They're typically safe from rain, snow, heat, and cold. Most outdoor security cameras have an IP66 rating, which means they offer complete protection from dust ingress and can handle water jets from any direction, but shouldn't be immersed in water.

The second number tells you how resistant the camera is to moisture and ranges from 0 (no protection) to 9 (protected against close range, high pressure spray downs from all angles). The first digit following the IP prefix tells you how resistant the camera is to the ingress of solid objects such as wind-blown dust and ranges from 0 (no protection) to 6 (total protection against dust and dirt). IP ratings contain two digits that tell you just how well the camera will hold up under most weather conditions. What Type of Weather Can Outdoor Security Cameras Handle?Īny outdoor camera worth its salt must be able to withstand exposure to the elements and should carry an IP (Ingress Protection) rating. Google Nest Cam (Outdoor or Indoor, Battery) If you're having trouble getting a good signal outside, try pumping it up with a wireless range extender. Look for an outdoor Wi-Fi camera that can connect to either the 2.4GHz or 5GHz radio band to alleviate network congestion. Bluetooth cameras are also easy to install, but you have to stay within 40 feet or so to connect to them with your phone. These types of cameras typically use rechargeable batteries that can be easily popped out and taken indoors for charging with a USB cable, but they tend to drain quickly in colder weather. Battery-powered Wi-Fi cameras are the easiest to install because you can put them just about anywhere (as long as they can connect to your router) without having to snake a power cable into your home to plug into an outlet. Wi-Fi cameras are easier to install than their wired counterparts because they don't have to be located near an Ethernet port and don't require wiring. But there are also models that can use wired Ethernet, Bluetooth, Z-Wave, or a proprietary wireless technology to connect to a mobile app or a dedicated hub. Most smart outdoor security cameras use a Wi-Fi radio to connect to your home network, allowing you to access them from anywhere using a mobile app.

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