Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. For most Singapore residential and commercial installations, 4MP provides an excellent balance between image quality, storage efficiency, and cost. A correctly positioned 4MP camera will often outperform an 8MP camera installed poorly: placement matters more than resolution. 8MP (4K) is worth specifying at identification points such as the main gate or building entrance where face or plate recognition is the objective.

Read about resolution and camera placement →

Yes: if the system is designed for it. Facial identification at night requires the right camera type, the right lens, adequate lighting, and correct positioning. A wide-angle camera covering a large area cannot identify a face at night regardless of its resolution. A camera correctly positioned at head height with dedicated illumination at a chokepoint can provide clear facial images even in complete darkness. Most systems are not designed for this: the question is worth asking before purchasing.

Read about night vision and identification →

Most customers only discover they need longer retention after an incident has already occurred and the relevant footage has been overwritten. For Singapore homes, 30 days is the practical minimum: incidents are rarely discovered and reported within 24 hours. For commercial premises, 30 days is standard and 90 days is recommended for high-value or high-risk environments. Banks and government premises in Singapore typically require 90 days.

Read about storage planning →

This is by design, not a fault. Singapore regulations do not permit alarm sirens to sound indefinitely: continuous siren noise constitutes a nuisance. Most professionally installed systems are configured to cut off the external siren after 8 minutes while the internal sounder and monitoring centre alert remain active. If your siren stops sooner than expected, the issue may be low battery in the external siren unit or an incorrect configuration.

Read the burglar alarm guide →

Yes. A burglar alarm detects intrusions and sounds the siren entirely independently of internet connectivity. Internet is only required for two optional functions: smartphone notifications via an app, and remote arming and disarming. Central monitoring stations communicate via a dedicated GSM module that is separate from your home internet connection: so monitoring continues even when the internet is down.

Read the burglar alarm guide →

Yes: deterrence is the first and most important function of a security system. A visible external siren, CCTV cameras at the entrance, and warning stickers at the gate signal that the property is protected and monitored. Most opportunistic burglars will move to an easier target. Professionally designed systems position visible deterrents at the most likely entry points rather than concealing them: the goal is to prevent the incident, not just record it.

Read about layered security →

Neither is universally better: they suit different applications. Card access is faster for high-traffic doors and has no PDPA implications around biometric data collection. Face recognition is better where card sharing or card loss is a concern, and for applications where touchless entry is valued. In Singapore, the PDPA treats facial biometric data as sensitive personal data: additional obligations apply when collecting and storing it. For most Singapore office doors, card or mobile credential access remains the practical default.

Read about credential types →

Yes: with a cloud-based IP intercom system. When a visitor presses the call button, the call is routed over the internet to your smartphone app. You can see live video, speak with the visitor, and release the door from anywhere in the world. This works as long as both your phone and the intercom have an internet connection. For Singapore condominiums, this eliminates the need to brief the guardhouse every time a resident travels.

Read the intercom guide →

For a mid-sized condominium of 100–300 units, installation typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from contract award to final commissioning: including lobby panel installation, unit-by-unit indoor monitor work, guardhouse integration, resident onboarding, and handover. The cutover from the old system to the new one is typically completed over a weekend to minimise disruption. Advance notice to residents should be sent at least 4 weeks before works begin.

Read about our condominium solutions →

During the rough-in stage: after hacking is complete and before plastering begins. This is when conduit and cable runs cost almost nothing to install or change. The security integrator should provide a cable schedule to the electrician at this stage. Waiting until after plastering to plan security cabling is the single most common and most avoidable renovation mistake we see. Read: Security cabling during renovation →

Read the renovation security guide →

A correctly installed LPR system in Singapore typically achieves 97–99% read accuracy under normal operating conditions: daylight, clean plates, standard vehicle speeds at a barrier. Accuracy is affected by dirty or damaged plates, extreme lighting conditions (direct low sun into the camera), and vehicles entering at excessive speed or angle. Professionally designed systems position the camera at the optimal distance and angle and include lighting calibrated for Singapore's conditions. Read: LPR for Singapore car parks →

Read about GantryGo LPR for condominiums →

As a contractor, yes. Any company installing burglar alarms, CCTV, access control, or intercom systems in Singapore must hold a valid PLRD licence under the Private Security Industry Act. As a property owner, you are not personally required to hold a licence: but hiring an unlicensed contractor creates legal risk. Always ask for the contractor's licence number and verify it at police.gov.sg before engagement.

