Outdoor CCTV Security Cameras - what you need to know - By: Andy J Thompson

I live in Ottawa, the second coldest capital in the world. In Canada, we have four perfectly balanced seasons, which makes our climate the perfect testing ground for outdoor security cameras. I have several outdoor cameras both at home and at work. All of them have been subjected to temperatures as low as -35c, and as high as 32c. Despite these extremes, I have never had a single outdoor camera fail. You must be thinking that I am using fairly high end cameras with heated enclosures. The truth is, these are typical outdoor security cameras which can be purchased in the $100-$250 price range. None of them are protected by an enclosure. The cameras are all made of metal (as opposed to plastic which can crack or warp in extreme conditions) and feature infrared illumination. They are usually mounted under an eavesdrop, so while they are exposed to some precipitation, the are rarely pelted by intense rainfall. Documentation included with most CCTV security cameras usually specify a range of temparatures at which the camera can safely operate. If the documentation says a camera can operate in cold weather up to a temparature of -10c, it does not mean that the camera will cease to operate at -11c. These are operational guidelines which do leave some wiggle room. Some cameras are rated with the International Protection Rating code, or as it is often referred to, an IP code or IP classification. The code classifies the level of protection provided by an electrical enclosure against the intrusion of solid objects, dust, accidental contact, and water. Many outdoor security cameras are rated IP55 or better. The International Protection Rating consist of the letters IP followed by two numbers. It is the numerical part of the code which is imporant. What follows is is an explanation of the IP rating codes: The first digit of the IP code documents the level of protection that an enclosure provides against access to hazardous parts (electrical conductors, moving parts, etc) and the penetration of solid foreign objects. Level 0 Offers no protection against contact and penetration of objects. Level 1 Offers penetration protection against any large surface of the body, but no protection against deliberate contact with a body part. Level 2 Offers penetration protection against fingers or similar objects. Level 3 Offers penetration protection against tools, thick wires Level 4 Offers penetration protection against most wires and screws sized objects Level 5 Penetration of dust is not completely prevented, but it cannot enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with the performance of the equipment; this level offers complete protection against contact Level 6 Offers complete protection against dust penetration; complete protection against contact The second digit of the IP code refers to the equipments resistance to water intrusion Level 1 Offers protection against dripping water Level 2 Offers protection against dripping water when the enclosure is tilted at an angle up to 15° Level 3 Offers protection from water falling as a spray at any angle up to 60° from the vertical Level 4 Offers protection from water splashing against the enclosure from any direction Level 5 Offers protection from water projected by a nozzle against enclosure from any direction Level 6 Offers protection from water projected from powerful jets against the enclosure from any direction Level 7 Offers protection from water when the enclosure is immersed in water at a depth of less than 1 meter Level 8 Offers protection from water when the enclosure is immersed in water at a depth exceeding 1 meter, as specified by the manufacturer Always verify the IP classification of a camera your are planning to use outdoors.