When planning to install a new outdoor security camera system, the security of the cameras and the cables attached to them is paramount. If the camera and accessories are not secured, one’s safety may be compromised. The outdoor security camera needs to be protected not only from professional thefts but also from the weather, smog, animals, and insects. While wireless and tamper-detection technologies can help protect cameras, they are no substitute for good planning.
If one feels the CCTV camera has been damaged by rain or other weather conditions, they need to find a way to fix it. So why should you wait for extreme weather conditions? One can experiment with many ideas on how to protect CCTV cameras from rain to give much-needed peace of mind and save money.
1. Secure a weatherproof CCTV camera
When shopping for security cameras, remember to choose ones that are IP65 or IP66 waterproof. The Ingress Protection Code (IP Code) is a rating and classifying the level of protection that electronic and mechanical enclosures provide against water, ingress, and dust. The IP65 rating is perfect for outdoor use. IP66-rated cameras are more protected against water than IP65-rated cameras and can be a bit more expensive.
When it comes to an IP-rated CCTV system, one must have the recommended IP certifications for non-compromised security. Various IP ratings are advised for environmental conditions, including wetness and dust exposure. Camera security systems in wet climates require a weatherproof enclosure rated at least IP66 to withstand extreme weather such as snow and rain. In addition, these enclosures should be inspected regularly to ensure that the sealing rings are still tight. Humidity can cause water to condense inside the camera and turn to freeze. For this reason, one should also exercise caution when moving the device from an extremely rainy environment to a fairly warm one. If condensation is excessive, it can deplete internal components.
The camera material should also reflect expected conditions; for example, if it encounters wet conditions most of the time, one could benefit from a marine coating. The weak winter sun can also cause visibility problems. It is important to make sure that the cameras do not have problems with glare throughout the day. If so, the camera can be moved or tilted slightly to avoid this. Reduced hours of sunlight can also prevent your camera from capturing the best possible images. Ensuring the quality of the image and the lighting of the site is also essential.
IP66 is everyone's popular choice and also very affordable. They can withstand the rigors of common climates. That way, individuals would not have to spend a lot of time thinking about how to protect CCTV cameras from rain. Thunder, lightning, and all these extreme climatic conditions are bearable for such a camera. A camera marked IK10 is a higher version of the IP66 camera. This can even withstand external mechanical forces.
2. Consider other factors
The issue is not only with the cameras; low temperatures may affect other electronic devices. Rain and wind can quickly degrade poorly specified cables and unprotected connectors outdoors. Temperature-controlled environments are commonly found for monitoring components, such as network video recorders with hard disks and monitor screens. However, there is a risk if these devices are stored overnight in a cold outdoor vehicle and then installed and powered on immediately. Hard disks can deplete when the lubricant’s presence thickens. LCD screens contain liquids that can freeze and damage pixels.
Even if you see an advertisement that says the camera is waterproof, this may not be true. So it is essential to hire a professional CCTV installation service to help you buy the right waterproof CCTV camera, and as such, this is the best way to protect your CCTV camera from the rain. Always ensure the working of safety components in outdoor locations before seasonal temperatures drop.
3. Avoid Condensation
Ensuring the temperature rating parameters when specifying a camera is enough to keep a CCTV system running in rainy environments. There are two main characteristics to understand: storage and operating temperature. Storage temperature is the temperature at which equipment can be safely stored when switched off. Operating temperature is the ambient air temperature when the equipment is energized. Suppose the camera is stored below the recommended operating temperature. In that case, it is recommended that the camera warm up in a warm environment and turn off the power until the camera reaches operating temperature.
Areas receiving heavy rain can sometimes be difficult for outdoor CCTV cameras. Over time, the sealing of the CCTV housing will weaken and allow moisture to enter the camera housing. And after a while, this moisture starts to accumulate on the camera lens and degrades the quality of the video stream. As the first step toward how to protect CCTV cameras from rain, one must ensure the proper fitting of the camera so that no moisture invades the equipment. As another alternative, one can insert silica gel packets inside the camera; these silica gel packets absorb the moisture from the lens, keeping the CCTV camera lens clear and free from fog.
Security surveillance cameras are expected to be kept in a space with an adequate air supply. To maintain good image quality, the camera should be kept dry. If it is not placed in a dry place, moisture will degrade video quality, and the camera may even malfunction. In order to prevent damage from rain on security CCTV cameras, one should avoid letting them get wet in the first place. For this to happen, one must ensure that there are no gaps around the camera installation area.
4. Tune the camera sensitivity
The sensitivity of outdoor CCTV cameras is one of the most common problems. In some circumstances, it may be difficult to detect raindrops and other small changes in the environment if individuals are unaware of how to adjust the camera's sensitivity. Fortunately, this is an easy fix. It is all about knowing the camera's brightness setting and increasing it to 4%. This will allow the camera to detect more raindrops.
One can also set your camera to detect motion automatically. Motion detection is ideal for outdoor CCTV cameras as it will detect any movement that occurs near your business. Motion detection should be set according to the size of the object from which the camera detects motion. For example, if an individual passes in front of your home, motion detection will detect the person, but not animals or large vehicles passing. This gives one a more clear understanding of how to protect CCTV cameras from rain.
While it may be tough to prevent rain from coming into the CCTV system, it is possible to avoid wetness with the following recommendations. The security camera system should be installed in such a way it succeeds in preventing rainwater from entering the system. In addition to silicone, a window covering can prevent rain by sealing the window where the security system is located. In the case of thermal bulbs, one may want to use a thermostat that automatically shuts off the light when the room reaches a certain temperature to avoid overheating and damaging your camera. By avoiding the rain in the first place, the camera will be protected from rain. It can either be covered with a waterproof box or placed in an area with sufficient ventilation.
Conclusion
Although many CCTV cameras have high-resolution screens, rainy weather conditions can degrade the overall video quality. One should periodically check their camera for excess moisture or water to ensure nothing interferes with the camera's ability to record good quality footage. One needs to get rid of any smudges, dust, or debris from the camera lens so one can see clearly whenever there is a need. If so, one also needs to keep the security camera dust-free. Keep the exterior clean by wiping regularly and using a can of compressed air to blow dust from the internals.
One should also periodically check that the power supply is properly connected to ensure that there is no power loss during your CCTV setup. This is essential after a heavy storm or snowfall as it can damage the electrical contacts. Checking system cables are often a good way to prevent damage from occurring. Check that the connecting cable is not frayed, exposed, or shows signs of general wear. Cables that appear damaged should be replaced immediately to avoid further damage to your CCTV system. Taking these easy-to-follow measures during the monsoon months will help you maintain your high-quality CCTV system. This way, you will have no problem viewing the camera, and it will help you understand how to protect CCTV cameras from rain.
