Dealing with Lorex Camera Weather Damage
Lorex cameras are built to be durable and are designed for outdoor use, but extreme weather conditions can sometimes push them beyond their limits. Whether it's from torrential rain, freezing snow, or intense heat, weather damage can lead to a range of problems, from a foggy lens to a completely dead camera.
This guide will help you identify the signs of weather damage, understand why it happens, and determine what steps you can take to remedy the situation or prevent it from happening again.
Signs and Symptoms of Weather Damage
The effects of weather on your camera can manifest in several ways. Look out for these common indicators:
- Condensation Inside the Lens: This is the most frequent sign of water ingress. You'll see a foggy, hazy, or blurry image, as if there are water droplets on the inside of the glass dome. This is most obvious at night when the IR lights reflect off the moisture.
- Complete Signal Loss: If water has caused a short circuit in the camera's main board or in the cable connection, the video feed may go completely black or show a "No Signal" error.
- Distorted or Discoloured Video: Water damage can affect the camera's image sensor, leading to strange colours, lines running across the screen, or a flickering picture.
- Night Vision Failure: The camera's infrared (IR) LEDs may fail to activate at night, leaving you with a pitch-black image in low-light conditions.
Understanding IP Ratings: Not All Cameras Are Equal
It's critical to understand that "weatherproof" does not always mean "waterproof". The durability of an outdoor camera is defined by its Ingress Protection (IP) rating.
- An IP rating is a two-digit number. The first digit relates to protection against solids (like dust), and the second digit relates to protection against liquids (water).
- IP66: This is a common rating for outdoor cameras. It means the camera is protected from dust and can withstand powerful jets of water. It is highly weather-resistant but should not be submerged.
- IP67: This is a higher rating. It offers the same protection as IP66 but also ensures the device can be submerged in up to 1 metre of water for 30 minutes.
If your camera is installed in a location where it is exposed to standing water or extremely high-pressure spray, a model with an IP67 rating is strongly recommended.
What to Do If You Suspect Weather Damage
If you believe your camera has been damaged by water, here are the steps to take:
- Disconnect Power Immediately: To prevent further short circuits, disconnect the camera from its power source as quickly as possible.
- Bring the Camera Indoors: Remove the camera from its mounting and bring it inside to a warm, dry environment.
- Attempt to Dry It Out: Do not attempt to open the camera's sealed housing. This will void your warranty and likely cause more damage. Instead, place the camera in a dry place, such as an airing cupboard or a container with silica gel packets, for several days. This may help to evaporate minor internal condensation.
- Test After Drying: After at least 48-72 hours, reconnect the power and see if the camera functions correctly.
Unfortunately, in many cases of significant water ingress, the internal electronic components are permanently damaged and the camera will need to be replaced.
Prevention is the Best Strategy
- Install Under Shelter: Whenever possible, install cameras under the eaves of your roof or another form of overhead cover. This protects them from the worst of the rain and sun.
- Use a Junction Box: Protect the pigtail cable connections by housing them inside a weatherproof junction box. This is the most common point of water entry.
- Create a Drip Loop: Arrange the camera cable so it hangs down in a U-shape before it enters a wall or junction box. This ensures water drips off the bottom of the loop instead of flowing along the cable into the connection point.
- Check the Seals: Before installing, visually inspect the camera's seals and gaskets to ensure they are seated correctly and not damaged.