How Much Does Commercial Security Installation Cost in Sydney?
Ask three installers for a quote and you'll likely get three very different numbers. Here's what actually drives commercial security installation cost in Sydney — with real hardware pricing for UniFi and Hikvision — so you can tell a fair quote from an inflated one.
What Drives the Cost
A commercial security quote isn't really pricing "a camera system" — it's pricing five separate variables that all move independently.
Typical Commercial Installation Costs
As a rough guide, fully installed commercial camera systems in Sydney — hardware, cabling, and labour together — tend to fall into these brackets:
- Small site (4–6 cameras): roughly $3,000–$6,000 installed — a small retail store, café, or single-office fit-out.
- Medium site (8–12 cameras): roughly $6,000–$12,000 installed — a larger retail floor, warehouse, or multi-room office.
- Large or multi-site projects: $12,000+ — multiple buildings, extensive cabling, or integration with access control and network infrastructure.
These are indicative ranges based on current Sydney market rates, not a fixed quote — the honest answer to "how much will mine cost" always depends on a proper site assessment.
Hardware Cost: UniFi vs Hikvision
Both are legitimate commercial-grade platforms, and pricing between them is closer than people expect. Here's roughly what current hardware costs from authorised Australian suppliers, before labour and cabling.
| Item | UniFi Protect | Hikvision |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera (4–5MP) | $150 – $350 | $150 – $300 |
| AI / Premium Camera (4K, AI detection) | $400 – $850 | $350 – $700 |
| Recorder (4–8 channel, entry-level) | $1,350 – $1,500 | $400 – $900 |
| Recorder (8+ channel, higher-end) | $1,900 – $2,200 | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Monthly Subscription Required | No | No |
Why we lean UniFi as our core platform: price isn't the deciding factor — it's the single connected ecosystem. Cameras, access control, and networking all run through one platform with one update pipeline, which matters more for your overall security posture than a per-camera price difference of a few dollars. We install Hikvision where a site already has existing infrastructure we're extending, but UniFi is what we recommend from scratch.
Rack & Cabinet Costs
Your NVR, gateway, and switch need somewhere proper to live — not sitting loose on a shelf. This is a small line item that quotes sometimes leave out, then add back in as a surprise.
- Small wall-mount cabinet (4U–9U): roughly $100–$300 — enough for an NVR, PoE switch, and gateway on a small commercial site.
- Larger wall-mount or free-standing rack (12U+): roughly $300–$600 — where you're also housing networking gear for the whole site, not just security.
- Plus fittings: shelving, cable management, and a small UPS for backup power typically add $150–$400 depending on what the site needs.
If we're also handling your network cabling Sydney setup, the rack usually houses both your security and networking equipment together — one cabinet, properly organised, instead of hardware scattered around the building.
NBN Relocation & New Connections
A surprising number of commercial security quotes miss this entirely — if your NBN connection point is in the wrong spot for where your rack needs to be, or you're moving into a site with no active connection yet, that's a separate cost worth planning for upfront.
- Internal NBN box relocation: roughly $200–$500 through a licensed cabler — legally, this has to be done by someone holding the right ACMA cabling registration, not just any electrician.
- External or street-side relocation: handled directly through NBN Co, with a non-refundable application fee typically $550–$2,750 depending on the complexity of the work required.
- New connection at an existing serviceable address: usually free, though a new development fee (around $300) can apply for brand-new builds.
We hold the relevant cabling endorsements to handle internal relocations as part of your install, so it's one job instead of coordinating a separate contractor.
Labour & Installation
Hardware is usually less than half the total bill. Licensed installer labour in Sydney generally runs $100–$150 per hour, and commercial jobs typically require:
- Site assessment and cable path planning
- Running and terminating cabling — the biggest labour variable, especially in existing buildings
- Mounting, aiming, and focusing each camera
- Recorder setup, network configuration, and testing every camera before sign-off
A straightforward 4–6 camera retail fit-out typically takes one to two days for a two-person crew. Larger commercial sites with concealed cabling can run considerably longer.
Why the Cheapest Quote Isn't Always the Cheapest System
A low quote often means one of three things: fewer cameras than you actually need, unlicensed installation (a real compliance risk in NSW — see our business security Sydney licensing requirements), or grey-market hardware without genuine manufacturer warranty. All three cost more later — in gaps in coverage, failed insurance claims, or hardware that dies with no warranty behind it.
We're licensed under a Master Security Licence and Security Operators Licence (2C), and we only source genuine stock from authorised Australian suppliers — not grey imports.
Pricing shown reflects current rates from authorised Australian UniFi and Hikvision suppliers at time of publishing and is indicative only. Get an accurate quote for your specific site through a free consultation.
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