Identifying and Responding to Unifi Camera Water Damage
Unifi offers a range of cameras designed for outdoor use, built to withstand the elements. However, no device is completely immune to water damage, especially in cases of severe weather, improper installation, or physical damage to the camera's housing. When water gets inside a camera, it can cause catastrophic failure to the sensitive electronic components.
Recognising the signs of water ingress early and taking immediate, correct action is crucial. While it may not always be possible to save the device, a swift response can sometimes prevent a short circuit and permanent damage. This guide will help you identify the symptoms, take emergency steps, and learn how to prevent future incidents.
Common Symptoms of Water Damage
Water damage can manifest in several ways, from subtle performance issues to complete device failure. Be on the lookout for these key indicators:
- Condensation Inside the Lens: This is the most obvious and common sign. You will see a foggy, misty, or cloudy appearance on the inside of the glass lens cover.
- Blurry or Distorted Video: The image feed from the camera may become blurry, hazy, or have a milky white tint, even after you have cleaned the outside of the lens.
- Intermittent Power or Connectivity: The camera may frequently go offline and then come back online. This can be a sign of internal components shorting out.
- Complete Failure to Power On: After a heavy rainstorm, you may find that the camera is completely unresponsive and shows no status light.
- Corrosion: You may see visible signs of rust or green/white corrosive buildup on the Ethernet port or around the seams of the camera's casing.
- Malfunctioning IR LEDs: The infrared lights for night vision may flicker, appear dim, or fail to turn on at all.
Immediate Steps to Take for a Water-Damaged Camera
If you suspect your Unifi camera has been exposed to water, act immediately. Time is critical to prevent a fatal short circuit.
1. Disconnect Power Immediately
This is the single most important step. Do not attempt to use the camera or check if it still works.
- For PoE Cameras: Unplug the Ethernet cable from the camera or from the switch port that is providing it with power.
- For Wi-Fi Cameras: Unplug the power adapter from the electrical socket.
2. Dry the Exterior
Bring the device inside. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe away any visible water from the outside of the camera's housing and from its ports.
3. Allow The Interior to Dry Completely
Do not assume that a dry exterior means a dry interior. You must give the internal components ample time to dry out.
- Patience is Key: Place the camera in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area for a minimum of 48 to 72 hours. Do not apply direct heat from a hairdryer or oven, as this can damage the components.
- Use Desiccants: For better results, place the camera in an airtight container or a sealed bag along with several silica gel packets (the kind often found in new shoe boxes or with electronics). These will help absorb the moisture from the air and from inside the device. Uncooked rice can be used as a last resort, but silica gel is far more effective.
4. Test the Camera (With Caution)
After at least two to three days, you can attempt to power the camera back on. Connect it to power and see if it boots up and connects to your Unifi Protect controller. If it works, monitor it closely for any unusual behaviour. Be aware that corrosion can be a long-term problem, and the camera may still fail weeks or months later.
Prevention is the Best Strategy
- Proper Installation: When installing an outdoor camera, ensure the rubber seal for the Ethernet port is correctly installed and forms a tight seal. This is the most common point of water ingress.
- Choose the Right Location: Whenever possible, mount cameras under an eave, soffit, or other overhang to shield them from direct rainfall.
- Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect your outdoor cameras for any signs of wear and tear on the seals or cracks in the housing that could allow water to get inside.
- Use Drip Loops: When running the cable to the camera, form a "drip loop" by allowing the cable to dip down below the level of the camera's port before it rises up to connect. This ensures that water running down the cable will drip off at the bottom of the loop rather than running directly into the camera's port.