How to use this tool: choose your camera count and type, then set the resolution, recording platform and retention period on the left. Your camera schedule, storage requirement and cost estimate update instantly on the right.Camera type & count
Camera specification
Recording & storage
Options & add-ons
Unit rates (ex-VAT)
Camera schedule
Storage & retention analysis
Cost breakdown
| Item | Qty | Unit | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| CablingCat6A cable — materials | 8 | £42/drop | £336 |
| CablingCat6A install — labour & Fluke testing | 8 | £95/drop | £760 |
| CameraDome camera — supply (4MP) | 4 | £185/unit | £740 |
| CameraMini bullet camera — supply (4MP) | 2 | £165/unit | £330 |
| CameraTurret camera — supply (4MP) | 2 | £175/unit | £350 |
| CameraCamera installation — labour & commissioning | 8 | £110/cam | £880 |
| NVR16-channel NVR — supply | 1 | £580/unit | £580 |
| StorageSurveillance HDD — 1TB units | 8 | £55/TB | £440 |
| NVRNVR installation & configuration | 1 | £220/unit | £220 |
| ServiceSite survey & CCTV design | 1 | £450 | £450 |
| ServiceSystem commissioning & handover | 1 | £295 | £295 |
| Subtotal (ex-contingency) | £5,381 | ||
| Contingency (15%) | £807 | ||
| Total estimate (ex-VAT) | £6,188 | ||
How this CCTV installation cost calculator works
Use ACCL’s CCTV installation cost calculator to build an early estimate for a commercial surveillance system, including cameras, recording, storage, cabling and supporting network infrastructure.
The calculator uses the number and type of cameras, image resolution, recording retention, storage model, NVR requirements and selected features to produce an indicative project range.
It is designed for initial budgeting across offices, warehouses, retail sites, schools, construction environments and multi-site estates. The result can support an early business case, but it is not a fixed quotation or a substitute for a professional security survey.
For an overview of ACCL’s survey-led camera design, installation, configuration and commissioning process, visit our Commercial CCTV Installation service.
What affects commercial CCTV installation costs?
The number of cameras is only one part of the scope. Camera position, field of view, lighting, image detail, mounting height, environmental protection, vandal resistance and whether identification or general observation is required can all affect the equipment selected.
Recording requirements also influence the design. Resolution, frame rate, retention period, compression, motion levels, analytics and resilience determine the storage capacity and NVR specification. Cloud recording, remote monitoring and integration with access control or alarm systems can add further requirements.
The physical infrastructure may include Cat6A cabling, PoE switching, fibre links, cabinets, UPS protection and network segmentation. Our CCTV Network and Infrastructure guide explains how cabling, PoE power, switching capacity and logical network design support a reliable IP CCTV system.
Organisations using CCTV should also consider data protection, retention, access controls and transparency. The Information Commissioner’s Office video surveillance guidance provides current UK guidance for organisations operating CCTV and other surveillance systems.
ACCL’s free site survey confirms camera positions, fields of view, cable routes, lighting conditions, storage requirements, network capacity and the practical installation approach.
Choosing cameras, resolution and recording
Higher resolution can provide greater image detail, but it also increases storage and network demand. The correct specification depends on the scene, viewing distance, lighting, required evidence and the operational purpose of each camera.
Dome, turret, bullet, fisheye and PTZ cameras each suit different environments. Additional features such as infrared illumination, analytics, vandal resistance and weather protection should be selected for a defined requirement rather than added to every camera by default.
Recording design should balance operational needs with proportionate retention, storage capacity, resilience and access controls. ACCL can create a camera schedule that records the purpose, position, field of view, resolution, retention and equipment specification for each location.
For a wider planning overview, read our Ultimate Guide to Business CCTV Systems and Installation.
From indicative estimate to formal CCTV quotation
Following a free site survey, ACCL can provide a defined CCTV scope covering camera positions, hardware, storage, cabling, PoE switching, network requirements, installation, configuration, testing, commissioning and user training.
The survey also provides an opportunity to review blind spots, privacy considerations, signage, retention requirements, remote access and integration with other security systems.
Where required, the wider project can include commercial access control, entry systems, structured cabling, fibre links and cabinet upgrades as one coordinated security and infrastructure delivery.
Ready to validate your CCTV estimate?
Book a free ACCL site survey to confirm camera positions, coverage, recording, storage, cabling and network requirements before formal quotation.
Book Your Free Site SurveyGet in touch today
Have a no-obligation chat with one of our data cabling experts, who can recommend a solution to suit your requirements and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions – (FAQs)
Q. How accurate is the CCTV installation cost calculator?
The calculator provides an indicative budget based on the number and type of cameras, image resolution, recording period, storage requirements, NVR specification and selected features. Final costs depend on a site survey, confirmed camera positions, cable routes, network capacity and installation conditions.
Q. What affects the cost of a commercial CCTV installation?
The main cost factors include the number of cameras, camera type, image resolution, mounting height, internal or external positioning, cable routes, recording retention, storage capacity, network equipment and additional features such as analytics, remote monitoring or access control integration.
Q. How much CCTV storage will my business need?
Storage requirements depend on the number of cameras, resolution, frame rate, compression method, recording schedule, activity levels and required retention period. Higher-resolution cameras and longer retention periods generally require more storage.
Q. Is a higher-resolution CCTV camera always better?
Not necessarily. Higher resolution can provide greater image detail, but it also increases storage and network demand. The correct resolution should be selected according to the viewing distance, lighting conditions, field of view and whether the camera is intended for general observation, recognition or identification.
Q. Do IP CCTV cameras require network cabling and PoE?
Most commercial IP CCTV systems use structured network cabling and Power over Ethernet to carry data and power to each camera. Larger systems may also require dedicated PoE switches, fibre links, network cabinets, UPS protection and network segmentation.
Q. Do I need a site survey before receiving a CCTV quotation?
A site survey is recommended before a formal quotation is issued. It allows camera positions, blind spots, lighting, cable routes, mounting requirements, network capacity, storage and recording requirements to be assessed accurately.
Q. Can CCTV be integrated with access control and alarm systems?
Yes. Commercial CCTV systems can often be integrated with access control, door entry, intruder alarms and remote monitoring platforms. The available integrations depend on the selected equipment, software platform and existing infrastructure.
Q. What data protection requirements apply to business CCTV?
Organisations operating CCTV should consider the purpose of surveillance, camera positioning, signage, access permissions, retention periods and the secure handling of recorded footage. Requirements should be reviewed against current ICO guidance and the organisation’s own data protection procedures.