Is Your Avigilon Security Camera Failing in Outdoor Conditions?
Investing in a professional-grade Avigilon surveillance system is a significant step in securing your property. However, if your camera is malfunctioning or has failed after being exposed to rain, humidity, or dust, you may be facing a weatherproofing issue. Not all cameras are built to withstand the rigours of an outdoor environment, and using the wrong model can lead to costly damage and a loss of security coverage.
This guide will help you understand why your Avigilon camera may not be weatherproof, how to identify the signs of weather-related damage, and what you can do to protect your investment and ensure your system's long-term reliability.
Understanding Weatherproofing: The IP Rating
The single most important factor in determining if a camera is suitable for outdoor use is its Ingress Protection (IP) rating. This is an international standard that defines how well a device's enclosure protects it against solids (like dust) and liquids (like water).
An IP rating consists of two numbers:
- First Digit (Solids): Ranges from 0 (no protection) to 6 (completely dust-tight).
- Second Digit (Liquids): Ranges from 0 (no protection) to 8 (can be submerged in water).
For outdoor use, you should look for a camera with a rating of at least IP66. This means it is dust-tight and can withstand powerful jets of water. Using a camera with a lower rating, such as an IP20-rated indoor dome, in an outdoor setting will inevitably lead to failure.
Symptoms of a Non-Weatherproof Camera Being Used Outdoors
If the wrong type of Avigilon camera has been installed outside, the signs of failure are often easy to spot.
- Condensation Inside the Lens: This is the most common early sign. Moisture has penetrated the housing, causing the lens to fog up and obscuring the image.
- Blurry or Distorted Video: Water on the lens or sensor will degrade the image quality significantly.
- Complete Video Loss: Water ingress can short-circuit the internal components, leading to a total failure of the camera. The camera will appear offline in your Avigilon Control Center (ACC) software.
- Corrosion: You may see rust or other signs of corrosion on the camera's housing, mounting brackets, or connectors.
- Intermittent Functionality: The camera might work sporadically, failing during periods of high humidity or rain and then recovering in dry weather.
How to Troubleshoot and Address the Problem
If you suspect your Avigilon camera is failing due to weather exposure, here's how to proceed.
1. Identify Your Camera Model and its IP Rating
The first step is to confirm the exact model of your camera. This should be printed on a label on the camera body itself. Once you have the model number, search for its official datasheet on the Avigilon website. The datasheet will clearly state the IP rating. If the rating is below IP66, the camera is not designed for direct exposure to the elements.
2. Inspect the Installation
Even a properly rated outdoor camera can fail if installed incorrectly.
- Check the Seals: Ensure all gaskets and seals on the camera housing are properly seated and not damaged. During installation, it's crucial that these are not pinched or torn.
- Cable Gland: The point where the network cable enters the camera is a common failure point. A weatherproof camera will come with a cable gland or grommet that must be tightened correctly to create a waterproof seal around the cable. If this is loose or missing, water will get in.
- Conduit and Junction Boxes: Ensure that any conduit running to the camera is properly sealed and that connections are made within a weatherproof junction box.
3. Relocate or Replace the Camera
If you have confirmed that an indoor-rated camera was installed outdoors, you have two primary options:
- Relocate: Move the camera to a suitable indoor location.
- Replace: The best and recommended solution is to replace it with a properly-rated Avigilon outdoor camera (e.g., a bullet or outdoor dome camera with an IP66 or IP67 rating). This is the only way to guarantee reliable performance.
4. Consider a Weatherproof Enclosure
In some rare situations, you might be able to place an indoor camera inside a dedicated third-party weatherproof housing. This can protect it from the elements, but it is often a more cumbersome and less reliable solution than simply using the correct type of camera for the job.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why is my Avigilon camera not weatherproof?
A: Not all Avigilon cameras are designed for outdoor use. Avigilon produces a wide range of cameras, including indoor-only models. An indoor camera lacks the necessary seals and protective housing to resist moisture, dust, and temperature extremes, leading to damage and failure when installed outside. Always check the camera's IP rating and datasheet.
Q: What is an IP rating and why does it matter for my camera?
A: The IP (Ingress Protection) rating is a standardised system that classifies the degree of protection provided by an enclosure against intrusions like dust and water. For example, a camera rated IP66 is dust-tight and can withstand powerful water jets, making it suitable for outdoor use. An indoor camera might have a rating of only IP20.
Q: What are the signs of weather damage on an Avigilon camera?
A: If an indoor Avigilon camera is exposed to the elements, you will likely see condensation inside the lens, leading to foggy or blurry images. In more severe cases, water ingress can short-circuit the electronics, causing a complete camera failure. The housing may also show signs of rust or corrosion over time.
Q: Can I make an indoor Avigilon camera weatherproof?
A: If you must use a non-weatherproof camera outdoors, it is crucial to install it inside a dedicated third-party weatherproof housing. These enclosures are designed to seal the camera off from the elements. However, the best and most reliable solution is to use a camera with the appropriate IP rating for the installation environment from the start.