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CCTV Fault Finding Sandton
Expert CCTV fault finding Sandton for homes, estates, and businesses. When your system is misbehaving but you do not know why, our technicians find the real cause — fast — and tell you exactly what it will cost to fix before any work begins.
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WHY SANDTON CHOOSES US
Why Sandton Chooses Paskwa for CCTV Fault Finding
Anyone can swap parts and hope. Paskwa diagnoses. After 18 years of CCTV fault finding Sandton-wide, we have seen virtually every fault, so our on-site diagnosis is quick and accurate. We work from the recorder outward, isolate the cause rather than the symptom, and give you a clear written quote before lifting a screwdriver — which is exactly why our comeback rate is low.
When you book our CCTV fault finding Sandton, you deal with one accountable local company — never a call-centre that sub-contracts to a stranger. We have kept Sandton properties secure since 2008, across CCTV, gate motors, intercoms, and electric fencing.
Crime is a constant worry for Sandton families and businesses, and a camera system you can actually rely on is one of the best deterrents there is. Whether you need our CCTV fault finding Sandton as a one-off or as part of an ongoing arrangement, the goal is the same: a system that works when you need it, footage clear enough to identify a face or a plate, and a company you can call again and trust.
What CCTV Fault Finding Sandton Actually Involves
Fault finding is a discipline, not a guess. Our CCTV fault finding Sandton diagnostic follows a fixed order so nothing is missed. We confirm the symptom with you, then check the recorder first — power, boot, hard-drive health, and settings — because a surprising number of “camera” faults are actually recorder faults. From there we test power and signal at each affected camera, inspect cabling and connectors for corrosion or damage, verify the network and remote-access path on IP systems, and confirm the time, date, and recording schedule.
Within a short visit we can usually tell you exactly what failed, why it failed, and what it will cost to put right. You approve the price before any work begins. That methodical approach is the difference between a lasting fix and a string of return visits.
Common Faults Our Sandton Diagnostics Uncover
The single most common finding on a CCTV fault finding Sandton call is power-related — a blown recorder power supply (often surge-related) taking every camera offline, or a failed individual camera supply. Next come hard-drive faults behind missing footage, corroded BNC connectors behind black screens, failed infrared behind useless night footage, and lost network settings behind a system you can no longer view on your phone.
Because we diagnose rather than assume, we routinely save Sandton customers from replacing a perfectly good camera when the real fault was a R150 connector, or a whole system when the real fault was a R450 power supply. Honest diagnosis protects your wallet.
18 YEARS OF DIAGNOSTICS
The Most Common Causes of CCTV Failure in Sandton
After 18 years of CCTV repairs Sandton-wide, the same culprits come up again and again. Knowing what tends to fail — and why — is half of any good CCTV repair Sandton diagnosis.
Power surges & lightning
By far the number-one cause of dead CCTV in Sandton. The spike when power returns after an outage, or a nearby lightning strike travelling in through power or network cabling, destroys recorder power supplies, DVRs, NVRs, and cameras.
Ageing equipment
CCTV lasts roughly 5–10 years. Old 720p analogue cameras and discontinued recorders reach a point where repeated repairs cost more than a sensible upgrade — and we will tell you when you are there.
Failing power supplies
The cheap power supply bundled with many systems often dies first, taking every camera offline at once. A blown DVR or camera power supply is one of the quickest, most affordable repairs we do.
Configuration drift
Recording schedules switched off, wrong motion zones, incorrect time and date, or mis-set alerts. Sometimes a "broken" system just needs proper reconfiguration, not parts.
Router & network changes
A new router, changed internet line, or fibre migration breaks remote viewing and IP-camera connectivity. The cameras are usually fine; the network settings just need reconfiguring.
Physical & pest damage
Knocked or vandalised cameras, and insects or geckos nesting in housings triggering false alerts, are more common than people expect — and quick to put right.
Water ingress & weather
Perished seals let rain into outdoor cameras, fogging lenses and corroding electronics. Highveld storms are hard on poorly-rated cameras.
Worn hard drives
Surveillance drives run 24/7 and wear out, showing as recording gaps, "HDD error" warnings, or no playback — routine DVR and NVR repair work.
