Are Video Doorbells Waterproof?

Video Doorbells add another level of security to your front porch. The ability to have a camera monitoring deliveries, and visitors to you home allows you to check before opening your door to strangers. However, they are an electrical item that goes outdoors, and Electricity and water usually don’t mix too well. So we take a look at waterproofing options for Video doorbells below.

Some models of video doorbell offer full waterproofing, however unless likely to be submerged this is an unneeded expense. All models of video doorbell will be water resistant to some degree depending on build quality. this I.P. Rating (ingress protection) can range from light splashes and rain to limited immersion.

So Video Doorbells can have a level of waterproofing, they do live outside after all, however what level of waterproofing you need will depend on how much of the elements it is exposed to and how often those elements are going to be extreme. This article will explain some of the features of video doorbells and the different types of water-resistant features they may have.

What are Video Doorbells

If you want a doorbell that will keep burglars at bay, Video doorbells are just the thing. Unlike some other devices, this doorbell uses video and motion sensors to alert you to intruders, victors and deliveries. You can choose the type that best suits your needs – video, Night vision, motion sensors, battery-powered, or hardwired.

A video doorbell is like a security camera, but instead of transmitting a signal to your cell phone, it takes video throughout the day and at night. It also records audio through a speaker. Some models store footage locally on a microSD card or remotely through a cloud server.

Once installed, a video doorbell will recognize motion when a visitor approaches. Others can even communicate with a landline or cellular phone for additional security They are also a great way to modernize an old porch!

Are Video Doorbells Water-resistant

Good Quality Video Door bells are made from durable, weather-resistant material. They can survive temperatures from -5 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. While a water-resistant cover is available for your doorbell, you must ensure that you have a proper installation before the doorbell is exposed to water.

Heavy rain and sprinkling water will not harm the device, but they will not function properly if they are completely submerged in water, which if they are it is unlikely you would be in the house to use them anyway!!!

Water-resistant is a better description for most video doorbells. They are unlikely to be waterproof, but can be very water-resistant. If you’re concerned about the water-resistant quality, you can consider purchasing an outdoor-grade water-proof model however for most use cases this will be going overboard ( pun intended!)

If your doorbell gets completely water logged, it will malfunction. Even if the doorbell is waterproof, it may become inoperable if it gets soaked.

• The camera may not work properly if the camera is affected by moisture, or
• the electrical wiring may malfunction.
• You may even end up getting a electrical shock.

Water can get inside the casing of the doorbell, shortening its life expectancy and in extreme cases making it unusable.

Weather-proof Covers for Video Doorbells

If you’re unsure quiet how waterproof your Video Doorbell is, it’s possible to buy a water-repellent cover. These products can also protect its internal components from freezing.

Using a silicon-based or acrylic bead, you can cover the case’s gaps. In addition to covering the case, you can also purchase extra insulating material to keep it safe from the elements.

The weather-resistant cover on the device will protect the button and charging port from dust. The water-resistant feature also protects the keypad from dust as well as of course water. If your front porch is more prone to the weather than others it may be worth considering.

What Are IP (Ingress protection) Ratings?

An IP rating refers to a device’s level of resistance against the ingress of moisture and solid foreign objects.

• The first digit is a number, ranging from 0 to 9, and it indicates its ability to resist moisture ingress at varying intensity, angles, and depths.
• The second digit indicates its resistance to varying pressures. A high-IP rating is ideal for locations where high-intensity liquids and dust are likely to be present.

When choosing an IP-rated device, make sure the product’s specifications are standardized. Although there are a variety of types of waterproofing products on the market, IP codes help customers understand their options and limitations.

For Example: A handset rated IP67 can withstand a 30-minute immersion in freshwater. An electrical socket with an IP22 rating is sufficiently protected against accidental finger insertion and will not be rendered inoperable during specified water exposure tests.

An IP22 rating is typically the minimum requirement for an indoor electrical accessory.

IP First Number	Dust Proofing	IP Second Number	Water Proofing
0	zero protection	0	zero protection
1	stops objects large than 5 cm can be touched by hands.	1	condensation very light rain
2	stops objects larger than 1.2 cm ( fingers)	2	protects against sprays up to 15 degrees from vertical
3	stops objects over 2.5mm ( tools etc)	3	can protect against water sprays at 60 degrees from vertical.
4	stops objects over 1mm	4	can be splashed from all directions, not much water gets in
5	Dust protection	5	low pressure jets protection
6	Complete dust protection	6	High pressure jets protected
		7	1 metre immersion
		8	usually sealed – over 1 metre

Plexiglass Doorbell Covers

Video doorbells are designed to withstand outdoor elements. Their water-resistant design ensures that the device stays attached to the mounting location regardless of rain or snow. Video doorbells are also designed to withstand temperature fluctuations, and they feature water-tight seals on the case, charging port, and buttons.

This prevents dust from entering sensitive areas, and helps keep the doorbell working under normal conditions. However, extreme weather conditions can cause the device to malfunction or break and you might want to consider extra protection if you live in an area prone to more extreme weather.

Plastic doorbell boxes are compatible with Ring and other video doorbells. Most of them feature a completely sealed design to prevent rainwater from coming into contact with the camera. Plastic doorbell boxes also require a wall attachment.

Most Video doorbells are also IP-rated. While IP-rated products can protect you from rain and snow for long periods of time, they cannot be completely waterproof.

While IP ratings are useful for purchasing weather-resistant products, it’s best to consult the manufacturer’s manual for more information.

Waterproof doorbells can handle light dust. You should, however, avoid installing them in areas that experience excessive rain or snow. While Most Video doorbells are designed for moderate rainfall, they should not be used in areas where the doors are frequently submerged.

When they are submerged, make sure that you let the device dry completely before you use it again,

Conclusion

Waterproofing is the primary issue that many people have with a video doorbell along with batteries running out!

Although a waterproof video doorbell may be able to withstand light rain or snow, a strong water jet could severely damage the device. That’s where a waterproof cover is important. It prevents water from entering the doorbell, and makes it more convenient and cost-effective to have your doorbell protected from the elements.

If you live in an area with heavy rainfall, you should consider purchasing rain cover. The PVC material is strong and durable. Although the rain cover will protect your video doorbell from excessive rainfall, it will not protect your video doorbell from falling into a pool or rain.

However a little forward planning and you will have a much more secure front porch in all weathers.

References

• https://www.enclosurecompany.com/ip-ratings-explained.php
• https://robotpoweredhome.com/ring-doorbell-waterproof/
• https://smarthomestarter.com/is-the-arlo-video-doorbell-waterproof/