How to Identify and Prevent Ezviz Camera Weather Damage
Ezviz outdoor cameras are designed to withstand the elements, but even the most robust devices can be vulnerable to damage from severe weather over time. Rain, humidity, and harsh sunlight can all impact your camera's performance and lifespan. Recognising the early signs of weather damage can help you troubleshoot issues and protect your security setup.
This guide details the symptoms of weather damage on Ezviz cameras and provides preventative tips to keep your devices safe.
Common Signs of Water and Moisture Damage
Water ingress is the most destructive form of weather damage. It can cause immediate failure or a slow degradation of performance.
- Foggy Lens or Condensation: The clearest indicator of a problem is moisture inside the lens cover. This will make your daytime video look blurry and hazy.
- Poor Night Vision: At night, the camera's infrared (IR) LEDs will reflect off the internal moisture, often creating a white glare, a halo effect, or bright spots that make the image almost impossible to see.
- Camera Goes Offline: If your camera stops working and shows as 'Offline' in the Ezviz app immediately following heavy rain, it's a strong sign that water has penetrated the housing and caused a short circuit.
- Corroded Connections: The power and network connectors on the camera's cable are vulnerable if not protected. Check them for any signs of rust or green/blue corrosion, which can disrupt the camera's power or data connection.
Symptoms of Sun and Heat Damage
Direct sunlight can be just as damaging as rain over the long term.
- Brittle or Cracked Housing: UV exposure from the sun can degrade the camera's plastic body, making it brittle. This can lead to small cracks, which then become entry points for rainwater.
- Discolouration: The white plastic housing may turn yellow or become discoloured after years of sun exposure. While this is primarily cosmetic, it's an indicator of significant UV exposure.
- Intermittent Shutdowns: In very hot climates, a camera that's in direct sun all day can overheat. This might cause it to shut down temporarily until it cools off, leading to gaps in your recordings.
How to Protect Your Ezviz Cameras from the Elements
Proper installation is the most effective way to prevent weather damage and ensure your camera functions reliably for years.
- Check the IP Rating: Before installation, confirm the IP (Ingress Protection) rating of your Ezviz model. For outdoor use, it should be at least IP65. This rating ensures it is sealed against dust and rain.
- Install in a Sheltered Location: Whenever possible, mount your camera under an eave, porch roof, or another spot that provides some cover from direct rain and midday sun. This single step can dramatically increase its lifespan.
- Use Weatherproof Connectors: Your Ezviz camera should come with a weatherproof sealing kit for the Ethernet (RJ45) connector. It is essential that you use this to create a watertight seal if the connection is outdoors.
- Protect Power Cords: Ensure the connection to the power adapter is not exposed to rain. If the connection must be outside, place it inside a certified outdoor-rated weatherproof electrical box.
- Ensure Seals are Secure: Before mounting, double-check that any covers for microSD card slots or reset buttons are firmly closed and that their rubber seals are properly seated.
If you suspect one of your Ezviz cameras has already been damaged by water, the chances of repair are unfortunately low. The best course of action is to replace the unit and apply these preventative measures to the new camera to ensure it has a long and reliable life.