Read the contractor evaluation guide →

A single integrator handling all systems: CCTV, alarm, access control, intercom, and network: is almost always better than separate contractors. The systems need to work together: an alarm activation should trigger the CCTV, an intercom door station should also function as an access control reader, and the network should be configured to support all the security devices reliably.

When different contractors install different systems, integration is rarely considered and coordination problems are common. A single integrator who designs everything together avoids this. Read our contractor evaluation guide →

Ask for their PLRD licence number: this is a legal requirement for companies installing burglar alarms, CCTV, access control, and intercom systems in Singapore under the Private Security Industry Act. You can verify the licence through the PLRD OneStop portal at police.gov.sg. A professional contractor will provide their licence number without hesitation.

Licensing is the starting point, not the end. Check for relevant experience, ask for references from similar projects, and confirm they will provide full documentation and administrator credentials at handover. Read the full contractor evaluation guide →

A retailer sells equipment. An integrator designs, installs, configures, and supports the system as a complete solution. The camera you buy from a retailer and mount yourself may work: but the field of view, lens selection, mounting height, and network configuration that determine whether it actually captures useful footage are decisions that require experience to get right.

For a single camera over a front door, DIY may be adequate. For anything involving multiple systems, condominiums, commercial properties, or systems that need to be reliable over many years: a licensed integrator is the correct choice.

A typical residential installation: 4–8 CCTV cameras with NVR, or a 6-zone alarm system: takes one full day. A combined CCTV and alarm system for a landed home typically takes 1–2 days. A small commercial office with access control, CCTV, and alarm typically takes 2–3 days.

Larger installations: condominium intercom systems, multi-floor access control, or industrial CCTV: require a site survey before a timeline can be confirmed. Cable concealment during renovation adds time but gives a significantly cleaner result.

For residential installations, yes: someone should be present throughout. Our engineers will need access to all rooms for cabling, need to understand your preferences for camera angles and device positions, and will walk you through system operation at the end of the installation.

For commercial properties, a facilities manager or authorised representative should be available at the start and end of the installation. For multi-day projects, someone should be reachable by phone throughout.

Securevision provides a 12-month warranty on all installed systems covering parts and labour for defects in materials and workmanship under normal operating conditions. The warranty does not cover damage from power surges, physical damage, or third-party modifications.

After the warranty period, ongoing support is available through an annual maintenance contract or on a time-and-materials basis. Annual professional maintenance is recommended for all security systems: it catches developing faults before they become failures.

Before your interior designer finalises the plans. That is the moment when camera positions, cable routes, and lock types cost nothing to change. After plastering begins, every change has a price: typically SGD 150–300 per cable run to chase walls and repaint, or SGD 800–1,500 to trench and repave a driveway.

The integrator should be involved at the same stage as the M&E contractor. Read the full renovation security guide →

No. The electrician installs the infrastructure: the security integrator specifies what is needed and where it should go. These are distinct skill sets. An electrician will route cables where it is easiest to pull, not where the cameras need to be. The integrator provides a cable schedule and conduit plan; the electrician executes it.

Read more about contractor coordination during renovation →

At minimum, one spare Cat 6 to every room and every planned device position. During rough-in, the cost difference between the number you think you need and a generous allowance is small: typically a few dollars per run. After the renovation is complete, adding a single missed cable run can cost SGD 150–300 and leave a visible repair.

