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 0-0 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.

Choosing a camera to be utilized for a business purpose or for a residential cctv security camera system can be a daunting task if you are unaware of what you seeking in home or business protection. For example, do you require an authentic cctv security system or just a fake “dummy” home video camera security system, in other words do you desire a camera system that will actually contact the police or do you beleive that the affect of using a visible but fake cctv security camera would suffice to deter criminal predators? Is the cctv camera monitor’s appearance important to you? Do you prefer a cctv camera system which is hidden from view or very obvious? Despite what your cctv security camera needs may be,there is a camera security system that can satisfy both your secuity needs and desires.Security cameras are supplied in three basic styles and by understanding these basic types will aid in reducing some future decisions with regards to your cctv camera security system.

The first kind of home security camera is known as a dome camera. Obviously, this camera comes in the shape of a dome and it fits conveniently on the ceiling of your home or business. You will find the dome cameras often times in casinos where they are used to monitor the tables. You will also find home security at its most fashionable with the dome lens. There are dome cameras that can be placed outside, however, you must use a special armor type in order to do this kind of mounting. Sony carries two different types of dome security cameras and they are a leader in the industry. You can choose from the Verifocal dome camera, which has the highest resolution (420 lines) and an adjustable lens. You can also purchase Sony’s Infrared Armor dome camera, which acts as a hidden camera and is the most durable of all of the dome cameras. Dome cameras are the most popular security cameras because they are impossible to detect which angle they are viewing unless you are at close range. They come in black or white and they all have adjustable lenses.

The second type of home security camera is the bullet camera. The lens is long an looks very much like a rifle,which is where the camera name originates. Bullet cameras are easily visible and can be mounted to a wall or a ceiling. They use a 12V DC voltage, and the power cable should be included when the camera is purchased. The majority of these cameras will produce color images and then switch their resolutions to black and white in circumstances of low light levels. Bullet security camera systems provide much better resolution during the day, however if you have a substitute source of light other than the sun such as a streetlight people can often be monitored from as far way as 70 feet. The most popular brand of bullet security cameras is the SPECO CVC-6805SX, which is color and has a fixed lens of 4mm.

The other home security camera system that is popular in order to secure your business or home is the infrared cameras. These cameras are good if you need to see mainly at night. A main issue with the infrared camera is that it does not do well for residential security. The infrared camera has lights built around the lens in order to make the image look like it was filmed during the day. The most important difference between night vision cameras and infrared cameras is that night vision camera do not incorporate built in lighting and for this reason these to types of cameras are not to be confused. The most cost efficient infrared security camera is made by Digital Peripheral Solutions and it is the QSVC422 CCD color outdoor camera, which is $137 to $157 depending on where you purchase your system.

Often people desire to have a sense of security at home no matter what. Installing a home security camera because it gives you piece of mind, or setting up a camera at work to keep an eye out when you can’t be there could cut down on stress and anxiety. There is nothing wrong with wanting to protect your home, your business, your investments, or the people that you feel a responsibility towards. Setting up a type of monitoring alarm system in order to make yourself feel better when you cannot be around is a hands-on way to run your life.

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