Using a Non-Weatherproof Blink Camera Outdoors? What You Need to Know
Blink offers a range of excellent cameras, but it's crucial to use the right one for the right environment. Models like the Blink Mini are designed exclusively for indoor use. They are not built to withstand the challenges of the great outdoors. This guide explains the risks of using a non-weatherproof camera outside and offers advice on how to provide some protection if you must do so temporarily.
The key difference between indoor and outdoor cameras lies in their construction. Outdoor cameras, like the Blink Outdoor, have sealed housings with an IP (Ingress Protection) rating, protecting their sensitive electronics from water, dust, and temperature fluctuations. Indoor cameras lack these seals, making them highly vulnerable to damage.
The Risks of Using an Indoor Camera Outside
Placing a non-weatherproof camera in an exposed location is a recipe for failure. Understanding the specific risks can help you appreciate why using the correct model is so important.
- Water Damage: Rain is the most obvious threat. A single downpour can allow water to seep into the camera's casing, short-circuiting the electronics and causing irreversible damage.
- Humidity and Condensation: Even without direct rain, high humidity can be just as destructive. Moisture in the air can condense inside the lens and on the circuit boards, leading to corrosion and foggy images.
- Temperature Extremes: Indoor cameras are designed to operate within a comfortable range of indoor temperatures. Extreme cold can diminish battery life and cause components to fail, while direct summer sun can cause the camera to overheat and shut down permanently.
- Dust and Debris: Small particles of dust and pollen can enter the unsealed housing, coating the lens from the inside and potentially interfering with moving parts.
- Warranty Invalidation: It is critical to understand that using an indoor-only device outdoors will void your manufacturer's warranty. If the camera fails due to weather-related damage, it will not be covered for a replacement.
How to Offer Limited Protection to an Indoor Camera
While the strong recommendation is always to use a designated outdoor camera, there are scenarios where you might want to use an indoor camera in a sheltered outdoor space. If you choose to do this, you must take precautions to minimise the risk.
1. Choose a Deeply Sheltered Location
The location is your primary line of defence. The camera must be placed where it is 100% protected from direct and wind-blown rain.
- Ideal Spots: Under a deep porch roof, inside an open-air but fully covered conservatory, or high up under a significant eave.
- Bad Spots: Attached to an exposed wall, on a fence post, or under a shallow gutter. These locations will still be subject to rain and moisture.
2. Use a Third-Party Protective Housing
Several companies manufacture silicone skins and plastic housings designed to offer a degree of weather protection for indoor cameras like the Blink Mini.
- Silicone Skins: These provide a tight-fitting layer that can help prevent moisture from seeping into the camera's seams. They often include a small hood to help shield the lens from raindrops.
- Mounting Housings: These are more robust enclosures that you place the camera inside. They offer better protection but can sometimes cause issues with IR glare at night if not designed properly.
Important: Using a housing does not make the camera waterproof or weatherproof. It only adds a layer of resistance. It offers no extra protection against extreme temperatures.
3. Manage Your Expectations
Even with the best protective measures, an indoor camera used outdoors is living on borrowed time. It will not be as reliable or last as long as a purpose-built outdoor camera. You should be prepared for potential failure and understand that it is not a permanent, long-term security solution. For reliable outdoor surveillance, investing in a Blink Outdoor camera is always the better choice.