Winter temperatures can be harsh on some smart devices. What happens when a blizzard hits or a rainstorm arrives? Can your smart home and security tech survive plunging temperatures?
From talking fridges to iPhones, our experts are here to help make the world a little less complicated.
Outdoor security cameras come with a handy cheat code to show what kind of weather resistance they have, known as IP ratings. Product info right on the product page or box should have the IP rating listed somewhere, usually under specifications. If a camera does not have an IP rating, it’s not meant to be used outside and won’t survive in the rain at all.
IP ratings have two numbers, as in “IPXX.” The first number is dust protection, an important consideration but not as important for the weather as the second number, a 1 through 9 rating of how the camera deals with water. The higher the rating, the better the camera has tested at surviving more water, water jets, powerful water jets and so on. Look for cameras that offer IPX5 or IPX6 ratings for reliable outdoor protection in winter weather conditions. Finding more than that on devices is rare, but it shouldn’t be less.
Today’s latest security devices have many advantages that old systems can’t provide.
All parts of your home are probably a little windy during a storm, but direct, powerful wind gusts cause two key problems. First, they can blow a whole lot of dust and debris into a camera, which is very bad for the lens and not great for the casing, either. Second, in snow and rainstorms, direct wind can blow a whole lot of precipitation onto a camera that would otherwise be protected.
So, if you know of any especially gusty corridors or corners around your home, avoid putting security cams in those spots.
You can also consider a full camera enclosure, a bit like a birdhouse but with a transparent window in front. The camera goes inside and is safe from all kinds of elemental pounding. Also, the enclosure is warmer and you can even add a heating device to keep the camera away from freezing conditions.
Since enclosures cost extra, are a pain to set up and require frequent maintenance or cleaning, we don’t suggest them unless conditions are very extreme. If winters drop below 0 degrees in your region and are infamous for huge blizzards, an enclosure may be worth your time. Otherwise, it’s probably not necessary.
