CCTV cameras that are used outdoors will be exposed to all sorts of weather – including sun, rain, hail, wind, frost, dew, and even snow in some cases. We all know that electronics and water do not generally mix, so it’s understandable that you might wonder whether CCTV cameras are waterproof or not.
Dorani has been providing customers in the Melbourne, Brisbane and Gold Coast areas with high-quality, customised security solutions for more than a decade. We can help you select CCTV cameras that will be able to withstand all kinds of weathering, ensuring that your system continues to monitor your property no matter the conditions. Contact us for more information.
So, Are CCTV Cameras Waterproof?
The short answer is no. A device that is waterproof will be completely impervious to water. When we’re talking about cameras, these are the ones that people use to take photographs underwater.
CCTV cameras don’t actually need to be waterproof, but they do need to be weatherproof to ensure that they can withstand the elements when installed outdoors.
Dorani CCTV Cameras are IP67 rated which is extremely high weather protection, ensuring correct installation and cable connections can mean these cameras can be installed in extreme conditions.
What Does Weatherproof Mean?
As the name suggests, weatherproof CCTV cameras will be able to withstand the weather. This includes rain, sleet, snow – whatever Mother Nature chooses to throw their way. They’re fitted with a weatherproof cover or housing that is designed to keep moisture, dust and dirt out of the camera’s delicate internal components.
It’s important to remember that not all weatherproof cameras are equal. As well as protection against wet conditions, a high-quality camera will also provide protection against extreme temperatures, extreme humidity, shocks, and even high falls. When shopping for CCTV cameras to use outdoors, you should be looking at their environmental ingress protection (IP) rating.
What Is an IP Rating?
The IP rating refers to how protected the CCTV camera is against solids and water getting inside it. The rating is represented by the abbreviation IP followed by two digits. The first digit refers to protection against solids, and the second digit refers to protection against water.
IP first digit (solid protection) rating:
| 0 | Zero Protection |
|---|---|
| 1 | Protection against objects greater than 50mm (like a hand) |
| 2 | Protection against objects greater than 12.5mm (like a finger) |
| 3 | Protection against objects greater than 2.5mm (like a screwdriver) |
| 4 | Protection against objects greater than 1mm (like a piece of wire) |
| 5 | Protection against quantities of dust that would interfere with the operation |
| 6 | Dust-tight – no dust will get in |
IP second digit (moisture protection) rating:
| 0 | Zero Protection |
|---|---|
| 1 | Protection against water droplets (like light rain) |
| 2 | Protection against water droplets falling at 15 degrees (like wind pushing rain) |
| 3 | Protection against water spray up to 60 degrees |
| 4 | Protection against water splashes |
| 5 | Protection against light water jets (like a garden hose) |
| 6 | Protection against strong water jets (like a pressure washer) |
| 7 | Protection underwater (from 15cm to 1m, up to 30 minutes) |
| 8 | Protection underwater (3ft or more for long periods) |
The three most common ratings that you would see on a CCTV camera designed for outdoor use are IP66, IP67 and IP68.
A rating of IP66, for example, means that the camera is dust-tight and is protected against strong water jets, like a pressure washer.
What Is an IPX Rating?
Sometimes, you may come across CCTV cameras that have ratings like IPX6 or IP5X. This means that one of the protection ratings (solids or moisture) has either not been tested for or it just hasn’t been provided. The X is used to replace the unknown number.
So, a camera that is rated at IPX6, for example, doesn’t have a rating for its protection against solids but does offer protection against strong water jets.
What IP Rating Should I Look For?
The preferred IP rating of your CCTV cameras will depend entirely on where you intend to use them. This breakdown may be of assistance:
- Cameras rated at IP44 or less should only be used indoors
- Cameras rated at IP44-45 may be used outdoors, but only in well-sheltered areas
- Cameras rated at IP65-67 can be used outdoors and are weatherproof
- Cameras rated at IP68 are submersible and are usually reserved for marine purposes
Please keep in mind that these are only recommendations; the requirements and specific environmental factors of your premises may require cameras with a certain IP rating to be used.
Choose Weatherproof CCTV Cameras with Dorani
At Dorani, we want you to have peace of mind that your CCTV camera system will stand the test of time – no matter where it has been installed. This is why we offer a wide range of high-quality cameras with varying IP ratings, ensuring plenty of options for outdoor installations. If you want to install CCTV cameras at your home or business and are unsure of the IP ratings to look for, get in touch with our helpful team for assistance.