How to mount CCTV to shipping containers

Mounting CCTV cameras to a shipping container is one of the simplest ways to improve security on your site, but only if you do it properly. No one wants to mess around with drilling holes into containers, pouring concrete, or setting up poles that take up valuable ground space.

In this article, we’ll show you how to do it the smart way: by attaching your CCTV cameras directly to the shipping container itself using Domino Clamps. We’ve put together two tried-and-tested solutions: one for quick and easy installs, and another for heavy-duty, long-term applications.

We’ll walk you through how each one works, what you’ll need to install your cameras, and why they’re better than traditional mounting options. We’ll also include real-world examples from customers who’ve solved tricky on-site challenges using our kits.

This guide will help you get your cameras up and running securely, safely, and without damaging your container.

Why Mount CCTV on Shipping Containers?

Shipping containers are already a staple on most construction sites, used for everything from storage to temporary offices. But they also provide a fantastic structural support point for CCTV installations.

Benefits of mounting your CCTV on top of a container:

• With Domino Clamps, you can install CCTV cameras and poles without any drilling or welding. Perfect for rented containers, or those that move frequently between sites or generally if you do not want to damage your container.
• Quick and easy installation:  No need for groundworks or concreting for a standalone mast or pole.
• Greater visibility: Higher mounting points mean wider coverage, ideal for modern PTZ cameras.
• Easy Relocation: As the site develops and your security needs change, the location of the CCTV cameras can be easily changed by moving the container or attaching to a different corner of it.
• Tamper resistance: Cameras are out of easy reach, making them harder to vandalise.
• Remote monitoring: Most systems support access from any location, offering peace of mind when you're offsite.

Option 1: Universal CCTV Kit – Quick and Easy Installation 

If you only need to mount one or two lightweight CCTV cameras, our Universal CCTV Kit is the ideal choice. It’s fast to set up, doesn’t require specialist tools, and can be installed by just one person. It comes with an 80cm (31”) aluminum pole and one CCTV adapter which can hold up to two cameras. 

Check out the full Universal CCTV kit here.

Need lighting too? Our new Utility Pole makes it easy to add floodlights, antennas, signage, or other devices alongside your CCTV - all on the same scaffold pole - mounted directly to your container.

 

Option 2: Heavy Duty Shipping Container CCTV Kit – Heavy-Duty, High Reach

For larger or more demanding surveillance setups, our Heavy Duty CCTV Pole solution offers a robust alternative. Supporting up to four cameras and reaching up to 5 metres, this kit is perfect for expansive sites or those requiring higher-quality footage over longer distances.

While attaching a CCTV pole to a shipping container is slightly more work than our universal CCTV kit, it’s still easier and more adaptable than fixing cameras to permanent buildings or pouring concrete for freestanding poles. It can be retrofitted to existing containers at any time, without disturbing site layout or causing ground obstruction.

The kit is made to order, with the holes drilled specifically for the cameras you require. The lead time is therefore up to 3 weeks, and it is currently only available in the UK. 

Installation steps:

• Insert two Domino Clamps into adjacent corner castings of your container
• Bolt on the pole mounting brackets
• Slot in your 80 x 80 mm steel box section pole (customer-supplied outside the UK)
• Attach your cameras using the pre-drilled mounting plates
• Adjust angles and tighten everything in place

The kit comes with the option for mounting up to 4 cameras. Let us know the models of the cameras and we’ll pre-drill the brackets to match your models.

See the full Heavy-duty CCTV installation guide here or watch our YouTube tutorial.

View the Heavy Duty Shipping Container CCTV Kit with all its options here.

Customer Example #1: Long Pole Setup for Wide Coverage 

Our customer in the Midlands needed a quick solution for monitoring their container storage site. They opted to use our 48mm Tube Clamp kit (Long Pole) with a full-length scaffold tube to mount their CCTV cameras high above the site from the corner of a shipping container.

This provided an excellent vantage point for their PTZ camera, offering full coverage of the storage yard below. The height also made the cameras less prone to tampering, while installation took less than half an hour without any groundworks or permanent fixtures.

While this method achieves the same height as the heavy-duty kits, it should be noted that it will be a lot less stable, and so windy conditions may cause movement in the camera and therefore lower quality footage, compared to the heavy-duty CCTV kit. 

Customer Example #2: Custom Brackets to See Past Stairs 

On a multi-level site, our customer needed CCTV coverage across stairwells and walkways between stacked containers. They used custom horizontal mounting poles with bespoke brackets to extend the cameras out from the container edge, allowing an unobstructed view past stair structures.

By attaching multiple cameras with Domino Clamps and adjustable bracket arms, they achieved perfect coverage without drilling into the containers, and the modular setup meant cameras could be relocated as the site needs evolved.

Why Choose a Container-Mounted CCTV Kit?

Whether you're opting for our lightweight Universal Kit or the robust Professional Pole, both solutions share key advantages:

• No drilling or welding
• Fast and simple installation
• Portable and reconfigurable
• Uses existing site infrastructure
• Compatible with floodlighting options

Alternatives like cementing a pole into the ground is time-consuming, permanent, and can block pathways or vehicle routes. Plus, it needs to be installed in advance. With our container-based kits, you can retrofit at any time.

Conclusion

Mounting CCTV cameras to shipping containers is a smart, flexible, and cost-effective way to boost site security, whether you're protecting valuable tools and materials or just looking for added peace of mind.

We’ve looked at our two off-the-shelf solutions, along with some alternative ideas provided by our customers.

• The Universal CCTV Kit, ideal for quick, lightweight installations that one person can complete in under 30 minutes.
  
• The Heavy duty CCTV Pole, perfect for sites needing multiple cameras and greater height without the need for groundworks or permanent fixtures.
  
  

Both solutions make the most of your existing shipping containers, using Domino Clamps for strong, damage mounting. You can even add floodlights to the same scaffold pole, giving you security and visibility from one setup.

Do you need more than CCTV? Adding floodlights, antennas, signage or multiple devices is possible with our Utility Pole and range of accessories that let you build a fully custom setup, all mounted directly to your container with Domino Clamps. No drilling, no welding, no hassle.

For additional ways to improve your shipping container security, check out our 6 best tips here.