Many people believe that security cameras and other video monitoring equipment will not work at all when the temperature drops below 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
There are a lot of things to think about when it comes to home security and the security of your property. One of the most common concerns is whether or not the security cameras you have installed will work in cold weather. Most security cameras are designed to withstand temperatures around 100 degrees Fahrenheit and below, but that doesn’t mean that they will always survive the elements.
Many people wonder if security cameras work in cold weather. This is a question that can be answered with a simple yes, or no. Security cameras can work in cold weather, but the functionality of the camera may be negatively affected.
Some security cameras are specially designed for cold weather, but most work well even in frigid conditions. Security cameras are designed to work in a wide range of weather conditions, with some even specially made for really cold temperatures, Especially, the Reolink 8CH 5MP PoE Home Security Camera System known as RLK8-410B4. This Security camera is one of the best security cameras that work well even in a snowy/windy winter season in Canada.
Cameras are designed to conserve battery power by lowering the camera setting when it’s cold, so they will still turn on and record when it warms up. In addition, security cameras can also be placed indoors or outdoors for different types of weather systems.
One of the most important features of a security camera is it’s weatherproofing. With cold weather on the way, one of the first questions you might have is whether or not your security camera will be affected by the cold temperatures. A cold weather seal is an important part of your security camera’s construction, and it is designed to keep the camera’s electronics from getting damaged or moisture from causing your camera to malfunction.
How to make security cameras work in cold weather
There are a few preservation methods you can use to keep your camera functioning when the mercury drops. Here are a few tips on how to keep your security camera operating properly during the cold winter months:
- Keep your sensor free of snow and ice with a dry rag or clean towel.
- Ensure that there is enough insulation from the ground, roof, and sides of the camera’s installation location.
- Avoid pointing it at areas with lots of sun exposure that could overheat its sensor.
- Change your batteries once every 12 months, even if your camera is working normally.
- Clean the sensor and lens with a damp cloth (not dry) at least once every 30 days.
- If your camera can be mounted in temperatures below freezing, adjust its settings to prevent it from freezing in place.
- If your camera displays a “No Go” message or is unresponsive, wait several hours and then try again.
- Cover outdoor cameras if a “No Go” message appears.
- Wait at least 24 hours if you get a “No Go” message before contacting your camera’s helpline.
- Try connecting your camera to another power supply, preferably one that is protected from the elements. Install an external weather cover (if applicable) for protection against rain and snow.
- Place the camera in a location where it will receive direct sunlight during daylight hours for the maximum benefit of solar power sources.
- Install warning lights on your camera if direct sunlight prevents it from powering up in the mornings.
- Move the camera from its location and do not attempt to operate it until the temperature is above freezing or the outside temperature has fluctuated enough for you to be certain that your camera is fully operational.
- If you cannot get a working security camera, use an alternate method of protecting your home or business (e.g., locks, alarms, etc.).
Finally, the easiest way to protect your security camera against this potential temperature drop is to prepare in advance. Always perform checks on your security system prior to significant changes in the weather. Most importantly, maintenance visits could minimize potential problems before they happen.