Most homeowners regret installing too few cable runs. Very few regret installing too many. Read the renovation security guide →

A professional installation should include as-built drawings showing all device locations and cable routes, administrator credentials for every system, equipment model numbers and serial numbers, warranty records, and user manuals. For networked systems: IP address schedules and network diagrams.

Administrator credentials belong to you: not the contractor. If a contractor hesitates to provide them at handover, treat this as a significant warning sign. Read more about handover requirements →

The common area components: lobby panels, guardhouse equipment, lift intercoms, and the network backbone: are owned and maintained by the MCST and funded through the management or sinking fund. Indoor monitors inside individual units are typically provided to residents on handover but are owned by the development. When an intercom system is replaced, all components including indoor monitors are usually replaced as part of the project scope.

Read about our condominium intercom solutions →

In most cases, no: not with a full system replacement. Lobby panels and indoor monitors in a traditional wired intercom system use proprietary protocols specific to that manufacturer. Replacing the lobby panels without the indoor monitors usually means losing intercom functionality at the unit level.

The exception is cloud-based IP intercom systems where calls are routed to residents' smartphones: in this case, the indoor monitor becomes optional. Some condominiums upgrade to this model specifically to avoid the cost and disruption of replacing indoor monitors in every unit. Read the intercom guide →

In most Singapore condominiums, the answer depends on the amount and which fund is being used. Expenditure within the management fund's approved annual budget can typically be approved by the council directly. Projects drawing from the sinking fund above a certain threshold: usually SGD 30,000 or as specified in the development's by-laws: may require an EGM resolution. When in doubt, the managing agent should review the BMSMA requirements and the development's by-laws before proceeding. Read: MCST security tender guide →

Read more about the procurement process →

Sometimes. If the existing cards use a standard format such as MIFARE Classic that the new readers can also read, the cards can be enrolled into the new system without replacing them. In practice, most condominium upgrades involve transitioning from older 125kHz proximity cards to more secure 13.56MHz smart cards: in which case all cards need to be replaced. We advise on card compatibility during the specification stage so residents can be given accurate information early.

Read about access card standards →

In the most common scenario, the resident's unit simply does not receive calls from the lobby panel: visitors cannot call them through the intercom and must use other means to notify the resident. The system continues to function for all other registered units. Managing agents typically include a grace period of 2–4 weeks for late registrations, with follow-up notices to unregistered units. Residents who travel frequently can complete registration remotely via the app without needing to be physically present.

The old and new systems cannot run simultaneously on the same infrastructure. During the cutover period: typically a weekend: visitor calling through the intercom is unavailable. Residents are notified in advance and the guardhouse manages visitor access manually during this window. For most condominiums, the cutover period is 24–48 hours. We coordinate the timing to minimise disruption and brief guardhouse staff on manual procedures before works begin.

Cutover day is typically a Saturday. The old lobby panels and guardhouse equipment are decommissioned in the morning, new equipment is activated, and the system is tested end-to-end before the afternoon. Residents who have already registered on the new app can use it immediately. The guardhouse operates on manual visitor management throughout the day. By Sunday evening, the new system is live. A Securevision engineer remains on site throughout cutover day and is on call for the following week.

Read about our condominium project process →

Up to 4 users per unit can be registered on the Akuvox SmartPlus platform: covering the typical family structure of two owners and two family members. When a resident changes their phone, they log into the existing account on the new device: the account is not deleted, which prevents disruption to the unit's intercom registration. When a resident moves out, the managing agent updates the email address on the account to the new occupant rather than creating a new account from scratch.

Watch SmartPlus training videos →

Yes. Under the Private Security Industry Act (PSIA), any company installing burglar alarm systems in Singapore must hold a valid Police Licence issued by the Singapore Police Force. Securevision holds Police Licence /2023P.

