A security camera is one of the most effective ways to keep your home and business safe from theft or vandalism.
But what if you live in a forest or an area with high moisture or rainfall? Your security camera will be useless if it gets wet as the water droplets will obscure the camera view.
At this point, what is required from you is waterproofing your security camera by using any of the below methods to protect it from the water and to use it no matter the weather.
So, in this article, we will show you how to make a security camera waterproof. Plus, we will also provide some tips on choosing the right waterproof security camera for your needs.
By following the tips that we are going to explain in this article, your camera will be protected for a long time, and you will not have to worry about it getting damaged by the weather.
Why It’s crucial to make your security camera waterproof?
When it comes to outdoor security cameras, it is important to make them waterproof. There are some benefits that you can get from making the cameras waterproof and protected, including:
1. Improved image quality – When security cameras are exposed to water and its falls on the camera lens, the captured images become fuggy.
While foggy images are an annoying issue, you can avoid this by using a simple solution which is making your camera waterproof.
Once you make a security camera waterproof, you can test it, and ensure that the images captured by your camera are of the highest quality possible.
2. Increased durability – Waterproof your security cameras making them more durable than their non-waterproof counterparts.
What I mean is the outside surveillance cameras will be able to withstand harsh weather much better than other indoor cameras, and as a result, will last much longer.
3. Greater peace of mind – Knowing that your security camera is fully protected from rain, wind, and other weather elements will give you greater peace of mind.
Additionally, knowing when the cameras are protected, they will continue to work properly no matter what the weather is like.
Best Ways to Make a Security Camera Waterproof?
The first step when you take before purchasing a security system is to plan where you want to locate your cameras. In this case, you should choose the best places to mount the camera on.
However, some beginners install their cameras in the wrong locations such as open places, making their cameras exposed to rain, dust, and mud.
At this step, it’s difficult to waterproof a security camera but it’s possible and can be done using one of the methods below.
Let’s see
1. Put the Camera In a Waterproof Box
One of the most common and effective ways to make your security camera waterproof is by putting it in a waterproof box.
This will help protect your camera from water and will also keep it clean from any debris or dust that could potentially damage it.
In addition, this way is cheap and suitable for homeowners who don’t need to involve in other steps of the installation process.
Not only that, you can make a waterproof box for your cameras, it’s simple and the whole process doesn’t require a lot of work, or money.
2. Place the Camera inside BirdHouse
Another creative way to make your protection camera impervious is to place it inside a birdhouse.
This may seem like an odd solution, but it works quite well, especially for large-size security cameras.
Not only but also, birdhouse will protect your camera from rain, snow, and sun, while still allowing you to get a clear view of whatever is happening outside.
Moreover, putting your camera inside a waterproof box, or birdhouse stops camera condensation when it’s cold outside.
3. Use MailBox to Protect your Camera
If you don’t want to invest in a special waterproof box for your camera, you can use a mailbox instead.
In the past, the mailbox is widely spread when homeowners used it to send and receive envelopes from neighbors, or companies.
Now everything exists on the internet, and with one touch on your phone, you can check your mail.
Anyway, you can use your old mailbox to put your device and protect your security camera from rain, or dust.
Simply open up the old mailbox, place your camera inside, and close the door. In this way, you will be able to view the incidents, or anything else occurring outdoors clearly without being affected by the elements.
For more watch the next video to hide the security camera inside a mailbox.
Source: DIY Creators
4. Install Camera Under Soffit
What we make previously when we asked to install a security camera system for our clients, we made a small plan for the camera’s location, and wire route, also we choose a suitable place for the central device whether it’s DVR or NVR.
In most cases, we install security cameras under the soffit (A soffit is a small space between the edge of your roof and the top of your home’s exterior wall) and then we run the wires inside the wood of the soffit, or through the aluminum.
Installing your camera in this space will protect your camera from water exposure and will also keep it out of sight.
5. Set the Security Camera behind the Window
Finally, an amazing way to keep your security camera waterproof is by setting it up behind the window.
This option is perfect for those who want to add a little bit of decoration to their home while also keeping their security cameras safe and working properly.
You can find more effective ways to hide your outdoor security cameras [Click Here] and keep them protected.
Now
How to Weatherproof Security Camera Connections or How to Make Security Camera Cable Waterproof?
Now, after you protect your security camera devices such as video recorders, and cameras, it’s time to protect cables and wires.
Here are a few tips on how to make your security camera cable waterproof.
Step1: Use Electrical Tape
The first and most obvious way to make your security camera cable waterproof is by using electrical tape.
Simply, get an electric tape from any supplier, then wrap the tape around the exposed part of the cable and make sure that it is snug.
This electric tape will create a barrier between the water and the cable, preventing any damage from occurring.
Step2: Apply Silicone caulk
A second way we used previously to make a security camera cable waterproof is by using silicone caulk.
All you need is to purchase a silicone caulk from the store, then apply the caulk around the exposed part of the data cable, or power wire and allow it to dry.
Once the caulk has dried, it will create a waterproof seal that will protect your cable from any water damage.
Step3: Use a Waterproof Conduit
If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of electrical tape or silicone caulk, you can simply use a waterproof conduit.
These plastic conduits are designed to fit over your security camera cables and will provide a water-resistant barrier.
Whatever where you want to mount outdoor security cameras on walls, or underground, these conduits will provide 100% protection for your system cables.
How to check if your security camera is waterproof?
There are a few ways to check if your security camera is waterproof or not. Let’s see
For example, one of the common ways is to
- Check the camera specification or contact the manufacturer of your camera to know if it’s waterproof or not.
- Look at the camera package and check the IP rating, this IP rating measures how much water, and weather temperature a device can withstand, and the higher the rating, the more water-resistant the device is.
- Test the camera by submerging it in water for a certain amount of time and then testing it to see if it works or not.
These are the most common method we use to check if the camera is waterproof or not.
Note that: I don’t recommend using the third method as there are many low-quality security cameras out there that are damaged when water comes on them.
How long can a security camera be submerged in water?
Most security cameras, especially indoor cams are not designed to withstand rainwater for an extended time. So, If you need to test your camera, submerge it in a water bowl for a few minutes and then take it out and dry it off.
Once you take the camera from the water, leave it for minutes to dry as we mentioned, then test it and see if the functions, and sensors of the camera work normally or not.
Conclusion
Anyhow, your security camera system can be waterproof in many ways. We have provided you with plenty of tips above to ensure that your camera is protected from water damage that may occur.
We hope that this article was helpful and that you found the information that you were looking for.
If you have other tips on making a security camera waterproof? Let us know in the comment section below!
