SimpliSafe Weather Damage: A Troubleshooting Guide
SimpliSafe's outdoor cameras and sensors are designed to be weather-resistant, but they are not indestructible. Extreme weather conditions like torrential rain, high winds, hailstorms, or severe temperatures can sometimes cause damage, leading to malfunctions or complete failure. This guide will help you assess potential weather damage to your SimpliSafe components and walk you through the necessary troubleshooting steps.
Types of Weather Damage and Their Effects
Understanding how different weather conditions affect your devices can help you pinpoint the problem.
- Water Ingress: This is the most common issue. Heavy, driving rain can force moisture past the device's seals, causing short circuits, corrosion on the battery contacts, or fogging on a camera lens.
- Physical Impact: High winds can knock devices from their mountings, and hailstorms can crack the plastic casing, compromising the weather-resistant seal.
- Extreme Cold: Very low temperatures can drastically shorten battery life, causing devices to temporarily go offline. In some cases, it can make plastic components brittle.
- Extreme Heat/Sunlight: Direct, intense sunlight over long periods can degrade the plastic housing and potentially damage the camera's image sensor. The device may also temporarily shut down if its internal temperature exceeds operating limits.
Step-by-Step Guide to Assessing and Fixing Weather Damage
If you suspect a device has failed due to weather, follow these steps. Your safety is the priority, so do not attempt to inspect outdoor equipment during a storm.
Step 1: Perform a System and Visual Inspection
First, let's check the system status and then look for obvious signs of damage.
- Check Your Keypad/App: Look at your SimpliSafe keypad or check the mobile app for any specific error messages related to the malfunctioning device (e.g., "Entry Sensor Open," "Camera Offline," or "Sensor Not Responding").
- Visually Inspect the Device: Once it is safe to go outside, carefully examine the affected sensor or camera. Look for:
- Cracks or holes in the plastic casing.
- The device being knocked out of alignment or off its mounting bracket.
- Visible moisture or fogging behind the camera lens.
- Signs of corrosion on any visible metal parts.
Step 2: Troubleshoot Water-Damaged Devices
If you suspect a device has been compromised by water, immediate action is required.
- Bring the Device Inside: Carefully remove the sensor or camera from its outdoor mounting and bring it indoors.
- Remove Batteries Immediately: Open the battery compartment and take out the batteries. This prevents short circuits which could cause permanent damage.
- Dry Everything Thoroughly:
- Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down the exterior and interior of the device, including the battery contacts.
- Leave the device and its battery compartment open in a warm, dry area (like an airing cupboard) for at least 24-48 hours. Do not use a hairdryer or direct heat, as this can damage the components. Placing it in a sealed container with silica gel packets can help absorb moisture.
- Install Fresh Batteries: Once you are certain the device is completely dry, install a brand new set of batteries.
- Test the Device: Try to reconnect the device to your system. If it functions correctly, you can reinstall it outside. Consider adding a small bead of silicone sealant around the casing seams or a protective cover for extra protection.
Step 3: Address Temperature-Related Issues
If a device has failed during a period of extreme cold or heat:
- For Cold Weather: The most common issue is a dead battery. Replace the battery with a fresh one, preferably a lithium battery, which performs better in low temperatures than standard alkaline batteries. The sensor should resume normal operation once its internal temperature is back within its operating range.
- For Hot Weather: A camera may temporarily shut down to prevent overheating. If possible, relocate the camera to a more shaded position to prevent direct sun exposure during the hottest part of the day. The device should come back online once it cools down.
If a device does not respond after thorough drying and a battery change, or if its casing is physically broken, it will likely need to be replaced. In this case, you should contact SimpliSafe customer support to order a new component.