Protecting Your Tend Camera from the Elements
Tend offers accessible and user-friendly security cameras, but when you place a device outdoors, you're entrusting it to survive the unpredictable British weather. If you've found that your Tend camera isn't holding up to the rain, humidity, or temperature changes, you're not alone. Understanding the difference between 'weather-resistant' and 'weatherproof' is the key to ensuring your camera has a long and effective life.
This guide will help you identify the signs that your camera is suffering from weather-related issues and provide practical, preventative measures to protect it from damage.
The Reality of Weather-Resistance Ratings
Most outdoor cameras, including those from Tend, come with an Ingress Protection (IP) rating. A common rating is IP65. Let's break this down:
- The '6' (Solids): This indicates the camera's enclosure is completely sealed against dust.
- The '5' (Liquids): This means the enclosure can protect against low-pressure water streams from any angle. This is adequate for handling normal rainfall.
However, an IP65 rating does not mean the camera is fully waterproof. It cannot withstand being submerged in water, being sprayed with a powerful hose or jet washer, or enduring prolonged periods of torrential, driving rain in a completely exposed location.
Key Symptoms of a Camera That Isn't Weatherproof
If your camera's defences have been breached by moisture, it will start to show some clear signs of distress.
- Foggy or Hazy Video: The most common symptom is condensation forming on the inside of the lens cover. This will make your video feed look blurry or as if it's in a fog, especially as temperatures change.
- Night Vision Failure: The small infrared (IR) LEDs that provide night vision are sensitive to moisture. If they begin to flicker, or if some of them stop working entirely, it's a strong indicator of water damage.
- Connection and Power Issues: Water can cause short circuits. You might find your camera randomly rebooting, disconnecting from your Wi-Fi network (especially during or after rain), or losing power completely.
- Visible Corrosion: Check the micro-USB power port and cable. Any sign of rust (orange/brown) or verdigris (green/blue) is a clear sign that moisture is present.
- Muffled Audio: If your camera has a microphone or speaker, water ingress can damage these components, leading to distorted or muffled sound.
Proactive Steps to Safeguard Your Tend Camera
You can significantly extend the life of your outdoor camera by taking a few preventative measures during installation.
1. Strategic Placement is Everything
The location you choose is your first and best line of defence.
- Seek Shelter: Never install the camera in a location that is completely exposed to the elements. Always place it under a natural overhang like a porch roof, a soffit, or an eave.
- Mind the Angle: Angle the camera so that it's pointing slightly downwards. This helps rain run off the housing rather than pool on top or directly on the lens.
- Create a Drip Loop: When running the power cable to the camera, let it hang down in a U-shape just before it connects to the camera body. This simple loop ensures that rainwater running down the cable will drip off at the bottom of the 'U' instead of flowing directly into the delicate power port.
2. Reinforce the Seals
Ensure the camera's built-in protection is working as intended.
- Inspect Before Installing: Before you mount the camera, check that any rubber seals or gaskets are properly seated and not twisted or damaged.
- Secure the Connection: Make sure the power cable is pushed firmly and securely into the port to create the tightest possible seal.
3. Consider Additional Coverings
For very exposed or harsh environments, you might want an extra layer of protection.
- Third-Party Silicone Skins: You can often find silicone 'skins' designed for popular camera models. These slip over the camera's body and provide an additional barrier against moisture.
- Small Protective Enclosures: For maximum protection, you could mount the camera inside a dedicated outdoor security camera housing, though this may be overkill for most residential situations.
By implementing these strategies, you can overcome the challenges of the weather and ensure your Tend camera remains a reliable part of your home security system.