Whether you or a member of our team are monitoring your property or grounds, it was a vital and important decision that someone from your business considered the underlying advantages of having security cameras installed. However, it is just as important to consider the potential damage they could face through the differing weather conditions throughout the year and how this can cause the problem of camera condensation.
Fortunately for you, you have come to the right place and there is no need to worry. If you are reading this blog knowing that your cameras have been affected, then it is not a difficult problem to fix. So, make sure you keep reading to find out how this can be prevented from either being a potential threat or from happening again.
How It Affects Your Businesses Safety
Condensation on CCTV cameras is a potential security concern for businesses, because not only does it affect the visibility and performance of the security camera, but it could also prevent proper identification if and when a perpetrator is captured by the system during an offence.
However, since condensation is a natural occurrence, it cannot be avoided, but we can take action to prevent or minimize its disruption through proper maintenance and precautionary measures. The most important thing is that you choose the right security camera for your business or grounds, which can be done through our free consultation process. Here we can even perform a site visit to your business and advise on where your security cameras can be best placed to try and help prevent this problem.
What Causes Condensation On Security Cameras?
Constant Changes In Daily Temperature
In the UK we can never trust the weather, from one day to the next there can be extreme fluctuations in temperature, meaning that aside from any imperfect sealing you may have on the lens causing issues, that the changes in the temperature will also contribute to the forming of condensation.
To protect your security cameras ensure that any lens covers are well sealed or even consider utilising a specialty housing for your camera.
Severity Of Weather
Severe weather can also be a contributing factor to the problem of condensation. Harsh weather conditions can cause a large amount of moisture to form and gradually build up inside of the camera, especially around the lens. Try and get into the habit of checking your security cameras on a regular basis, especially after a storm or any other type of weather disturbance. Also, as previously mentioned it is well worth considering specialty housing as a great option for extra protection.
Indoor Cameras Are Being Used Outdoors
There have been many instances where we have seen indoor security cameras actually installed on the outdoor areas of the business premises. Unfortunately, there may be any number of reasons why this happens and we have discussed a few below…
For a “quick-fix”, indoor cameras are often placed outdoors because they’re much cheaper when compared to outdoor cameras. It may have been a simple choice by the property owner or business manager thinking he can receive maximum security for a slightly lower cost. Which we all know as a false economy, and isn’t the right choice to make.
Although, indoor security cameras are durable enough for the purpose they were created, they are not at all suited to outdoor use. However, do not underestimate indoor security cameras for their intended use as not only are they reliable and durable, they also help to provide maximum security and coverage if you feel this is needed.
Remember, only use indoor cameras for their purpose, because using them in the outdoors means you might end up spending more, instead of saving more like you intended.
Your Camera Is Not Sealed Properly
Improper sealing is one of the main reasons why condensation may happen to your security camera. Cheaper cameras are not particularly water-resistant, even if they may promote that they are, which is why it is important to try and avoid purchasing lower cost, lower quality products, as they will more than likely fail or malfunction.
For a slightly higher initial investment and by using a trusted security provider, you will be saving your money in the long run and receiving high-quality video footage, 365 days of the year.
Ways You Can Resolve The Issue
- Wipe Off The Lens: Something as simple as wiping off the lens can be one of the easiest ways to address your condensation issues. However, this might have to be done frequently, but it is a simple 5-minute job. You need to make sure to do this every time the condensation has accumulated on the lens. Additionally, make sure that you remove the dome covers too and wipe them to remove any moisture that has built up on the camera.
- Heaters & Blowers: You could consider installing heaters and blowers as a way to ensure that the temperature of your security camera is being regulated internally, as this will decrease the condensation risk.
- Desiccants: We all see these small packets every time we receive something that is usually sealed. Initially, the use of desiccants and silica gel will help to dehumidify the area, plus this is a great cost-effective technique but will need to be replaced every so often.
- Anti-Fog Spray: This can be used after wiping off the condensation from the lens and covers. The anti-fog spray must be applied to help minimise or prevent it from occurring later on and is a perfect way to maintain your security cameras.
- Contact A Specialist: If you have completed these steps and still no avail, then the best idea is to call for help. Which can include an expert member of our team, as we are easily able to deal with such issues. Here is our number if required – 01427 666111
How To Prevent This Issue Ever Happening To Your Security Cameras
Preventing camera condensation is an easy job if you are provided with useful information that you can use again and again. So here are some tips on how to make this issue virtually non-existent.
Purchase From Reputable Brands
It is always going to be recommended that you purchase your security cameras from reputable brands that have a commitment to the security system industry. Furthermore, a good reputation also means that the company will produce outstanding products and customer service for your security systems.
For example, our reputation and expert technicians are always ready to help if you require any assistance.
Try Not To Open The Camera’s Housing
If you choose to buy a camera with a varifocal lens (which helps you to change the focus and magnification.) Then you must have a way to easily adjust the lens.
However, during the installation of the security camera, there is a chance that the humidity can get into the housing if the installers open it for the lens adjustment, which can cause the condensation issue when the camera is in full working order.
Another interesting solution to prevent condensation issues is to also use security cameras with a monitored lens, which allows you to adjust the varifocal lens without opening the housing.
Make Sure You Purchase Weatherproof Security Cameras
If you are going to be purchasing security cameras for outdoor use, then make sure that they are weatherproof. This is easily identified by the cameras IP which should ideally be IP65 or higher, this prevents any dust or water from going in.
If you are working with a company such as ourselves then you will be provided with this option by an expert/specialist.
On the other hand, if you are looking to buy online, then you should be able to find out if they are waterproof or not by looking for such things as the IP65 rating in the specifications.
Keep An Eye On The Working Temperature Of Your Cameras
Making sure that you check the working temperature and humidity on your security camera is vital. This is especially recommended in high altitude areas and colder regions. Plus, you should confirm if your security cameras are capable of working both indoors and outdoors. Remember that all qualified outdoor security cameras are able to sustain a weatherproof rating of IP65 or higher.
Choose The Right Installation Spots
Even if you are purchasing weatherproof cameras, it does not mean that they can be installed anywhere you like. You need to take the necessary precautions and care when choosing the right areas to install your systems. Especially with the underlying risks of direct sunlight and harsh weather conditions, which will impact massively on condensation forming.
Now that we have gone through these vital steps, let’s wrap this up.
Security cameras are created to help us secure our business properties and to initially keep staff and valuables safe (especially if your business includes multiple warehouses that contain high amounts of stock.) However, securing your business does not mean simply putting up security cameras.
The installation and monitoring of correct CCTV requires a high amount of knowledge and responsibility. So, if you want to ensure your business safety is the best it can be, then why not get in touch? Contact us through our main switchboard: 01427 666111 or feel free to drop us an email to – enquries@tagsystems.co.uk
Source: https://tagsystems.co.uk/how-you-can-prevent-security-camera-condensation/
