All About CCTV/spy camera for monitoring maids

[Pure Purple]

Hi. I used this Cisco product a few years back. Sorry I can’t recall the full name, but you probably can find it from Challenger or simialr stores. A single camera that was easily self-mounted to view my living room (including play area) and part kitchen. Real-time access from internet, so I could watch it from my workplace any time. It cost $189, slightly more if you prefer the one that could pan/tilt for wider views.


My kids were very young then. I explained to the helper that the camera was for safety as she was new to the country. It was such huge relief for me to see that the kids were safe and the helper was playing with the kids etc. I remember just plugging in the earphones to "hear" the videos when I went about my work, looking at the cameras when my kids cry or make noise. After about three weeks or so, we stopped viewing altogether.

Good luck.

[jtoh]

Pure purple, is the camera you’re talking about easy to install?

[hongqiao]

Dear Karen,

I think you are mentioning the IP camera, you can check the "Buy and Sell" forum, there are many sellers are selling IP cameras, including me.

[hongqiao]

You can check http://xadelin.blogspot.sg/ for IP cameras.

[heyhoe]

Hi Pure Purple,


May I know if any cabling is required?

[heyhoe]

Like Karen, I’m also considering a camera that I can view real-time. I just want a camera to ensure my kid’s safety as I plan to have him at home alone.


Any recommendations?

[peapot]

My house install CCTV. 4 cameras at $1800. Live recording and view on iPhone. This same person install the camera in my previous home too. Very reliable and they have done big jobs like the Spore zoo etc.


My cameras are used to monitor main door entrance and back yard. Some maid are quite clever. They know how to adjust the camera lens or hide from the view. My previous maid was very smart. She open the camera cover and tilt the lens in the opposite direction. When I was in the office I login and saw my living room, my corridor and a blackout of my kitchen. I went back home and warn her not to touch my camera! After that she don’t dare to touch anymore. But that was years ago when maids are tied down with loans. She do not dare jeopardise her job. Now the rules change so much. If they are not happy they can just ask for transfer because demand more than supply and their loans are not affected by transfer. No more free replacement of maid. If the maid turn out no good, you need to pay to get replacement maid.

I suggest if you do not install any camera in her bedroom. That way you don’t have to tell her that there’s camera in the house. With the current situation if they know you have CCTV at home, they probably will ask for transfer. It won’t hurt them but for employers it means paying again and starting the maid search again. It not worthwhile.

[gladtobemom]

After having several maids over the years, I realize that once they get comfortable (usually after a year or so) they will start with their hanky-panky. I’m in the midst of replacing my maid and am thinking of installing CCTVs at home.

peapot - do you still monitor your maid via the CCTV?
Could you please give me the contact info for the person who did the installation?

[peapot]

Hi gladtobemom, actually my cameras are not used to monitor maid, it’s used for security purpose that’s why they are only installed at the main door and back yard.


But eventhough so, my maid already not very happy. So I do like to warn you not to let maid know and don’t install in her bedroom.

PM me if you need his contact.

[gladtobemom]

Hi peapot,


So your 4 cameras are to monitor 2 areas only? Must be quite huge.

Have sent you a pm.