Adding surveillance cameras to your home can increase security and peace of mind. Outdoor cameras are an investment that need protecting, however, so choosing the right enclosure is just as important.
Assessing Your Needs
Choosing the right security-camera enclosure means assessing your needs before you buy. Some concerns you might have to take into account are:
• Extreme temperatures
• Dust
• High humidity
• Water
• Vandalism
Environmental Factors
Outdoor security-camera enclosures are built with environmental factors in mind. However, when you select an enclosure, you'll need to consider your area's particular climate.
Look for an IP (or International Protection) rating. An IP65 rating, for example, will protect against dust and low-pressure water jets, so rain or the spray of a garden hose will not affect your enclosure. If you live in an area that is hurricane-prone, however, you may need a higher rating.
Some enclosures have built-in heaters and blowers that allow them to function in extreme high or low temperatures. Such an enclosure, for example, may say it will function in temperatures from -20ºF to 120ºF.
Other features to look for are wipers, defrosters/defoggers and sun shrouds.
Vandalism Protection
If there is a high likelihood that your outdoor cameras could be the target of vandalism or tampering, then invest in a more secure enclosure. Some enclosures feature heavy-gauge aluminum or steel casing; others boast bulletproof glass.
These types of enclosures can be expensive, so assess your needs carefully. You can usually avoid camera tampering by mounting them in out-of-reach areas.
Wireless Access
Many security systems use wireless cameras. Outdoor use for these cameras can result in an unreliable signal, but some enclosures and cameras are better for outdoor wireless use than others. The best option is an external wireless radio and antenna.
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