Outdoor CCTV Security Cameras – what you need to know
I live in Ottawa for the second coldest capital in the world. In Canada, we have four seasons perfectly balanced that our climate is an ideal testing ground for foreign security camera makes.
I have several cameras outside the home and workplace. All are exposed to temperatures below 35C and higher than 32c. Despite these extremes, I’ve never had an open camera fail.
You must think I’m pretty high-end cameras used with heated homes. The truth is that they are typical external security cameras, which can be purchased at $ 100 – $ 250 price range. None of them are protected by a fence. Housings are made of metal (unlike plastic which can tear or bases in extreme conditions) and are equipped with infrared lighting. They are usually mounted one for wiretapping, so long as they are exposed to some rain, they are often pelted by heavy rain.
Documentation included with most CCTV security cameras usually give an estimate of the camera temparatures can operate safely. If the documents says that the camera can operate in cold weather at a temperature of-10C has expired, but that does not mean that the camera will cease to operate at-11c. These operational guidelines for flexibility.
Some cameras are rated by the International Code of defense rating, or as often called IP or IP classification code.
The code classifies the level of protection provided by an electric fence against ingress of solid objects, dust, touch, and water. Many outdoor security cameras are IP55 rated or better.
International Protection Rating consist of letters IP followed by two numbers. This is part of the digital code that is imporant. An explanation of the IP code rating:
The first digit of the IP Code documents the level of protection an enclosure provides against access to hazardous parts (wiring, moving parts, etc.) and penetration of solid foreign bodies.
Level 0 offers no protection against contact and penetration by objects.
Level 1 offers wonderful protection against the penetration of the body surface, but not protection against deliberate contact with a body part.
Level 2 provides protection against penetration of fingers or similar objects.
Level 3 provides protection against intrusion tools, thick wires
Level 4 offers the best protection against the penetration of wires and screws medium-sized objects
Level 5 Penetration of dust is not completely prevented, but it can not appear in sufficient quantity to interfere with the operation of the equipment, this level offers complete protection against contact
Level 6 provides full protection against dust penetration, complete protection against contact
The second digit of the code refers to the IP equipment, resistance to water penetration
Level 1 provides protection against dripping water
Level 2 provides protection against dripping water when the housing is tilted by 15 °
Level 3 provides protection against water falling in a spray in each corner and 60 ° from vertical
Level 4 provides protection against water against the enclosure from any direction
Level 5 provides protection against water in a nozzle against enclosure from any direction
Level 6 provides protection against water expected in powerful jets against the enclosure from any direction
Level 7 protects against water when the housing is immersed in water depths of less than 1 m
Level 8 provides protection from water when the housing is immersed in water depths greater than 1 meter, as specified by the manufacturer
Always check the format of IP camera on its plan for outdoor use.
