Dealing With a Water-Damaged Tend Camera
Discovering that your security camera has been damaged by water is a disheartening experience. If your Tend camera has stopped working, is showing a foggy image, or is behaving erratically after exposure to rain or moisture, it has likely suffered water damage. This guide will explain why this happens with indoor-focused cameras, what, if anything, can be done to save the device, and how to prevent it from ever happening again.
Understanding Tend Cameras and Weather Resistance
It is crucial to understand the design limitations of your specific camera model.
Are Tend Cameras Designed for Outdoor Use?
The vast majority of Tend's popular indoor cameras (like the Lynx and Stick Up models) are not weather-resistant. They are designed exclusively for the stable, dry environment inside a home or business. They lack the rubber gaskets, sealed housings, and durable materials needed to protect the sensitive internal electronics from moisture. Using these cameras outdoors without adequate protection is a common cause of failure.
The Difference Between "Weather-Resistant" and "Waterproof"
Even dedicated outdoor cameras are rarely fully "waterproof" (meaning they can be submerged). They are "weather-resistant," designed to withstand rain, dust, and temperature fluctuations. An indoor camera has none of these protections, making it extremely vulnerable to humidity, condensation, and direct rainfall.
What to Do If Your Tend Camera Gets Wet
If your camera has been exposed to water, time is of the essence. Acting quickly provides the only chance of salvaging the device.
Step 1: Immediately and Safely Disconnect the Power
This is the most critical step. Unplug the camera from the power source immediately. Continuing to supply electricity to wet electronics will cause short circuits, which can permanently burn out the components.
Step 2: Bring the Camera Inside and Do Not Power It On
Bring the device into a dry, room-temperature environment. Resist the temptation to plug it in to see if it still works. This will likely cause the final, fatal short circuit.
Step 3: Attempt to Dry the Camera
The goal is to remove all moisture from the camera's interior.
- Use a soft cloth to dry the exterior of the camera.
- If you can see moisture inside the lens, you need to draw it out. The most common DIY method is to place the camera in an airtight container filled with uncooked rice or, even better, silica gel packets (the kind you find in new shoe boxes or with electronics).
- Leave the camera in the container for at least 48-72 hours. This will give the desiccant time to absorb the trapped moisture.
- Do not use a hairdryer or oven. Intense, direct heat can melt plastic components and damage the delicate camera sensor.
After a few days of drying, you can try plugging the camera in. If it works, you've been lucky. If not, the internal components have likely been irreversibly damaged.
How to Prevent Future Water Damage
Prevention is the only guaranteed solution.
- Use the Right Tool for the Job: If you need to monitor an outdoor area, purchase a camera that is specifically designed for outdoor use with a proper IP (Ingress Protection) rating.
- Provide Shelter: If you must use an indoor camera in a semi-exposed location, it must be completely protected from the elements. Place it on a covered porch, in a garage, or under a deep eave where rain cannot possibly reach it.
- Use a Protective Housing: You can find third-party manufacturers that create weatherproof enclosures for popular indoor cameras. These cases completely seal the camera, allowing it to be mounted in more exposed locations.