When hiring any security system installer in Singapore, always verify their Police Licence number: it should appear on their quotation and can be verified with the SPF. Installing a burglar alarm without a licensed contractor is a legal risk for the property owner. Read our guide on how to evaluate a security contractor for more on what to check before engaging any company.

False alarms in Singapore are most commonly caused by: pets triggering PIR motion detectors, air-conditioning draughts moving objects near sensors, users forgetting to disarm before entering, and low batteries causing erratic sensor behaviour.

Use pet-immune PIR detectors rated for your pet's weight (most modern detectors are pet-immune to 20–25kg). Read: Reducing false alarms → Position detectors away from air vents, windows with direct sunlight, and sources of moving heat. Ensure all household members are trained on the entry/exit delay procedure. Have your system serviced annually to check battery levels and sensor sensitivity. Read our guide on reducing false alarms for more detail.

Wired alarm systems are more reliable and lower-maintenance: once installed, there are no batteries to replace and no radio interference issues. They are the better choice for new properties where cabling can be concealed during renovation, or existing properties where cable runs are straightforward.

Wireless systems (like Ajax) are the right choice when cabling is impractical: conservation properties, rented spaces where drilling is restricted, or additions to an existing wired system that doesn't have zones to spare. Wireless sensors in Singapore typically last 5–7 years on a single battery. Securevision's primary recommendation is RISCO for wired and Ajax for wireless. Read: Wired vs wireless alarm →

Central monitoring is optional but recommended for commercial properties and unoccupied premises. A monitoring centre receives alarm signals 24/7, verifies the alarm, and dispatches police or a response team if needed: without requiring you to be personally available to respond to every alert.

For Singapore residential properties that are regularly occupied, self-monitoring via a smartphone app (iRISCO, Ajax app) is often sufficient. For offices, retail premises, and warehouses: especially those that are empty overnight: professional central monitoring is worth the monthly fee. Securevision can advise on monitoring providers who operate in Singapore.

A beeping GE Caddx panel most commonly indicates a low battery on the panel itself (the sealed lead-acid backup battery), a low battery on a wireless zone, a zone tamper (a detector cover has been opened), or a zone fault (broken wire or detector failure).

Note that GE Caddx stopped manufacturing in January 2020 and replacement parts are becoming harder to source. If your system is exhibiting repeated faults, it may be worth considering a replacement. Securevision services existing GE Caddx NX4 and NX8 installations and can advise on replacement options.

Annual servicing is the standard recommendation. A service visit checks backup battery health, tests every detector and zone, verifies siren operation, confirms communicator connectivity, and updates user codes if needed. In Singapore's climate, high humidity can accelerate battery degradation and affect sensor contacts: annual checks catch these issues before they cause failures.

For systems older than 5 years, biannual servicing is worth considering. The backup battery typically needs replacement every 3–5 years depending on how frequently the system is triggered and how long power outages last.

Yes. Modern access control systems support mobile credentials via QR codes, Bluetooth, or NFC through a smartphone app. A visitor can receive a temporary QR code that expires after a set time or number of uses: no physical card needed. For condominium residents, door release from anywhere with an internet connection is standard on cloud-based systems.

Mobile credentials work best when combined with a management platform that allows instant credential creation and revocation. Read more about credential types →

This depends on how the electromagnetic lock (EM lock) or electric strike is configured. EM locks are fail-safe: they unlock when power is lost, ensuring people can exit freely in an emergency. This is the standard and legally correct configuration for Singapore fire safety compliance on egress doors. Read: Access control and fire safety →

Electric strikes can be configured fail-safe or fail-secure depending on the application. A secure server room door might be fail-secure (stays locked when power fails) with a mechanical key override. Access control panels typically have a UPS battery backup that keeps the system running for several hours during a power outage: the EM lock power supply is usually separate from the controller.

125kHz proximity cards: including HID ProxCard II, the most common access card in Singapore: are cloneable. A reader device available for under SGD 30 online can clone a proximity card in under a second without the cardholder's knowledge. The cloned card then grants the same access as the original.

