Assessing and Troubleshooting Weather Damage to Avigilon Cameras
Avigilon cameras are engineered to be robust and durable, providing reliable security in a range of environmental conditions. However, extreme weather events—such as severe thunderstorms with hail, driving rain, or extreme temperature fluctuations—can sometimes lead to damage and system failure. This guide provides a professional approach to assessing and troubleshooting weather-damaged Avigilon cameras.
## Safety First: Professional Decommissioning
Before any inspection, it is crucial to ensure the camera is safely powered down. Most Avigilon cameras are powered via Power over Ethernet (PoE).
Warning: For your safety, always have a qualified security technician or electrician disconnect the camera from the network switch or PoE injector before physically handling the unit. Water ingress into a live electronic device poses a significant safety risk.
## Step 1: Conduct a Thorough Visual Inspection
Once the camera is safely disconnected and brought to a suitable workspace, perform a detailed physical assessment.
- Inspect the Housing and Dome:
- On dome cameras, check the bubble for any cracks, "crazing," or impact marks from hail or debris.
- On bullet or box cameras, inspect the main housing and sun shield for dents, cracks, or signs of impact. A compromised housing is a direct path for water ingress.
- Check the Lens and Seals:
- Look closely for any signs of moisture or condensation on the inside of the camera lens or dome bubble. This is a definitive sign that the weatherproof seal has been breached.
- Examine all rubber gaskets and seals, particularly where the housing components meet. Long-term sun exposure can make these seals brittle and cracked, compromising their integrity.
- Examine Connectors and Cabling:
- Inspect the RJ45 network connector and any other I/O pigtails for signs of corrosion or water damage. The point where the cable connects to the camera is a common point of failure if not sealed correctly in a weatherproof junction box.
## Step 2: Internal Assessment (For Qualified Technicians)
If you are a certified technician, you may proceed with a careful internal inspection.
- Open the Housing: Following the official Avigilon documentation, carefully open the camera's housing.
- Look for Water Damage: Check the main printed circuit board (PCB) for any signs of corrosion, water spots, or mineral deposits left behind by evaporated water. A short circuit caused by water is often catastrophic for the electronics.
- Check Internal Connections: Ensure all internal ribbon cables and connectors are securely seated. A physical jolt or impact could potentially dislodge a connection.
## Step 3: Bench Testing and Diagnosis
If there is no visible physical or water damage, the issue could be more subtle.
- Test with Known-Good Equipment: Connect the camera to a different, known-good PoE switch port and use a new, tested patch cable. This eliminates the field cabling and network port as the source of the problem.
- Check for Network Presence: Use the Avigilon Camera Configuration Tool or check your network switch to see if the camera is drawing power and obtaining an IP address.
- Analyse the Video Feed: If the camera powers on, connect to it and carefully analyse the video stream. A foggy or blurry image confirms the presence of internal moisture, even if it wasn't immediately visible.
## Repair vs. Replacement
The decision to repair or replace a weather-damaged Avigilon camera depends on the findings:
- Repairable:
- A cracked dome bubble can often be replaced.
- A damaged pigtail connector may be repairable by a skilled technician.
- External components like mounting brackets are easily replaced.
- Replacement Likely Required:
- Any evidence of water damage on the main circuit board.
- A cracked main housing that cannot be sealed.
- A shattered or physically damaged lens assembly.
When in doubt, contact your Avigilon partner or official support. Attempting improper repairs can void warranties and lead to further system instability. Proactive measures, such as ensuring all new installations use proper weatherproof junction boxes and are installed to manufacturer specifications, are the best defence against future weather damage.