Identifying and Dealing with Verkada Camera Weather Damage
Verkada cameras are engineered to be robust and are rigorously tested to withstand a wide range of environmental conditions. With high IP (Ingress Protection) ratings for water and dust resistance, they are designed for reliable performance both indoors and outdoors. However, in extreme weather conditions or due to unforeseen circumstances, damage can still occur.
This guide will help you identify the signs of weather damage to your Verkada camera and outline the appropriate steps to take to get your system back online.
Understanding Verkada's Durability
Most Verkada outdoor cameras, like those in the Dome Series, come with an IP67 rating. Let's break down what that means:
- The first digit (6): This refers to protection against solid particles. A '6' indicates the camera is completely "dust-tight." No dust can get inside.
- The second digit (7): This refers to protection against liquids. A '7' indicates the camera is protected against the effects of temporary immersion in water (up to 1 metre for 30 minutes).
This means your camera is well-protected against rain, sleet, and snow. Additionally, many models have an IK08 or IK10 impact rating, making them resistant to vandalism and physical damage.
Signs of Potential Weather Damage
Even with these high ratings, it's important to know what to look for. Damage can be caused by prolonged direct sun exposure, extreme temperature fluctuations, or a breach in the camera's protective seals.
- Condensation Inside the Lens: This is the most common and obvious sign of a seal failure. You will see fog, mist, or visible water droplets on the inside of the glass or plastic dome. This will significantly obscure the camera's view.
- Blurry or Foggy Image: Before visible droplets form, the image quality may degrade, appearing soft, blurry, or as if you're looking through a fog. This is often the first indication of moisture ingress.
- Complete Video Signal Loss: In severe cases, water intrusion can short-circuit the internal components, leading to a complete loss of video feed. The camera will appear as "Offline" in the Verkada Command platform.
- Discolouration or Warping of Housing: In areas with extreme, prolonged sun exposure (high UV), the camera's housing may become yellowed, brittle, or warped over time.
- Corrosion: You may see signs of rust or corrosion around connectors or mounting points, especially in coastal areas with salt in the air.
What to Do If You Suspect Weather Damage
If you notice any of the signs above, it is crucial to act quickly to prevent further damage and to resolve the issue.
1. Do Not Attempt to Open the Camera
This is the most important step. Opening the camera's housing yourself will void the warranty. The internal components are sensitive, and you could cause more damage. The factory seals are critical for weatherproofing, and you will not be able to replicate them.
2. Document the Issue
Take clear photos and videos of the camera from multiple angles.
- Capture any visible water or condensation inside the dome.
- Take screenshots of the blurry or foggy video feed from the Verkada Command platform.
- Note the camera's serial number and its physical location.
This documentation will be essential for your support case.
3. Power Cycle the Camera (If Safe)
If the camera is offline, you can attempt a power cycle. This is typically done by unplugging the Ethernet cable from the camera or from the PoE (Power over Ethernet) switch port it's connected to. Wait for 60 seconds before plugging it back in. However, if there are visible signs of significant water intrusion, it may be best to leave the device powered off to prevent potential short circuits.
4. Contact Verkada Support Immediately
Verkada is known for its excellent customer support and industry-leading 10-year hardware warranty.
- Open a Support Case: The best way to start the process is by contacting the Verkada support team via phone or their online support portal.
- Provide Your Documentation: Share the photos, videos, and serial number you collected. Clearly describe the symptoms and the environmental conditions the camera has been exposed to.
- Follow Their Guidance: The support team will guide you through any final troubleshooting steps and, if they determine the unit is faulty due to a seal failure, will initiate the Return Merchandise Authorisation (RMA) process for a replacement unit under warranty.
By following these steps, you can ensure that any weather-related issues with your Verkada hardware are resolved quickly and professionally, minimising downtime for your security system.