For security-sensitive applications: data centres, medical records rooms, high-value storage: upgrade to 13.56MHz smart cards. Read: Access card cloning risks → (iCLASS Seos, MIFARE DESFire EV2, or EV3) which use encrypted challenge-response authentication and cannot be cloned with consumer hardware. Most Singapore commercial office access systems still use 125kHz cards; the risk is accepted as low enough for general office access but should be reassessed for any high-security zones.

A single-door card and PIN access system with a ZKTeco reader, EM lock, power supply, and installation typically starts from SGD 600–900. A face recognition terminal on the same door (ZKTeco SpeedFace) adds approximately SGD 400–600 to the hardware cost. A 4-door networked system with an inBio controller, readers, and full installation typically ranges from SGD 3,500–6,000.

Use our access control cost calculator for a more specific indicative estimate based on your door count and credential requirements.

Yes. IP-based intercom door stations like the Akuvox R-series and Fanvil i31S have built-in relay outputs that directly control EM locks, electric strikes, and gate motors: so the door station doubles as an access control reader. The Akuvox SmartPlus platform manages both intercom and access credentials in one system.

For larger systems where intercom and access control need to be managed on a unified platform with event logs and reporting, Hikvision's HikCentral Professional integrates both Hikvision intercoms and Hikvision access control terminals. ZKBio CVSecurity similarly integrates ZKTeco access control with SIP video intercoms.

In most Singapore condominiums, the answer depends on the wiring type. Older Aiphone GT-series systems run multi-core cable between floors and the lobby. Newer IP-based Akuvox systems require Cat5e or Cat6 at each unit: these are different cable types, so a like-for-like cable reuse is usually not possible.

However, Akuvox has a 2-wire retrofit solution using their NS-2 switch and C313W-2 indoor monitor that can run up to 6 units on a single 2-wire cable run per floor: significantly reducing the rewiring required versus a full Cat6 installation. Whether this is viable depends on the building's existing cable routes. A site survey is needed to assess the best approach for your specific building.

SmartPlus is Akuvox's cloud management platform for IP intercom systems. For residents, it provides a smartphone app that receives video calls from the door station, allows door release from anywhere with internet, and generates temporary access keys for visitors. Up to 4 users per unit can be registered on the app.

For managing agents, SmartPlus provides a web dashboard to manage the resident directory, configure access schedules, review entry logs, and handle user account changes. When a resident moves out, the managing agent updates the email address on the existing account: the account is never deleted, which prevents disruption to the system. See our training videos for step-by-step SmartPlus guides.

For audio intercom systems (particularly older Kocom and similar brands), spontaneous ringing when nobody is present is almost always caused by water ingress into the outdoor door station. Singapore's rain and humidity cause moisture to enter the door station and create a short circuit across the call button contacts, triggering a call. This typically happens during or just after heavy rain.

The short-term fix is to dry out the door station. The permanent fix is to replace the door station with one that has proper IP65 weatherproof sealing. If this is happening repeatedly on an older audio intercom, it is usually a signal that the system is reaching end of life: an IP video intercom replacement with proper weatherproofing is worth considering.

Slow or incomplete gate movement has three common causes: rack and pinion gear wear, motor capacity mismatch, or obstruction detection triggering a safety stop.

Rack and pinion wear is normal after 3–5 years of regular use in Singapore's climate: the nylon rack teeth wear down and the motor slips. Replacing the rack is a straightforward service. Motor capacity mismatch occurs when the gate has been extended or a heavier gate has been installed on an undersized motor: the motor struggles at full load. Safety obstruction detection stops the gate if the safety sensor detects something in the gate path: check that the safety sensors are aligned and free of obstructions.

LPR cameras at the car park entrance read the vehicle's licence plate as it approaches. The plate number is compared against a whitelist of registered resident vehicles in the management software. If the plate matches, the barrier opens automatically: the resident drives straight through without stopping to tap a card or press a button.

