Dealing With a Water-Damaged Verkada Camera
Verkada cameras are premium, enterprise-grade devices known for their robust build quality and high weatherproof ratings (typically IP67). However, under certain conditions, even these durable cameras can fall victim to water damage, leading to costly downtime and potential data loss.
Recognising the signs of water ingress early and understanding the correct procedure to follow is critical to protecting your organisation's security infrastructure. This guide explains what to look for, the immediate steps you must take, and how to prevent future incidents.
Identifying the Signs of Water Damage
Unlike a consumer-grade camera, a Verkada device may not fail immediately. It's important to be vigilant for the subtle signs that a camera's environmental seals have been compromised.
- Condensation Behind the Lens: The most common and obvious sign. If you see fog, haze, or distinct water droplets on the inside of the camera's dome or lens, water has entered the main housing. This will severely impact image quality and eventually lead to component failure.
- Image Quality Degradation: The image may appear blurry, washed out, or have a milky haze that cannot be fixed by cleaning the exterior of the dome.
- Camera Goes Offline: The camera may suddenly appear as "Offline" in the Verkada Command platform, especially after a period of heavy rain or high humidity. While this can have many causes, it's a strong indicator of a short circuit due to moisture.
- Corrosion: Inspect the mounting brackets and any exposed connectors for signs of rust or other corrosion. This suggests prolonged exposure to moisture.
Immediate and Critical Steps to Take
If you identify any of the signs above, you must act immediately to prevent further damage and for safety reasons.
1. Disconnect the Power Source Immediately Verkada cameras are powered via Power over Ethernet (PoE). An IT administrator or your installation partner must disconnect the Ethernet cable for the affected camera from the PoE switch or injector. This is the single most important step to prevent a catastrophic electrical short circuit that will permanently destroy the camera's internal components.
2. Do Not Attempt to Open or Repair the Camera Verkada cameras are sealed units. Attempting to open the camera's main body to "dry it out" will void its 10-year warranty and will likely cause more damage. These are not user-serviceable devices.
3. Document the Issue Take clear photos or videos of the camera showing the signs of water damage (e.g., the condensation inside the lens). Note the camera's serial number and its physical location.
4. Contact Verkada Support This is a critical step. Open a support ticket with Verkada immediately. Provide them with the camera's serial number, the evidence you have collected, and a description of the problem. Verkada's support team is excellent and will guide you through the warranty and replacement process. Due to the product's extensive warranty, a camera with a failed seal will almost certainly be replaced.
Understanding the Causes and Prevention
While Verkada cameras are built to last, installation errors are the primary cause of weather-related failures.
- Improper Seal on the Dome: The clear bubble dome must be seated correctly and tightened to the specified torque to ensure the gasket creates a perfect seal.
- Damaged Cable Grommet: The rubber grommet where the Ethernet cable enters the camera is a critical seal point. If this is torn or not seated correctly, it provides a direct path for water.
- Incorrect Mounting: While the cameras are weatherproof, mounting them in locations where they are perpetually submerged or subject to high-pressure water jets (like from a pressure washer) can exceed their IP rating.
- Physical Damage: A crack in the dome from an impact will immediately compromise the camera's weatherproofing.
To prevent future issues, always ensure your cameras are installed by a certified Verkada partner who will follow the exact installation procedures. For particularly exposed locations, consider mounting the camera under an eave or using a weather shield for an extra layer of protection.