Using a Tapo Camera Outdoors: Risks and Solutions
Tapo's range of indoor cameras, like the popular C100 and C200 pan-and-tilt models, offer fantastic value and performance for monitoring the inside of your home. This often leads to a common question: can you use one of these affordable indoor cameras outside?
The short answer is that Tapo indoor cameras are not weatherproof and are not designed for outdoor use. Exposing them to the elements is risky and can lead to permanent damage. This guide will explain the risks, how to identify a proper outdoor camera, and what you can do if you absolutely must place an indoor camera in a sheltered outdoor location.
Why 'Not Weatherproof' Matters
When a device is described as not weatherproof, it means it lacks the specific protections needed to survive outdoor conditions. Here’s what an indoor camera is missing:
- Water Resistance: The casing has gaps and openings for ventilation and speakers. Rain, dew, or even heavy fog can easily get inside and short-circuit the electronics.
- Dust Proofing: The internal components are not sealed against fine dust and pollen, which can accumulate and cause overheating or mechanical failure, especially in a pan-and-tilt model.
- Temperature Tolerance: Indoor cameras are designed to operate within the stable temperature range of a home. They are not built to handle freezing winter temperatures or direct, hot summer sun, both of which can damage the sensor and internal parts.
- UV Resistance: The plastic used for the camera's body is typically not UV-stabilised. Over time, direct sunlight will make the plastic brittle, causing it to discolour and crack.
How to Tell if a Camera is for Outdoor Use
The key specification to look for is an IP Rating (Ingress Protection Rating). This is a standardised international rating that tells you exactly how protected a device is against solids (like dust) and liquids (like water).
- Example IP Rating: IP66
- The first digit (
6) means the device is completely dust-tight. - The second digit (
6) means it is protected against powerful water jets.
- The first digit (
- Outdoor Cameras: A camera designed for outdoor use will clearly advertise an IP rating, typically IP65, IP66, or IP67. For example, the Tapo C310 is an outdoor camera with an IP66 rating.
- Indoor Cameras: A camera like the Tapo C200 has no IP rating, meaning it offers no certified protection.
If a camera's specifications do not list an IP rating, you must assume it is for indoor use only.
How to Safely Use an Indoor Camera in a Sheltered Outdoor Space
While we don't recommend it, we understand you might want to try using an indoor camera to monitor a covered porch or patio. If you choose to do this, you must protect it from the elements.
1. Choose the Right Location
The location is your primary defence. The camera must be placed somewhere it will never be directly exposed to rain, snow, or intense sun.
- Deep Overhangs: Place it high up under a deep eave or a well-covered porch roof.
- Avoid Drip Lines: Make sure it isn't in a spot where water drips down from the roof.
- Consider Humidity: Be aware that even in a sheltered spot, high humidity and condensation can still pose a risk.
2. Use a Third-Party Protective Housing
For some popular camera models, you can buy third-party silicone skins or plastic housings.
- Silicone Skins: These can offer a small amount of extra protection from moisture and help shield the plastic from UV rays. Many come with a small hood to help keep rain off the lens.
- Outdoor Housings: A more robust option is a full plastic enclosure that you mount the camera inside.
Important: Using these accessories can help, but they do not make the camera truly weatherproof. They are a mitigation measure, not a guarantee.
3. Understand the Risks
Even with these precautions, using an indoor camera outside is a gamble.
- Warranty Void: Any damage caused by weather or outdoor use will void your manufacturer's warranty.
- Shorter Lifespan: The camera will almost certainly have a shorter operational life than if it were used indoors as intended.
For reliable and long-lasting outdoor security, the best and safest option is always to invest in a camera specifically designed for the job, like one from Tapo's outdoor range.