Securevision's GantryGo platform manages this process for Singapore condominiums: it handles resident whitelisting, visitor pre-registration, delivery vehicle grace periods, and overnight parking alerts. Visitors whose plates have been pre-registered by a resident via the VESTA app also drive through automatically without stopping at the guardhouse.

For most Singapore landed homes, a sliding gate is preferable where the driveway allows: it requires no clearance arc in front of the gate and is more resistant to wind loading. Sliding gates also tend to be more reliable in Singapore's climate because the motor and drive mechanism are better protected.

Swing gates suit properties where the driveway is too narrow for a sliding gate track, or where the existing gate posts are set up for swing operation. A single-leaf swing gate up to 4m long is well-suited for FAAC's 415 series arm motor. For heavier or longer gates, a recess motor (installed underground in the gate post) like the FAAC 746 gives a cleaner aesthetic without exposed mechanical components.

Yes. A heavily mud-splattered or partially obscured plate will reduce read accuracy: the camera can only read what is visible. In practice, most Singapore vehicles have relatively clean plates in normal conditions. The system logs failed reads, which allows the managing agent to follow up with residents whose plates are consistently failing. Plates that are damaged, incorrectly fitted, or non-standard (aftermarket frames obscuring characters) are the most common cause of repeated read failures.

The resident updates their registered plate through the resident portal or app: the managing agent does not need to be involved in straightforward vehicle changes. The old plate is removed from the whitelist and the new plate is added immediately. On VESTA-connected developments, residents manage their own vehicle registration directly through the VESTA app without needing to call or email the management office.

Read about VESTA and GantryGo →

Yes. LPR reads the physical number plate on the vehicle: it is independent of the OBU unit or any ERP system. The transition to ERP 2.0 and the new OBU does not affect LPR camera operation or accuracy. Vehicles with the new OBU mounted on the windscreen can still be read accurately as the camera reads the rear or front plate rather than the OBU device.

Yes: for residents. LPR eliminates the need for residents to stop and tap a card or press a button at the barrier. Their registered vehicle is recognised automatically and the barrier opens. For visitors, short-term contractors, and deliveries, a separate visitor management workflow handles access: either via guardhouse issuance, pre-registration by the resident, or a temporary access code. Most Singapore condominiums that deploy LPR retain card readers as a fallback for edge cases.

Read about GantryGo LPR →

LPR systems process one vehicle at a time per lane. A car park with a single entry lane can only read one plate at a time: the second vehicle must wait behind the barrier until the first has cleared. Tailgating (a second vehicle following closely before the barrier closes) is detected by the system and logged as an alert: the barrier attempts to close after the first registered vehicle clears. Anti-tailgating ground loops or sensors can be added to improve detection.

Read the car park barrier guide →

Yes. On GantryGo-connected condominiums, residents pre-register visitor vehicle plates through the VESTA app: specifying the date and time window for access. When the visitor arrives, their plate is read, matched against the pre-registration, and the barrier opens automatically without guardhouse intervention. Pre-registrations can be set to expire after a single visit, a specific date, or a recurring schedule for regular visitors such as domestic helpers or caregivers.

Read about visitor management with GantryGo →

Almost certainly a subnet mismatch. Your cameras have static IP addresses configured for your old router's network range. Your new router defaults to a different range, so the cameras cannot communicate. Configure the new router to use the same IP range as the old one, or reconfigure the cameras to match the new range.

This is one of the most common support calls we receive after a router swap. Document your network settings: IP addresses, subnet, gateway: before changing any network equipment. Read: Why CCTV stops after a router change → Read more about static IPs and router changes →

Probably not. Slow Wi-Fi and a slow internet plan are two different problems. If you experience dead zones, buffering inside the house, or devices dropping connection, the issue is almost always internal network coverage or design: not your internet plan. A 1 Gbps fibre plan is more than adequate for most Singapore landed homes.