Cable & connector faults
Corroded BNC connectors, UV-perished coax, rodent-chewed cable, and bad RJ45 plugs cause signal loss and intermittent cameras.
How to Book Your CCTV Fault Finding in Sandton
Booking our CCTV fault finding Sandton is simple, and there is no obligation. Here is what happens from your first call to a working result.
- Call or WhatsApp 061 402 6299 and describe what you need. We can often give you a sense of the likely cause and cost over the phone.
- We arrange a convenient time — usually same-day across Sandton for urgent work, or a scheduled slot for planned jobs and contracts.
- On site, we assess or diagnose properly, then give you a clear written quote. Nothing happens until you approve it.
- We carry out the work, using quality parts, and test everything — including your phone viewing where relevant — before we leave.
- You are covered by our workmanship guarantee afterwards, and we are a phone call away for anything further, including a maintenance or service contract if you would like ongoing peace of mind.
Whether you need a one-off fix or an ongoing arrangement, our CCTV fault finding Sandton gives you one accountable Broadacres-based team for the whole job — honest, fast, and done properly the first time. Call 061 402 6299 to get started.
SCOPE OF WORK
Every CCTV Fault We Repair in Sandton
From a single dead camera to a whole system knocked out by a surge, these are the CCTV camera repairs Sandton homeowners and businesses call us for most.
Black Screen / No Image
A single black camera usually means a failed camera, broken coax, a corroded BNC connector, or surge damage. We test power and signal and replace the failed part.
Cameras Offline / No Signal
Whole-system signal loss is most often a recorder power-supply failure or a network fault. We restore power, check the recorder, and bring every channel back.
Power Supply & Surge Damage
Blown supplies and surge-damaged equipment are our most common repair. We replace the parts and fit surge protection and a UPS.
Lightning Damage Repair
Lightning through power or network cabling can wipe out a system instantly. We diagnose what survived, replace what did not, and protect the rebuild.
Hard Drive & Recording Faults
No playback, recording gaps, or "HDD error" usually mean a failed or full drive. We replace it and reconfigure motion recording to maximise retention.
DVR & NVR Repair
Recorders that will not boot, freeze, loop, or have lost settings. We repair and reconfigure Hikvision, Dahua, and generic DVR/NVR units, including password reset and recovery.
No / Poor Night Vision
Failed infrared, a dirty lens, or poor placement. We clean, realign, replace the IR, or upgrade to ColorVu full-colour night vision.
Remote Viewing Lost
Cannot view on your phone after a router change? We reconfigure P2P/DDNS and restore Hik-Connect, DMSS, or XMEye.
What to Check Yourself Before Booking a CCTV Repair Sandton
Some faults have a simple fix you can try in five minutes. We would rather you save a call-out where you can — so before you book a CCTV repair Sandton, try these safe checks. (Always switch off at the plug before touching wiring, and use a stable ladder for anything at height.)
- Power-cycle everything — switch the recorder, cameras, and router off at the wall, wait 30 seconds, switch back on. This clears glitches that cause freezing, offline cameras, and lost app connections.
- Check the power supply — if all cameras are off, feel whether the recorder and power box are getting power. A dead plug, tripped multiplug, or failed supply is a common, quick cause.
- Clean the lens — blurry or hazy footage is often just a dusty, rain-spotted, or webbed lens. Wipe gently with a microfibre cloth, no harsh chemicals.
- Check the hard-drive status — in the recorder menu, look for an "HDD error" or a drive showing 0GB. A full drive may need overwrite enabled; a failed one needs replacing.
- Re-check the network — if only the app stopped, restart your router and the app. Lost remote viewing after a router change is a settings issue, not a camera fault.
- Inspect visible cabling — look for obviously damaged, chewed, or disconnected cable. Do not cut or splice anything; just note it for the technician.
If none of that brings the system back, the fault needs proper tools and parts — that is where we come in. Call 061 402 6299 for a same-day security camera repair Sandton.
