How Do I Protect My Camera?

You’ve made a smart investment in a video surveillance system to protect your home or business. But have you thought about protecting the cameras themselves? Your cameras are your frontline defense, and if they are damaged, obscured, or disabled, your entire security system is compromised. Protecting them from weather, vandals, and even insects is a crucial step in ensuring long-term reliability.

This guide will walk you through the key considerations for keeping your cameras safe and operational, so they can keep you safe in return.

Guarding Against the Elements: Weatherproofing

Outdoor cameras face a constant battle with Mother Nature. Rain, direct sun, dust, and temperature swings can all degrade performance and shorten a camera’s lifespan.

• Choose the Right IP Rating: The “IP” or Ingress Protection rating tells you how well a camera is sealed against dust and water. For outdoor use, look for a camera rated at least IP66, which is dust-tight and can withstand powerful jets of water. IP67-rated cameras can even be submerged temporarily.
• Use Sun Shields: Direct sunlight can cause lens flare, overheating, and can even damage the camera’s image sensor over time. Many outdoor cameras come with a built-in sun shield. If not, mounting the camera under an eave or overhang is a great way to protect it.
• Keep Lenses Clean: Dust, pollen, and hard water spots can obscure the camera’s view. Regularly wipe lenses with a soft, microfiber cloth. For persistent spots, a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and distilled water can be used.

Defending Against Vandalism and Tampering

Unfortunately, criminals sometimes target the very cameras meant to catch them. Making your cameras difficult to disable is a key part of physical security.

• Install Cameras Out of Reach: This is the simplest and most effective deterrent. A general rule is to mount cameras at least 8-10 feet off the ground, making them difficult to reach without a ladder.
• Use Vandal-Proof Housings: For cameras in vulnerable, low-hanging areas, a “vandal-proof” dome camera is the best choice. These cameras have high-impact polycarbonate domes and metal housings designed to withstand blows. Their “IK” rating (e.g., IK10) indicates how much impact they can resist.
• Protect Your Wires: Exposed cables are an invitation to be cut. A professional installation ensures that all wiring is run through walls, ceilings, or protected inside metal or PVC conduit, leaving no obvious weak points.
• Secure the Recorder: The NVR or DVR that stores your footage is the heart of your system. It must be kept in a locked and secure location, such as a closet, server rack, or back office, to prevent a thief from simply stealing the evidence.

The Professional Advantage: A Complete Protection Strategy

While DIY measures are helpful, a professional installer provides a comprehensive security plan that a homeowner or business owner might overlook. We assess your property to find the optimal camera locations that balance maximum coverage with maximum protection.

A complete security plan considers all factors. It’s not just about physical hardware; it’s about understanding what can trigger a security camera to avoid placing it in a spot that generates endless false alerts. Furthermore, a truly robust strategy must include digital security, which involves knowing how to block access to your camera‘s feed from unauthorized users. By combining physical hardening with smart placement and digital security, you create a system that is both reliable and resilient.