Is Your Aiphone Intercom Suffering from the British Weather?
Living in the UK, we are no strangers to unpredictable weather. While your Aiphone intercom is built to be robust, not all models are created equal when it comes to being fully weatherproof. If you've noticed your system malfunctioning after a downpour, you're in the right place. This guide will help you identify, troubleshoot, and prevent weather-related issues with your Aiphone device.
### Identifying the Symptoms of Water Damage
Exposure to moisture can manifest in several ways. It's important to recognise the early signs before permanent damage occurs.
- Condensation: Have you noticed a foggy or misty appearance inside the camera lens? This is a classic sign that moisture has breached the unit's seals.
- Audio Problems: Water and electronics don't mix. You might experience crackling sounds, muffled audio, or a complete loss of sound from the speaker or microphone.
- Unresponsive Buttons: The buttons on the outdoor station may become sticky, unresponsive, or behave erratically if water has seeped behind them.
- Power Issues: Your intercom might fail to power on, or it could shut down intermittently, especially during or after wet weather. This could indicate a short circuit.
- Visible Damage: Look for physical signs like rust around screws or connectors, water stains on the casing, or cracks in the housing where water could get in.
Immediate Steps to Take
If you suspect your Aiphone has water damage, you need to act quickly to minimise the harm.
- Power Down: Immediately disconnect the power supply to the intercom. This will help prevent electrical shorts that can cause irreparable damage to the internal components.
- Bring It Inside: If possible, carefully dismount the outdoor unit and bring it into a dry, indoor environment.
- Dry It Out: Gently pat the exterior of the unit dry with a soft cloth. If you can safely open the housing (consult your manual), allow it to air dry in a warm, well-ventilated room for at least 48 hours. Do not use a hairdryer or direct heat source, as this can warp plastic components and damage the electronics.
- Inspect and Clean: Once dry, inspect the interior for any signs of corrosion (a white or greenish powder) on the circuit board or connectors. You can gently clean this off with a soft brush and isopropyl alcohol.
### Proactive Measures: How to Properly Weatherproof Your Aiphone
Prevention is always better than a cure. Ensuring your intercom is correctly installed and protected is the key to its longevity.
- Check the IP Rating: Before installation, always check the Ingress Protection (IP) rating of your Aiphone model. An IP65 rating, for example, means it is protected against low-pressure water jets from any direction, making it suitable for most outdoor UK locations. Lower ratings may require more shelter.
- Strategic Installation: Don't install the unit in a location where it will be battered by wind and rain. The best place is under a porch, eave, or some form of overhead cover.
- Use a Weather Shield: For extra protection, consider fitting a dedicated weather shield or hood. These small covers fit over the top of the intercom and provide an excellent barrier against direct rainfall.
- Seal All Gaps: During installation, ensure that the hole where the cables pass through the wall is completely sealed with a high-quality outdoor silicone sealant. This prevents water from trickling down the cables and into the back of the unit.
- Regular Maintenance: At least twice a year, inspect your intercom's housing for any cracks or damage. Check that all seals are intact and that the unit is still firmly secured to the wall.
When to Call a Professional
If you have followed the drying steps and your Aiphone intercom still isn't working correctly, it's time to seek professional help. A qualified installer or technician can properly diagnose the fault and determine whether the unit can be repaired. Attempting complex electronic repairs yourself without the right knowledge could cause further damage. A professional can also advise you on a more suitable, higher IP-rated model if your current one is not appropriate for its location.