BY SYMPTOM
Security Camera Repair Sandton — In Detail
When a single camera misbehaves while the rest work, the fault is at that camera, its cable, or its power. Here is how we approach security camera repair Sandton by symptom.
Black or no image on one camera
We test for power at the camera, check the coaxial or Cat6 run end-to-end, and inspect the BNC or RJ45 connector. The cause is usually a failed connector, a damaged cable, a dead power supply, or a surge-killed camera — and we replace whichever part has failed. This is the most common CCTV camera repair Sandton we attend.
No night vision (fine by day, blind at night)
Almost always failed infrared LEDs, a dirty or spider-webbed lens, or a camera placed where a wall or light defeats the IR. We clean and realign, replace the IR where economical, or recommend a ColorVu upgrade on the gate and entrances where identifying a face at night matters.
Blurry, foggy, or water-damaged cameras
Condensation behind the lens means the weatherproof seal has failed. We dry and reseal where possible, or replace the camera — and advise on properly IP-rated cameras so it does not recur. Sandton's storm season is hard on cheap outdoor cameras.
PTZ camera faults
Pan-tilt-zoom cameras have motors and gears that wear. We repair stuck movement, failed presets and tours, and motor faults on all major PTZ brands as part of our CCTV repairs Sandton service.
THE RECORDER
DVR Repair Sandton & NVR Repair Sandton — In Detail
The recorder is the heart of the system — when it fails, every camera goes dark at once. Most whole-system faults are solved at the recorder. Our DVR repair Sandton and NVR repair Sandton work covers:
Recorder won't power on or won't boot
Usually a failed power supply (often surge-related) or a fault on the recorder board. We replace the supply, test the unit, and restore recording — frequently the quickest, cheapest fix of all.
Freezing, looping, or rebooting
Often a failing hard drive dragging the system down, an overheating recorder with a clogged fan, or corrupt firmware. We diagnose the cause rather than guess, and repair or reconfigure accordingly.
"HDD error" or no playback
The hard drive has failed or filled. We fit a surveillance-grade drive and reconfigure motion recording so you get the longest possible retention from the new disk.
Locked out — DVR/NVR password reset
Forgotten admin passwords and units left locked by a previous installer are common. We recover or reset Hikvision, Dahua, and generic recorders, usually without losing footage. We require proof of ownership and never bypass security on equipment that is not yours.
Lost remote access after a change
A new router or fibre line breaks the recorder's connection. We reconfigure P2P/DDNS and restore Hik-Connect, DMSS, or XMEye on your phone.
TORM SEASON
Lightning & Power-Surge CCTV Repair Sandton
Highveld thunderstorms are the single biggest threat to a camera system. Whether it is a direct nearby strike or the voltage spike when power returns after an outage, a surge can wipe out a system in an instant — and it is the most frequent reason we are called for emergency CCTV repairs Sandton.
A surge typically travels in through the power supply or the network cabling and takes out whatever is in its path: the DVR or NVR power supply first, then often the recorder itself, and sometimes a whole run of cameras. The tell-tale sign is a system that worked perfectly until a storm and is now completely dead, or working cameras feeding a dead recorder.
Our Sandton surge-repair process is methodical: we test what survived, replace the damaged power supply, recorder, or cameras, and — crucially — fit proper surge protection on the power and network side plus a correctly sized UPS, so the next storm does not simply repeat the damage. Repairing the symptom without protecting against the cause just means another call-out next season, and we would rather fix it once.
STORAGE & EVIDENCE
Hard Drive Repair & CCTV Footage Recovery Sandton
If you need footage for the police or an insurance claim and the system is not playing back, time matters. We handle the storage side of CCTV repairs Sandton end to end.
Surveillance drives are mechanical and run continuously, so they wear out — usually showing as recording gaps, an "HDD error" on screen, or playback that freezes or refuses to load. We test the drive, replace it with a surveillance-grade disk built for 24/7 recording, and reconfigure motion-based recording so your new drive holds as many days of footage as possible.
Need to retrieve an incident? We can export and back up footage to a USB drive for the police or your insurer while the system is being serviced. Be honest about the limits, though: if a drive has physically failed or footage has already been overwritten, recovery may not be possible — which is exactly why we recommend a correctly sized drive and, on higher-risk Sandton properties, cloud or off-site backup so critical footage survives even theft of the recorder.
