. Press and twist each BNC into the channel input on the DVR rear
4. On POC DVRs: no additional power connections needed — power goes through the coax automatically once the channel is active

NVR with Built-in PoE Ports

1. Terminate each Cat5/6 with an RJ45 (T568B)
2. Label each cable with the camera position
3. Plug into the corresponding PoE port — the NVR powers and discovers the camera automatically

NVR with External PoE Switch

1. Camera cables terminate at the PoE switch
2. A single Cat5/6 network cable connects the switch uplink port to the NVR LAN port
3. Cameras are added to the NVR manually by IP address, or auto-discovered if on the same subnet

Network Connection

Connect the DVR/NVR to the customer's router via Cat5/6 (RJ45).

• Use a factory patch lead where possible
• The router must have DHCP enabled (standard on all home routers) — the DVR obtains an IP address automatically
• For remote access via Hik-Connect, no port forwarding is required — Hik-Connect uses outbound cloud connectivity

Optionally, assign the DVR a static IP address to prevent it changing if the router reboots or resets. Set this in the DVR network settings after initial setup.

Monitor Connection

Connect a monitor via HDMI for initial setup and customer handover.

• Any HDMI TV or monitor works fine for setup
• Hikvision DVR/NVR outputs 1080p HDMI as standard
• If a permanent monitor is being left, route the HDMI neatly alongside the cabinet
• Many customers are satisfied with Hik-Connect for day-to-day use and need no permanent monitor

Mouse

All Hikvision DVRs and NVRs are operated via a USB mouse (supplied). Connect to any USB port on the front or rear panel. A monitor is required to use the GUI.

Cable Management at the Head-End

A well-organised head-end:

• All cables labelled at the point they enter the DVR cabinet
• Cables bundled and routed so individual cables can be traced and disconnected
• Service loops left inside — enough slack to disconnect and reconnect without stressing cables
• Power and network cables separated from camera cables where practical
• Nothing lying loose across the floor or dangling

A messy head-end means every future engineer (or you, returning later) has to spend 20 minutes working out what is what before starting. Take the extra time on the day.

Pre-Commission Checklist

Before powering the DVR/NVR for the first time:

• All camera cables connected and labelled at the DVR
• HDD installed, SATA data and power cables connected
• Network cable connected to router
• Mouse connected
• Monitor connected via HDMI
• 12V DC power adaptor connected
• Ventilation confirmed — DVR vents clear

Related Documents

• Initial DVR/NVR Setup
• Analogue Wiring — Coax, Shotgun & POC
• IP Wiring — Cat5/6 & PoE