Canary Camera Weather Damage: A Troubleshooting Guide
Canary's outdoor cameras, such as the Canary Flex, are built to be resilient and weather-resistant, providing security in various outdoor conditions. They are designed to handle rain, wind, and typical temperature changes. However, like any electronic device, they have their limits. Severe weather events can sometimes cause damage that affects their performance.
This guide will help you identify potential weather damage to your Canary camera, walk you through immediate steps to take, and explain what to do next.
Understanding Your Canary's Weather Resistance
It's important to understand the terminology used for outdoor electronics.
- Weather-Resistant (IP Rated): This means the device can resist a certain level of exposure to elements like dust and water. The Canary Flex, for example, has an IP65 rating. The '6' means it's dust-tight, and the '5' means it can resist low-pressure water jets from any direction (i.e., rain).
- Waterproof: This means the device can be fully submerged in water for a period of time. Canary cameras are not waterproof.
Therefore, while your camera is well-protected against rain and splashes, it is not designed to survive being dropped in a puddle or submerged during a flood.
How to Identify and Respond to Weather Damage
If your camera has stopped working after a storm, flood, or period of extreme temperatures, follow these steps.
1. Look for Physical Signs of Damage
First, perform a careful visual inspection of the device. For your safety, unplug the device from any power source before you begin.
- Check for Cracks: Look for any cracks or splits in the plastic housing, particularly around the seams and where the lens is mounted. Hail or impact from flying debris can cause physical breaches.
- Moisture Inside the Lens: This is a clear indicator that the camera's seal has been compromised. If you see condensation, fogging, or water droplets on the inside of the camera lens, water has gotten into the internal components.
- Corrosion or Discoloration: Check the magnetic charging contacts and any seams for signs of rust, corrosion, or water stains.
2. Immediate Steps for a Wet Camera
If you suspect your camera has water damage, acting quickly is key, but patience is crucial.
- Bring it Indoors: Immediately move the camera to a dry, indoor location.
- Do NOT Power It On: This is the most important rule. If there is water inside, connecting a power source will cause a short circuit and permanently destroy the internal electronics.
- Dry the Exterior: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe away all visible moisture from the outside of the device.
- Let it Air Dry: Place the camera in a well-ventilated, room-temperature area for at least 24 to 48 hours. Do not use a hairdryer or other heat source, as excessive heat can damage the components and warp the seals. Placing it near a fan to improve air circulation can help.
3. Attempt to Power On and Test
Once you are completely certain the camera has had ample time to dry, you can attempt to power it on.
- Use the Charging Cable: Connect the charging cable and plug it into a power source. Look for any indicator lights on the device.
- Check the App: If the camera powers on, open the Canary app and see if the device comes online.
- Test Functionality: If it connects, test the live stream, audio, and night vision to see if all functions are working correctly. Water damage can sometimes affect specific components, leading to issues like a blurry image or distorted sound.
What to Do if It Doesn't Work
If the camera fails to power on or functions incorrectly after being thoroughly dried, it's likely that the internal components have been permanently damaged. At this point, you should contact Canary's official customer support. While weather damage is not typically covered by a standard warranty, they can provide definitive information on your options and any potential replacement programmes.