I Pro Camera Water Damage: A Guide to Prevention and Action
I Pro cameras are built to be durable, but like any electronic device, they are vulnerable to water damage if not installed correctly or if their environmental protection is compromised. Water ingress can lead to catastrophic failure, rendering your security camera useless.
This guide will help you identify the signs of water damage, explain the immediate actions you must take, and detail the preventative measures to protect your investment.
Identifying the Symptoms of Water Damage
The signs of water damage can range from subtle performance issues to a completely dead device.
- Condensation Inside the Lens: The most obvious sign is the appearance of fog, haze, or water droplets on the inside of the lens dome or cover. This indicates the internal seals have failed.
- Blurry or Distorted Image: The video feed may appear milky, blurry, or out of focus, a direct result of moisture on the lens or sensor.
- Erratic Behaviour: The camera might begin to randomly reboot, disconnect from the network, or the infrared (IR) night vision lights may flicker or fail to turn on.
- Visible Corrosion: You may see rust or green/white corrosive buildup on the power connectors, mounting brackets, or seams of the camera housing.
- Complete Failure: The camera is completely unresponsive and will not power on, often after a period of heavy rain.
Immediate Steps to Take for a Wet Camera
If you suspect your I Pro camera has been compromised by water, time is of the essence.
- Disconnect Power Immediately: This is the most important step. Immediately unplug the camera's Ethernet (PoE) cable or DC power adapter. Continuing to supply electricity to wet circuits will cause short circuits and permanent, irreparable damage.
- Bring the Camera Indoors: Carefully uninstall the camera and bring it to a dry, indoor location.
- Dry the Exterior: Use a towel to thoroughly dry the outside of the camera housing.
- Attempt to Dry the Interior (With Caution): If possible, open any service hatches (like for an SD card). Place the camera in a warm, dry place, such as an airing cupboard, for several days to allow any internal moisture to evaporate. Do not use a hairdryer or oven, as excessive heat can damage the components. Placing it in a sealed container with silica gel packets can also help absorb moisture.
Important: Be realistic. In most cases, once water has reached the main circuit board, the damage is already done. The goal of these steps is to mitigate further damage, but it may not save the device.
How to Prevent Water Damage
Prevention is always the best strategy. Proper installation is key to ensuring the long-term reliability of your outdoor cameras.
- Check the IP Rating: Always use a camera with an Ingress Protection (IP) rating suitable for its environment. An IP66 or IP67 rating is recommended for locations exposed to direct rain.
- Use Weatherproof Junction Boxes: Do not leave cable connectors exposed to the elements. House all connections inside a weatherproof junction box to keep them dry and secure.
- Create a Drip Loop: When running cables to the camera, allow the cable to dip down slightly before it goes up into the camera or junction box. This 'drip loop' ensures that rainwater runs down the cable and drips off at the bottom, rather than following the cable directly into the connection point.
- Inspect Seals and Gaskets: During installation, ensure all rubber gaskets and seals are properly seated and not pinched or damaged. These are critical for keeping moisture out.
- Choose a Sheltered Location: Whenever possible, mount your camera under an eave, soffit, or other overhang to give it some protection from the worst of the weather.