How to Choose a CCTV Installer in South Wales: 7 Questions to Ask Before You Book

The CCTV market has a quality problem

I've been to hundreds of properties over the years where a previous installer has done a poor job. Cameras in the wrong positions, cables exposed and vulnerable, systems with default passwords, footage that wouldn't hold up in court.

Knowing what to ask before you book can save you thousands of pounds and a lot of frustration.

Question 1: Are you certified by the equipment manufacturer?

This matters more than people realise. I'm a certified AJAX installer and a certified UNV Uniview partner. That means I've been trained by the manufacturers on the specific equipment I install, I have access to the latest firmware, and I get technical support directly from the manufacturer if anything goes wrong.

An uncertified installer buying the same equipment from a wholesaler doesn't have any of that. Ask for the certificate. A legitimate installer will show you immediately.

Question 2: Do you carry public liability insurance?

Any tradesperson working in your home should carry public liability insurance — minimum £1 million, ideally £5 million. This protects you if something goes wrong during the installation (damage to property, injury, etc.).

Ask for the certificate number and check it's current.

Question 3: Can you provide references or verified reviews?

Unverified testimonials on a company's own website mean nothing. Ask for Google reviews (independently verified) or references from local customers you can call.

We have a 4.9-star Google rating from real customers across South Wales. We're happy to share references on request.

Question 4: Will you do a site survey before quoting?

Any professional installer should survey your property before giving a firm quote — not just take a quick look at photos on WhatsApp. A proper survey identifies coverage requirements, cable routes, power availability, and any structural considerations.

Quotes given without a survey will almost always change once the job starts. Or worse, the installer will cut corners to hit the original price.

We offer free surveys at no obligation.

Question 5: What equipment brands do you install?

This tells you a lot. Low-cost unbranded equipment from Chinese marketplaces might look similar to professional-grade hardware, but the firmware, compression quality, night vision performance, and long-term reliability are completely different.

We install UNV Uniview CCTV (used by banks, local councils, and government buildings worldwide) and AJAX alarm systems (the leading professional wireless alarm platform in Europe).

Ask the installer what brand they use and look it up.

Question 6: Do you offer a warranty on parts and labour?

Professional installations should include a warranty. Ours includes 12 months on parts and labour as standard. If anything fails within that period, we return and fix it at no cost.

Be wary of installers who offer no warranty or who deflect the question.

Question 7: Are your installations NSI or SSAIB approved?

For alarm systems specifically, NSI (National Security Inspectorate) or SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board) approval is required by most insurance companies for alarm-activated discounts.

If your insurer requires a monitored alarm, the installation must be carried out by an approved company. Ask for their approval number.

Red flags to walk away from

• Quoting without visiting your property
• Unable to name the brands they install
• No public liability insurance
• Asking for large cash deposits upfront
• No presence on Google Maps or Google reviews
• Offering suspiciously low prices

A quality CCTV system installed correctly will last 10+ years. Getting the right installer matters.

We're based in Porthcawl and cover all of South Wales, West Wales, and Bristol. Call 07464 366095 for a free, no-obligation survey.