A new router in the wrong position usually performs no better than the old one. Start by assessing coverage, not upgrading the plan. Read the network planning guide →

Cat 5e is acceptable for existing cable runs already in the walls: no need to replace them. For any new cable pulled during renovation or for new security device positions, Cat 6 is the correct specification. It costs marginally more and performs significantly better, particularly for PoE security devices.

For a major A&A or new build, Cat 6A future-proofs the installation for the next 15–20 years at a small incremental cost. Read the cabling standards guide →

A PoE switch delivers electrical power through the same Cat 6 cable that carries data. Any home with IP cameras, intercoms, or access control readers benefits from one: it eliminates separate power adapters at each device and allows all security equipment to be powered from a single UPS location.

A managed PoE switch also allows the security network to be separated from the home Wi-Fi network: an important security practice. Read more about network switches →

IP cameras transmit digital video over Cat6 network cable, support 2MP to 4K resolution, mobile viewing, and AI analytics. Analogue cameras use coaxial cable and are limited to lower resolutions. Most Singapore installations since 2015 use IP cameras.

If you have an existing analogue system, it can often be migrated to IP cameras while reusing the existing coaxial cables: saving the cost of full rewiring. Read the full CCTV guide →

Retention depends on hard drive size, camera resolution, compression, and recording mode. A typical 8-camera 4MP system using H.265 with motion-triggered recording stores 30–90 days on a 4TB drive. Continuous recording halves retention to around 10–20 days. 30 days is the standard minimum for Singapore commercial premises. Read: How long to keep CCTV footage →

Read more about CCTV storage planning →

No. Cameras record to the local NVR continuously regardless of internet connectivity. Internet is only required for remote viewing on a smartphone app and cloud backup: both optional. We always recommend local NVR storage as the primary recording method. Read the CCTV guide →

For a Singapore landed home, 4–8 cameras typically covers the gate, driveway, front door, and key exterior positions. For a small office, 4–8 cameras covering the entrance, lobby, and server room is standard. Camera count is determined by coverage zones, not by the size of the property.

Camera placement is more important than camera count. Read: How many cameras do I need? → or book a free site assessment and our engineer will design the layout for your specific site.

Standard IP cameras switch to black-and-white infrared mode in low light. Full-colour night vision cameras use a large-aperture lens and a supplemental white light source to maintain colour video in complete darkness: allowing you to identify clothing colour, vehicle colour, and other details that are lost in monochrome IR footage.

In Singapore, full-colour cameras are most useful for car parks, driveways, and exterior positions. The supplemental white light is visible in the dark: useful as a deterrent, but may not suit positions where discrete monitoring is preferred. Read more about night vision options →

A 4-camera residential system with NVR and installation typically starts from SGD 800–1,200. A 16-camera commercial system with rack-mount NVR typically ranges SGD 3,000–6,000 fully installed. Cost varies by camera resolution, cable run distances, and installation complexity.

See the full CCTV investment guide →

Yes, with conditions. HDB permits owners to install cameras at their own unit entrance pointing only towards the unit door: not into corridors, neighbouring units, or common areas. Cameras must not capture images of neighbours or common corridor areas where other residents have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

Internal cameras inside the flat are unrestricted. External cameras facing the void deck, car park, or common areas are not permitted for individual unit owners: those are managed at the estate level by HDB or the Town Council. Read about residential security solutions → Read more about camera placement rules →

Yes. A burglar alarm is one of the most practical security additions for an HDB flat. Door contacts on the main entrance, PIR motion detectors inside, and a wireless siren are all standard. The main constraint is the external siren: HDB does not permit external sirens to be mounted on the outside of the unit or in common areas, so the siren must be positioned internally.

Wireless alarm systems (such as Ajax) are particularly well-suited for HDB installations where drilling cable runs through walls is disruptive. Most HDB alarm installations take half a day. Read the burglar alarm guide →