When choosing a CCTV camera housing for outdoor applications, there are multiple factors to take into consideration. How you mount the camera, and how well it performs in extreme weather conditions will be dependent on the type of housing you select.
There are many types of housings for CCTV cameras, and there are many cameras that are designed for specific applications, as I'll discuss below. These are a few of the important considerations when selecting a camera housing:
1) Will your camera be mounted indoor or outdoor?
2) For outdoor cameras, what are the most extreme temperature variations that will be experienced?
3) What is the size of the camera you are going to mount in the enclosure?
4) Some enclosures have temperature control - will there be a power supply nearby?
5) Is the camera to be undetectable? How will it be mounted?
6) What type of mounting options will your application require?
The first point above is critical to answer as soon as possible. What extremes of temperature or moisture will the housing have to endure?
Mounting a CCTV Camera Outside
An exterior camera will require mounting, lighting, power and enough field of view to be effective.
You will want to install the camera where you can get a wide field of view. Night vision cameras may require a special coated cover at the lens end of the housing. Mounting the camera high up, on a light pole or on the side or roof of a building gives effective coverage. Just make sure you have power available for the camera, as well as ability to access the camera for repairs and upkeep.
It is essential to keep the camera within it's specified temperature range. You can use more affordable cameras when using a temperature and weather controlled camera housing. Having an effective camera housing, with moisture barriers and temperature control, can keep the total system price tag more affordable than if you had to obtain cameras rated for extreme outdoor use.
Housings for outdoor CCTV cameras are available with built in heater and blower combinations to regulate temperature in hot or cold weather. They automatically switch to the proper regulation method, and run on AC or DC power. These housings are large enough for most CCTV cameras used today.
CCTV Camera Enclosures for Interior Use
With indoor CCTV camera systems there are obviously different requirements than for outdoors. A hidden camera is useful to spy on the occupants of a room. You may want a camera with a housing color that matches or at least blends in with the decor of the room it will be installed in.
Temperature control for indoor CCTV cameras may not be as critical as for outdoor cameras, however, make sure the housing will keep the camera temperature within it's specified operating range
These are the major considerations when selecting a CCTV camera housing. The security system itself is only as strong as it's weakest link. Don't overlook your camera housings. Keep all these factors in mind as you review these critical components to your surveillance system.
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