How to Stop CCTV Camera from Fogging up

When you place a camera outside, it is exposed to the weather. Which can blur your video and might cause damage. Let's look at how you can stop your CCTV camera from fogging up.

Keep your CCTV camera from fogging up

How it starts

Before jumping in and talking about how to stop a CCTV camera from fogging up, we can first understand why it is happening. 

And most important, how it can damage your camera.

Wrong door

You wouldn't drive a car on water, and a jet ski on land. So keep the right camera, on the right side of the door. Indoor cameras belong, you guessed it, indoors!

Placing indoor cameras in the outdoors environment can cause them damage. They are more prone to break when exposed to weather and debris that they were not made for.

Outdoor cameras are strong and durable. That is why they are weatherproof and can handle a broader temperature range.

And the cherry on top of the cake is that if you place your indoor camera outside, it might cost you!

Some warranties will not cover outdoor damage to an inside camera, and it can end up being up to you to replace it.

Lastly, indoor cameras do not have the right accessories to be installed outside. 

Their wires can get damaged easily as they are most likely not waterproof. As well as their connecting range to your indoor Wi-Fi that will most likely not work outside.

Hot and cold

protect your CCTV camera from fogging up

In certain places around the world, the temperature can rapidly change. And this is a daily occurrence that can have a severe effect on your camera.

You're probably aware of how condensation works coming from a young age. When young, you were probably taught that condensation happens depending on the objects' internal and external temperatures. 

Such as pouring a glass of cold water. The outside of the glass will start condensation and dripping due to the inside being filled with cold water.

When the inside of a security camera fogs up, it means that the warm and moist air surrounding it has come into contact with its cold surface. 

This is most likely to happen if there is a higher temperature swing in a day. In most places, late summer and early fall are peak times in the year to look for condensation.  

Therefore, making it the perfect timing to stop your CCTV camera from fogging up.

You might never see an indoor security camera with built-up condensation. This is entirely because of the regulated temperature provided by your air conditioning. 

Meaning, there places to install your CCTV camera indoors are almost endless. However, you will have to limit your placement when it comes to installing outdoors.

There are multiple places in which you can install your outdoor camera—for instance, brick, under eaves, or even on the vinyl siding of your home. 

But when you place your camera in unsuitable places, it can cause regular condensation even for weatherproof cameras. 

Cameras exposed to storms, harsh weather, and heavy rain can end up losing to the penetration of water and can give you foggy images, which is something no one wants!

Damage to your camera

When you invest in a camera, you are looking for something durable. Especially if it is outdoors at all times. Having blurry footage can end up hurting your business or your home. 

Apart from hurting your pockets as you will need money to fix the damage that can be done when you don't take precautions with your outdoor camera. 

Though blurry images can be quite annoying, and footage of constant fog is not what you're looking for, that is not the worst of your problems.

As constant condensation can lead to water build-up and can end up severely damaging your outdoor CCTV camera. 

There are many ways to prevent this from happening, you might have to find the one that works best for you. 

Let's take a look at how you can temporarily or permanently get rid of condensation and how to stop your CCTV camera from fogging up.

How to Stop CCTV Camera from Fogging up

how you can install security cameras on brick

While other people will need a temporary solution as many places do not have such unpredictable weather and do not require a permanent solution as fogging up only takes place certain times of the year in their area.

Temporary solutions

Wipe it down 

cleaning your lens can keep your CCTV camera from fogging up

When trying to find a quick and easy solution for a temporary condensation, wiping off the drops of water with a microfiber cloth can be one of the simplest ways to eliminate the problem. 

This type of cloth will not leave water spots and can be a quick solution and temporary fix when you need one. 

You can use this if you live in an area in which the weather does not affect your outdoor CCTV camera regularly, and you require a quick solution every once in a while. 

Another way to quickly remove condensation without leaving traces behind is too heated up slightly with a hairdryer to get rid of condensation. 

However, condensation can go farther than just the outside of your camera.

Open up the hood

When condensation has built up inside of your dome, it signals that there is air circulating inside your CCTV camera dome. 

In this situation, the best thing to do is to open the closing and remove the outer lens cover to wipe off the inside of the glass.

Carefully using a micro-fiber cloth, you can remove all condensation directly from the inside of the lens.  

Utilizing a microfiber cloth will make sure that no water spots will be left on the lens and picked up on the footage.

As well as allowing you to clean and reseal the camera by tightly closing it. As well as giving you the opportunity to add anything you might need to keep the condensation from rising up inside of your dome.

Permanent solutions

In some cases, condensation is constant where you live to do to the weather; therefore, you will have to look for a permanent solution on how to fix your camera's persistent condensation. 

Spray it down

Utilizing anti-fog spray, that can be found in many convenience stores, can quickly and inexpensively get rid of your condensation build-up.

Keep in mind that you should spray as needed to keep from building up too many layers of anti-fog spray on your lens. 

This is a great way to regularly maintain your outdoor CCTV camera from fogging up and ruining your footage. 

Making it a permanent solution, especially if you're condensation build-up frequently.

Lock and key

lock-and-key

Locking up your CCTV camera that is outdoors in a protection box can be a great permanent solution to keep condensation from occurring. 

Cameras such as the bullet type use this method to protect itself from various types of damage, such as weather, theft, and even condensation.

It can be a very accessible way to secure your camera; however, you want to be certain that the enclosure is proper for your camera type.

Silica gel packets

Whether you have bought a pack of beef jerky at your local grocery store or purchased a bag or purse, you have probably seen a silica gel package in your life. 

They are the small packets that lie inside some foods or clothing to protect them from moisture. 

They are placed in clothes to protect them from molding and keep your food nice and dry. These desiccating or silica gel packets dehumidify the air.

They can be a cost-effective investment that can permanently remove the condensation from your outdoor security camera. And you will only need to replace the packets occasionally.

Tips

Reolink Go

Purchasing your camera from a well-known brand can make the total difference.  A company was a good reputation shows that their product is outstanding. 

Which also means that you will be able to contact customer service in case of any condensation problem you may experience. 

Many big companies nowadays also provide expert technicians in your area that can assist you in various ways. Buying from a name brand can also save you money. 

Some brands are likely to provide you with a good warranty that will cover any damage to the CCTV camera.

Investing your money in name brands will save you money and are reliable to have a higher quality than a lesser-known brand.

The bottom line

Overall, even a weatherproof outdoor camera must have precautions to stop any kind of condensation build-up. 

This will keep you knowing what is happening around your home or business while simultaneously keep your camera protected.

You should also be aware that you should try and invest in a good warranty. One that offers water or weather damage can be the best. 

Make sure to share with everyone down below your experience with outdoor cameras and how you stopped your CCTV camera from fogging up!