Troubleshooting Guide
Sandton CCTV Fault Finder — Symptom, Cause & Fix
Find the symptom that matches your system to see the likely cause and how we fix it. This is the same diagnostic logic our technicians use on every CCTV repair Sandton call-out.
- Camera shows no image (black screen)
- Likely Cause
- Camera power failure, cable fault or dead camera
- Camera image is blurry or out of focus
- Likely Cause
- Lens dirty, moisture ingress or lens damaged
- No night vision dark image at night
- Likely Cause
- IR LEDs failed or IR cut filter stuck
- DVR shows no footage on playback
- Likely Cause
- Hard drive full, failed, or not recording
- DVR screen no image (no signal)
- Likely Cause
- DVR power supply failure or failed DVR unit
- Can't connect on phone (remote viewing)
- Likely Cause
- DDNS / P2P config lost, router change or app issue
- Camera image has lines / interference
- Likely Cause
- Cable damaged, loose BNC connector or interference
- Camera image washed out / overexposed
- Likely Cause
- Camera pointed at bright light or WDR setting incorrect
- DVR date/time resets constantly
- Likely Cause
- Cut or pulled wire — criminal damage
What Affects the Cost of a CCTV Repair in Sandton
No two repairs are identical, so the honest answer to "what will it cost?" is "let us diagnose it first." That said, a few things drive the price of any CCTV repair Sandton, and understanding them helps you judge a quote.
The biggest factor is what has actually failed — a blown power supply or corroded connector is a quick, inexpensive fix, while a failed hard drive or a surge-killed recorder costs more because the part costs more. The number of affected cameras matters: replacing one surge-damaged camera is very different from rebuilding a whole run after a lightning strike. Accessibility plays a part — a camera reached from a stepladder is quicker than one three storeys up a face-brick wall. The brand and age of the system affect parts cost and availability: current Hikvision and Dahua parts are cheap and on the shelf, while obsolete or unbranded kit can be harder and dearer to source. Finally, fitting surge protection or a UPS at the same time adds to the job but saves you from the next failure. We set all of this out in your quote after the diagnostic, so a CCTV repairs Sandton invoice never surprises you.
HONEST ADVICE
CCTV Repair or Replace in Sandton? How We Help You Decide
Not every old system is worth repairing — and we will tell you straight. Here is the simple logic we apply on every Sandton job.
Usually worth repairing
The cabling is sound, the cameras are 1080p or better, and only one or two parts have failed. A targeted repair restores the whole system for a fraction of a new install — often the same day.
Often better to upgrade
The cameras are old 720p analogue, several have failed, footage is too blurry to identify anyone, or parts are obsolete. We can frequently reuse your existing cabling to upgrade to crisp HD or IP at a sensible cost rather than repairing failing kit again and again.
CCTV Upgrade Sandton — When a Repair Becomes a Replacement
Sometimes the honest answer to a repair call is that the system has reached the end of its life, and a CCTV upgrade Sandton will cost little more than yet another repair while giving far better footage. We never push this when a repair makes sense, but when it is the right call, we say so plainly.
An upgrade rarely means starting from scratch. On most Sandton properties we can reuse the existing coaxial cable runs to move you from grainy old 720p analogue to crisp 5MP HD, often in a single day. Where smart features matter, we can step you up to IP cameras with AcuSense AI human and vehicle detection and ColorVu full-colour night vision at the gate and entrances.
Typical signs it is time to upgrade rather than keep repairing: footage too blurry to identify a face or plate, several cameras failing in close succession, a recorder whose parts are no longer made, or a system you cannot view on your phone. After the diagnostic we give you both options — the cost to repair and the cost to upgrade — and let you decide.
BRAND EXPERTISE
Hikvision & Dahua Repair Sandton — and Every Other Brand
Different brands fail in slightly different ways, and knowing each system saves diagnostic time. We are experienced across all of them, and we repair systems we did not install.
