Mobotix Not Weatherproof: How to Protect Your Camera
Mobotix has built its reputation on producing exceptionally robust and durable cameras, many of which are designed to withstand the harshest environmental conditions. However, it's a common misconception that all Mobotix cameras are inherently weatherproof. The Mobotix range includes indoor-specific models that lack the environmental sealing of their outdoor counterparts.
Using a camera that is not weatherproof in an outdoor or exposed location will inevitably lead to failure. This guide will help you understand the risks, identify the right camera for the job, and protect your investment.
Understanding Weatherproofing: The IP Rating
The key to knowing if a camera is suitable for outdoor use is its IP Rating (Ingress Protection Rating). This is a universal standard that classifies the degree of protection provided by an enclosure for electrical equipment.
An IP rating consists of two numbers:
- First Digit (Solids): Rates protection against solid objects, from fingers (2) to dust (6). A rating of 6 means the device is completely dust-tight.
- Second Digit (Liquids): Rates protection against liquids, from dripping water (1) to complete, continuous submersion (8). For outdoor cameras, a rating of at least 6 (protection against powerful water jets) is recommended.
Therefore, a camera with a rating of IP66 or IP67 is considered fully weatherproof and suitable for almost any outdoor installation. An indoor camera may have a rating of only IP20, offering no protection against water.
What Happens When a Non-Weatherproof Camera is Exposed?
Exposing an indoor-rated Mobotix camera to the elements can cause catastrophic damage.
- Water Ingress: Rain and humidity can easily get inside the housing, causing short circuits on the mainboard, corroding connectors, and permanently damaging the lens and sensor.
- Condensation: Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can cause condensation to form inside the camera dome or lens, obscuring the view and leading to long-term moisture damage.
- Dust and Dirt: Without proper sealing, dust and small particles can accumulate inside the camera, potentially interfering with moving parts (like in a PTZ camera) or coating the sensor.
- Temperature: Indoor cameras are not designed to operate in the extreme hot or cold temperatures experienced outdoors, which can lead to system instability and failure.
How to Protect Your Investment
1. Always Choose the Right Camera for the Environment
The most important step is to select the correct product from the start.
- Before purchasing, verify the IP rating of the Mobotix camera model you are considering. This information is always available on the product's official datasheet.
- For any outdoor application, or in indoor areas with high humidity or dust (e.g., industrial workshops, swimming pool areas), insist on a model with a rating of at least IP66.
2. Use a Protective Housing
What if you have an indoor camera that must be placed in a challenging environment? The only safe solution is to install it inside a third-party weatherproof camera housing.
- These housings are essentially sealed boxes with a transparent window for the lens.
- They are designed to provide a complete environmental seal, protecting the camera inside from rain, dust, and impact.
- Some advanced housings even include heaters and blowers to control the temperature and prevent condensation, allowing an indoor camera to operate in extreme cold or heat.
3. Check for Damage
If you suspect an indoor camera has been mistakenly installed outdoors, look for these signs:
- Foggy or hazy image quality.
- Water droplets visible inside the lens cover.
- The camera is offline, especially after it has rained.
If you see these signs, power down the camera immediately and bring it indoors to dry out, though the damage may already be permanent.
Ultimately, respecting the environmental limitations of your equipment is critical. Always deploy a Mobotix camera that is specifically designed and rated for the environment it will be operating in.