Purpose
Your surveillance camera can get damaged by rainwater. In this topic, we will show you how to protect your surveillance camera from water damage.
IP Rating
The IP rating indicates the degree of protection an enclosure provides for electrical and electronic equipment.
IP stands for “ingress protection”. The numbers describe protection against solid objects and liquids. The first number indicates protection against solid objects, and the second indicates protection against liquids.
IP Ratings for DS Cameras
These are the IP ratings for DS surveillance cameras:
- DS PoE Cameras: IP67 (protected against total immersion up to 1 m depth for 30 minutes)
- DS wireless Cameras: IP65 (protected against low-pressure water jets)
As you can see, the DS cameras have enclosures that provide strong protection against water ingress.
However, you can also deduce from the IP rating table that no device enclosure guarantees protection against water damage. An excessive amount of rainfall or similar occurrences can lead to water seeping into the camera and damaging its electronic components.
How Can you Protect Your Cameras from Rain Damage?
Here are some suggestions to help protect your cameras from rain damage.
Keep Cameras Out of the Rain
The simplest yet most effective way to protect your outdoor cameras from rain is by keeping them out of the rain. You can install the cameras so that they are under the roof overhangs or eaves etc, or set up a tarp or canopy over the cameras to prevent rain from falling on them.
Install the cameras so they are away from water runoff from the gutters and roof leaks.
Use a Weatherproof Housing for Your Cameras
You can mount your cameras in weatherproof housings to protect them from the elements. Make sure your camera fits into the protective housing you select.
Use Desiccant Packs for Dome Cameras
The DS dome cameras include desiccant packets that help to absorb any moisture. The desiccant packets contain silica gel which is made from silicon dioxide and has small particles that can absorb large amounts of water.
Do not remove the desiccant packet that is zip tied inside the dome.
Use Outdoor-rated Ethernet Cables
Standard Ethernet cable, if used outdoors, can get damaged in the long run. In addition to the video feeds, the Ethernet cables carry electrical power for the cameras. Water can penetrate damaged cables, leading to camera and/or connector damage.
Therefore always use outdoor-rated Ethernet cables for your DS PoE cameras.
Use Outdoor Rated PoE Extenders
Standard Ethernet supports a maximum distance of 100 meters. For long-distance deployments, you might need to use PoE extenders. To protect your installation from rain, always use waterproof PoE extenders.
Ensure all Cable Entry Points are Properly Sealed
The PoE cameras connect to the network via Ethernet cables. One of the main reasons for camera malfunction and failures is moisture ingress into the connection between the camera and the cable.
To prevent water/moisture from damaging the Ethernet connectors, ensure that the cable entry points on your DS PoE cameras are properly sealed.
Always Use a Drip Loop
Water falling on outdoor wiring tends to 'run down' the wire to the lowest point. If the lowest point of the wire is a connection or junction box, the water will enter the connector and damage it.
A 'drip loop' is a way of arranging wires so that the lowest point (where the water collects) is below any connectors or junction boxes.
Always use a drip loop for any wire/cable that connects to your camera. The drip loop will
- Protect your camera from water
- Reduce mechanical strain on connectors
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