HiLook, Provision, Uniview, TVT & generic
We repair HiLook, Provision-ISR, Uniview, and TVT systems found in many older and commercial installs, plus unbranded and OEM systems running XMEye or similar apps. We carry the universal power supplies, connectors, and drives these systems share. If parts for a discontinued system are genuinely unavailable, we will tell you honestly and suggest the most cost-effective path forward.
Hikvision repair Sandton
Hikvision is the most common system in Sandton homes and estates. Typical Hikvision repair Sandton work includes replacing surge-damaged Turbo HD and IP cameras, swapping failed recorder power supplies, resetting locked DVR/NVR units, recovering passwords, and restoring Hik-Connect remote viewing. We also upgrade older Hikvision cameras to AcuSense and ColorVu where worthwhile.
Dahua repair Sandton
We repair Dahua HD and IP cameras and recorders, reconfigure the DMSS app, recover passwords, and resolve the SMD smart-detection and recording issues that occasionally crop up. Parts availability is good, so most Dahua repairs in Sandton are same-day where we are on home turf.
Common CCTV Repair Mistakes to Avoid in Sandton
Not every CCTV repair Sandton is done well, and a bad repair can cost you more than the original fault. After 18 years we have seen the same avoidable mistakes again and again — here is what to watch for when you book a repair.
- Swapping parts without diagnosing — Replacing a camera when the real fault was a connector, or a recorder when it was just the power supply, wastes your money. Insist on a proper diagnosis first.
- Fixing the symptom, not the cause — Replacing a surge-killed DVR without fitting surge protection just guarantees another failure next storm.
- Cheap unbranded replacement parts — Fitting a no-name camera or power supply to save a few rand often means another callout within months.
- No test or handover — A repairer who leaves without testing every channel and your phone viewing may leave a second fault behind.
- Ignoring the hard drive — Restoring a picture but leaving a failing drive means you still have no usable footage when it matters.
- Hiding the real cost — A low quote that balloons with extras once the work starts is the oldest trick in the trade.
- Touching equipment that is not yours — Resetting passwords or accessing systems without proof of ownership is a red flag.
Avoid these and your CCTV repair Sandton will last. Choose a single, accountable local company that diagnoses properly, quotes honestly, uses quality parts, and stands behind the work — which is exactly how Paskwa approaches every Sandton repair.
PREVENTION
How to Prevent CCTV Faults in Sandton
Most of the CCTV repairs Sandton we attend were preventable. A few sensible measures dramatically cut the chance of your system failing when you need it.
The single most valuable step is power protection: a surge protector and a correctly sized UPS guard against the spikes and outages that cause the majority of failures, and keep the system recording through a power cut. Beyond that, an occasional lens clean prevents the gradual blurring that creeps in from dust and webs; checking now and then that every camera is recording and that the time and date are correct catches silent faults early; and replacing a tired hard drive before it dies avoids losing footage. For outdoor cameras, properly IP-rated units and good sealing keep Sandton's storms out. For those who would rather not track all this, a scheduled CCTV maintenance Sandton visit handles the lot — and costs far less than an emergency rebuild.
CCTV Maintenance Plans Sandton
The cheapest CCTV repair Sandton is the one you never need. A little routine maintenance keeps a system reliable and the footage usable on the day it matters. For Sandton homes, estates, and businesses that would rather not think about it, we offer scheduled maintenance.
A maintenance visit covers cleaning and realigning every camera, testing the hard drive and confirming recording on all channels, checking the time and date (vital for evidence), re-testing remote viewing on your phone, inspecting cabling and connectors for corrosion, updating firmware where appropriate, and confirming your surge protection and UPS are doing their job. For estates and commercial premises we can put a regular service schedule in place so faults are caught before they become a blind spot. Ask about a CCTV maintenance Sandton plan when you call — it is far cheaper than discovering the system was down only when you needed the footage.
ONE ACCOUNTABLE TEAM
One Team for Your Cameras, Gate, Intercom & Fence — Sandton
Many Sandton faults are not just the camera. A power surge that kills a DVR often takes the gate motor and electric-fence energiser with it; a camera at the gate may share a supply with the intercom. Because Paskwa repairs gate motors, garage doors, intercoms, and electric fencing as well as CCTV Sandton, one technician can sort the whole problem in one visit — instead of three companies blaming each other.
