Why IT Companies, Not Electricians, Should Handle Your CCTV and Access Point Installations

Why IT Companies, Not Electricians, Should Handle Your CCTV and Access Point Installations

In today’s digital-first world, security systems and wireless networks are no longer standalone features, they’re integrated IT assets that impact everything from data security to operational performance. So why do many businesses still hire electrical contractors to install CCTV and Access Points (APs)?

Here’s the truth: IT companies are better equipped, more knowledgeable, and more future-ready for these critical installations than traditional electrical firms.

Let’s break down why.

1.  Different Expertise: Electricity vs. Data Infrastructure

Electricians are great at handling power circuits, lighting, and heavy equipment wiring but CCTV and access points are low-voltage, network-driven devices that require specialized knowledge in network topology, IP addressing, PoE (Power over Ethernet), and bandwidth optimization.

Hiring an IT company ensures:

• Proper VLAN configuration

• IP camera stream management

• Wi-Fi coverage heatmapping and channel planning

• Secure data routing

These are not areas of strength for most electricians.

2. Access Point Deployment is a Network Science

Access points are more than plug-and-play devices. Poor placement or incorrect configuration leads to:

• Signal interference

• Dead zones

• Bandwidth throttling

IT firms perform wireless site surveys, analyze interference sources, and create coverage maps to ensure seamless Wi-Fi performance, especially in warehouses, campuses, or multi-floor buildings.

3. CCTV Needs Cybersecurity and Data Compliance

Modern CCTV systems store footage on local servers, cloud environments, or both. That means:

• Secure network access is required

• Data retention policies must be followed

• Remote access must be encrypted

• Alerts must be routed through secure channels

IT companies understand data privacy regulations, multi-site configurations, and AI-based analytics integrations; electrical teams usually do not.

4. Manufacturer Certifications and Warranties

Most high-end CCTV and AP equipment (like Axis, Ubiquiti, Cisco, Hikvision, Rhombus, etc.) requires certified IT installers to activate product warranties often 5+ years. Same with cabling infrastructure: companies like Leviton, Legrand, and Commscope only honor their 15–25 year warranties if the cabling is done by trained and certified IT professionals.

Choosing electricians can void your warranty.

5. End-to-End Support & Future Upgrades

When an IT company handles your deployment, you're not just getting installation, you’re investing in:

• Ongoing support

• Network upgrades

• Security patching

• System integrations (alarms, smart access, mobile dashboards)

Electricians typically walk away after install with no ability to support or scale the system as your needs grow.

6.  Insurance & Compliance Standards

IT companies understand:

• PCI-DSS (for payment processing areas)

• HIPAA compliance (for medical facilities)

• SOC & ISO standards (for corporate environments)

CCTV footage and AP traffic often pass through regulated digital environments, and IT teams are trained to design systems that meet those standards.

Final Word: Choose the Right Partner for the Job

Just like you wouldn't hire a network technician to rewire your breaker panel, you shouldn't rely on an electrician to deploy a mission-critical digital surveillance or wireless network system.

CCTV and Access Point installations are IT projects; treat them as such.

Need help planning or upgrading your security and network systems?
Contact TechBoss for a free consultation today.