CCTV Annual Maintenance

Purpose

This document covers what to check and test on a CCTV annual maintenance visit. A systematic maintenance visit keeps the system working correctly, identifies problems before the customer notices them, and gives confidence that footage will be available when it's needed.

Before the Visit

• Review previous visit notes in Simpro
• Check the system remotely via HikProConnect — is the DVR online? Are all cameras showing? Any storage or channel faults?
• Diagnose remotely first so you're prepared with the right parts

The Maintenance Checklist

DVR/NVR Health Checks

• Date and time correct — compare to your phone. If wrong, check DST setting and NTP configuration. Incorrect timestamps undermine footage as evidence.
• HDD status — Main Menu → Storage → HDD Management. Status should be Normal. Note age and usage percentage in Simpro.
• H.265+ enabled on all channels — Storage → Recording → Encoding Parameters. Enable if not set.
• Recording schedule correct — confirm motion recording is set for all channels, all days
• Overwrite enabled — Storage → Advanced. If disabled, the DVR will have stopped recording when the drive was full.
• Hik-Connect status — Configuration → Network → Platform Access. Should show Online.
• Firmware version — note current version. Check via HikProConnect if an update is available.

Camera Image Checks

For each channel, review the live image:

• Correct scene — channel shows the expected camera location
• No IR reflection — no white haze from IR bouncing off a nearby surface
• Correct exposure — not washed out or too dark
• Image sharp — no blur, no condensation on dome
• Day/Night switch working — cover lens briefly to force night mode; confirm IR or white light activates
• Smart Hybrid cameras — in night mode, wave in front to confirm white light triggers (if set to Smart mode)
• No obstruction — no overgrown vegetation, repositioned objects, or spider webs on dome
• Camera physically secure — not loose on bracket

Camera Cleaning

• Clean dome covers with a soft cloth
• Clear spider webs from around lens areas (spiders cause night-time false detections and IR scattering)
• Check for wasp/insect nests in camera housings

AcuSense / Smart Detection Check

• AcuSense filter enabled — Camera → Motion → AcuSense. Human and/or Vehicle enabled on all channels
• Smart event zones — if Line Crossing or Intrusion is set up, confirm zones are still correctly positioned (vegetation growth can shift what's in the zone)
• Notifications linked — Configuration → Event → Notification. Hik-Connect ticked for each event type

Motion Detection Check

Walk in front of each camera — confirm a motion event is created. Check the detection zone still covers relevant areas and excludes nuisance zones.

Hik-Connect App Check

• App shows device online
• Live view loads on each camera
• Push notifications enabled — confirm with customer if present

Walk through a detection zone and confirm the push notification arrives on the customer's phone.

Storage Retention Check

Main Menu → Playback → scroll back to oldest recording

Note the oldest recording date and calculate the retention period. If shorter than expected:

• Is H.265+ enabled?
• Is recording set to Motion only (not Continuous)?
• Has HDD health declined (reduced effective capacity)?

Advise the customer if retention is significantly below what was promised at installation.

Cable and Head-End Inspection

• All cables labelled and organised
• No cables loose at the DVR rear
• DVR has adequate ventilation — not in a sealed cupboard, fan operating if fitted
• No signs of moisture ingress
• Power supply secure and not overheating

Physical Security of Head-End

• DVR in a secure location — not easily accessible to an intruder
• Cabinet locked if applicable
• Camera cables not exposed where they could be cut

After the Visit

1. Complete the service report in Simpro — note all items checked, deficiencies, actions taken
2. Flag anything needing a quote — ageing HDD, deteriorating camera, additional cameras
3. Brief the customer on what was checked and what (if anything) needs attention
4. Test Hik-Connect again after leaving — confirms online after any reboots

Common Findings on Maintenance Visits

Related Documents

• Initial DVR/NVR Setup
• Camera Configuration & Image Settings
• Smart Detection — Motion 2.0 Setup
• Fault Finding — Camera Image Problems