This integration is something a camera-only repairer in Sandton simply cannot offer. When a storm takes out your security, you make one call to one accountable company that understands how the gate, the intercom, the fence, and the cameras work together — and fixes all of it. It is faster, cheaper, and far less frustrating than chasing separate contractors who each only see their own piece.
FAQs
CCTV Fault Finding Sandton — Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CCTV security system diagnostic?
A full health check of your system — recorder, cameras, cabling, power, network, coverage, and retention — resulting in a written report of any faults, risks, and recommendations. It tells you exactly how healthy your CCTV really is.
How much does CCTV fault finding in Sandton cost?
A full on-site diagnostic call-out is R350–R550, covering a complete assessment of the recorder, cameras, cabling, power, and network. If you proceed with the repair, that diagnostic is rolled into the job, and you approve the total cost upfront.
Do you do same-day CCTV fault finding in Sandton?
Yes. We are based in Broadacres and cover all Sandton suburbs. Most fault-finding visits are same-day, and we carry common parts so many faults are fixed on the same visit they are diagnosed.
HOW MANY CAMERAS DO I NEED FOR MY HOME?
A standard Johannesburg residential home typically needs 4–8 cameras: driveway/gate entry (1–2), front door (1), back door (1), garage (1), and perimeter corners (2–3). The exact number depends on your property layout and budget. We carry out a free site assessment and recommend optimal positions specifically for your property.
Can you find faults on a system you did not install?
Yes — most of our CCTV fault finding Sandton work is on systems installed by others, across all major brands and generic systems.
HOW LONG DOES CCTV FOOTAGE STAY ON THE RECORDER?
Retention depends on hard drive size, number of cameras, resolution and recording mode. A 1TB drive with 4 cameras at 1080p on motion recording typically stores 30–60 days. A 2TB drive with 8 cameras stores 30–45 days. We install systems with 1TB–8TB drives. You can always add a larger drive later if you need longer retention.
MY CCTV STOPPED WORKING AFTER LOAD SHEDDING — WHAT HAPPENED?
Two common causes: the DVR power supply was damaged by the voltage surge when power returned (replace for R450–R900), or the hard drive was corrupted by the sudden power cut while it was writing (replace for R800–R2,200). We diagnose and repair both same-day.
Will the diagnostic tell me if my cameras are actually recording?
Yes — confirming that the system is recording and retaining footage is one of the most important parts of the check, because many "working" systems are not.
Can I view my Sandton cameras on my phone?
Yes. Remote viewing is configured and tested as part of the relevant work, using Hik-Connect, DMSS, or the correct app for your system.
Can you handle CCTV, gates, intercoms and electric fencing together?
Yes — because we service all of them, one team can resolve a whole security problem in one visit, instead of you coordinating separate contractors.
Have a different Question?
Get In Touch
Book Your CCTV Fault Finding in Sandton
Honest advice. All brands. Same-day across Sandton from our Broadacres base. Call or WhatsApp to book your CCTV fault finding Sandton.
- 061 402 6299 — Call or WhatsApp
- info@paskwagaterepairs.co.za
- 7 Poplar Avenue, Broadacres, Sandton, 2021
- Mon–Fri: 07:00–18:00 | Sat - Sun: 07:00–14:00
- 24/7 Emergency Line available
Book a Free Quote
Where We Work
Areas We Cover Across Sandton
From our Broadacres base we provide CCTV fault finding Sandton and full CCTV repair and service across every Sandton suburb, including:
- Alberton
- Douglasdale
- inanda
- Morningside
- Saxonwold
- Bedfordview
- East Rand
- Johannesburg
- Randburg
- Benoni
- Edenvale
- Kyalami
- Roodepoort
- Bryanston
- Fourways
- Melrose Arch
- Rosebank
- Centurion
- Hyde Park
- Midrand
- Sandton
Not listed? We cover all of Gauteng — call 061 402 6299 to confirm availability for your area.
