Quick estimate
A free cost range based on camera count and specification.
Why choose
ACCL?
Indicative only
A starting point before a free survey confirms firm pricing.
Based on real projects
Ranges reflect the kind of CCTV jobs ACCL actually delivers.
All calculators
Part of ACCL’s free suite of cost-estimating tools.
Recent projects: Kent EnviroPower, Allington, Babylon Health, London, The Winter Club, Canary Wharf
The calculator
Build an early estimate for a commercial surveillance system.
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
Select the primary camera type. Mix types using the schedule below. Each camera receives 1 × Cat6A drop.
Dome
Ceiling / indoor
Mini bullet
Wall / outdoor directional
Turret
Vandal-resistant body
Fisheye
360° panoramic
PTZ
Pan-tilt-zoom
8
Camera mix breakdown
Dome
Mini bullet
Turret
Fisheye
PTZ
Camera specification
Resolution
2MP (1080p)4MP8MP (4K)12MP
Field of view
Wide (90°+)Standard (60°)Narrow (30°)Varifocal (15–60°)
Focal length / range
Fixed 2.8mmFixed 4mmFixed 6mmVarifocal 2.8–12mmVarifocal 5–50mmMotorised zoom
Vandal resistance
Standard (IP66)Vandal-resistant (IK10)Explosion-proof (ATEX)
Recording & storage
Planning allowance: 1 TB per camera; confirm codec, bitrate, frame rate and scene activity
NVR / recording platform
Options & add-ons
IR / night vision (built-in)
Infra-red illumination, included on most cameras
AI analytics (smart detection)
Person / vehicle / line-cross / loitering
Audio recording
Built-in mic (ICO / DPA 2018 notice required)
PoE-powered cameras
Power over Cat6A, so no separate PSU per camera
External IR / white-light illuminator
Supplementary lighting per external camera
Audio recording requires ICO notification, signage, and DPA 2018 compliance, so advise the client before specification.
Unit rates (ex-VAT)
Cabling
Cameras (supply)
Camera add-ons (per camera)
NVR / storage
Service
At a glance
Total cameras
8
4 Dome · 2 Mini bullet · 2 Turret
Cat6A drops
8
1 per camera · Fluke DSX certified
Resolution
4MP
Standard (60°) · Fixed 2.8mm
Storage
8.0TB
8TB HDD · 30-day retention
Recording
16channel
1 unit · 8 cameras
Est. total
£6,188
ex-VAT · 15% contingency included
Camera schedule
Cam 1
Dome
4MP
Cam 2
Dome
4MP
Cam 3
Dome
4MP
Cam 4
Dome
4MP
Cam 5
Mini bullet
4MP
Cam 6
Mini bullet
4MP
Cam 7
Turret
4MP
Cam 8
Turret
4MP
Dome (4)Mini bullet (2)Turret (2)
Storage & retention analysis
Required storage
8.0TB
HDD units
8× 1TB
Retention period
30 days
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 | ||
Indicative estimate only, not a formal quotation. Rates reviewed September 2026 against ACCL’s current supplier pricing. Storage figures are planning allowances only. Final capacity depends on codec, frame rate, bitrate, motion, scene activity and the selected retention policy. Cat6A includes 1 drop per camera, Fluke DSX certified to BS EN 50173 / ISO IEC 11801 with ACCL’s internal +3dB benchmark applied to agreed key parameters where defined in the project acceptance criteria. Cloud storage costs shown are indicative; actual pricing varies by platform and retention period. PTZ cameras draw up to 60W, so confirm the PoE budget with a PoE++ (802.3bt) switch. Audio recording requires ICO notification under GDPR. Fisheye dewarping requires NVR/VMS software support. All prices ex-VAT. Active Communication Company Ltd · Reg. 3464754 · VAT 707090550 · BICSI accredited & SSAIB certified.
Explore our other free calculators
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 SurveyWhat the estimate includes
Every line in the cost breakdown.
The estimate is ex-VAT and includes a 15% contingency. These are the parts the calculator prices.
| Cost line | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Cat6A cabling | One Cat6A drop per camera, materials and labour, Fluke DSX certified to BS EN 50173 / ISO IEC 11801. |
| Cameras | Supply of each camera type in the schedule, plus installation, labour and commissioning per camera. |
| Recording and storage | The NVR or cloud recording platform, surveillance hard drives sized to your retention period, and NVR installation and configuration. |
| Survey, design and commissioning | Site survey and CCTV design, then system commissioning and handover. |
Recent projects
Projects we have delivered.
Published case studies from ACCL’s commercial installation work.
Thermal CCTV
Kent EnviroPower, Allington
Thermal imaging camera replacement and a fibre upgrade at the Allington site.
Read the case study
CCTV and access control
Babylon Health, London
76 Hikvision CCTV cameras and 42 access-controlled doors across three sites.
Read the case study
Venue network and CCTV
The Winter Club, Canary Wharf
Cat6A cabling, Wi-Fi and CCTV for a seasonal venue, including a -10°C ice bar.
Read the case studyExplore our other free calculators
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Planning a CCTV system
What affects the cost, and how to choose.
Before you book
CCTV Cost Calculator FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why businesses choose ACCL
Experienced, accountable network infrastructure specialists.
ACCL has designed and installed commercial cabling and network infrastructure since 1997, for businesses across London and the South East.
Wayne founded ACCL in 1997 and has led the delivery of commercial cabling and network infrastructure projects ever since.
Free site survey
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.
- Site survey We walk the cable routes, comms rooms and access.
- Itemised quote Priced from what we saw, not a guess.
- Certified install Tested, documented and handed over.
Excellent · 60+ Google reviews · Founded 1997 · £10m liability cover
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