Can Commercial Surveillance Cameras Operate in High-Heat Environments?

If you have a business that operates in a high-heat environment, whether it’s the temperature outside or a harsh manufacturing environment, you’re likely familiar with the challenges that can come with securing your property. While surveillance cameras certainly can operate in high heat environments, you need to take extra precautions when investing in the right system.

Extreme temperatures and sunlight can damage surveillance equipment and shorten the lifespan of your system and jeopardize the reliability of your surveillance video. However, surveillance is still necessary and beneficial regardless of where your business is located or how hot your manufacturing environments get.

How can you have a reliable surveillance system for locations that face extreme temperatures? Here are your options for investing in the right equipment for your surveillance needs.

For Up to 120 Degrees Fahrenheit

Most internet protocol (IP) surveillance cameras are designed to work in temperatures of up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit [1]. These cameras typically use fans or protective housing to ensure that temperatures up to 120 degrees won’t damage the equipment or affect video quality. However, many businesses operate in areas that need surveillance solutions for well above 120 degrees.

Between 120 and 140 Degrees

If your business operates in a temperature range of higher than 120 but below 140 degrees Fahrenheit, you still have options for investing in reliable surveillance. However, you will need to take into account the camera’s cooling systems and housing.

While fan-cooled cameras can work well for areas that experience some heat, they can be prone to fail if you have a manufacturing environment (or a natural environment for your business location) that experiences a lot of dust and debris. This can be a common problem for companies in hot environments, such as those in manufacturing or with a physical business location in a dry and dusty location.

Camera cooling systems that don’t use fans—for example, those with special housing, insulating materials, and heat-sinks to dissipate heat without fans—can help your surveillance equipment withstand higher temperatures with a minimal increase in your electricity usage and maintenance [2].

Above 140 Degrees

What happens if you need reliable surveillance for environments that see temperatures in excess of 140 degrees Fahrenheit?

You can still invest in dependable surveillance equipment; however, you would need to consider camera units with air-conditioned housing to help keep the temperature cooler and improve the reliability of your camera function.

While investing in this type of cooling system will increase the ability of your cameras and their lifespan even in high-heat environments, it will increase your energy costs and maintenance. However, these extra necessities can be well worth the cost and effort to have the surveillance you need in these challenging environments.

Customize Your Surveillance Solutions

The right approach for using surveillance cameras in high-heat environments will be different for every business based on their particular needs. You want to invest in a long-lasting system that can handle the temperature without dramatically increasing your energy usage or maintenance costs.

You can also invest in thermal cameras in high-heat environments, which can be especially beneficial for areas that may be prone to explosions or fires. Thermal cameras also give businesses the ability to have surveillance that can see through smoke or haze to maintain video quality even in extreme temperatures and conditions [3].

Whether you’re looking for the right housing for your surveillance cameras or need a cooling system to support your surveillance needs, Surveillance Secure can help. Give us a call today to learn more about our camera solutions for high heat environments at (877) 388-1248.

Sources:

1. https://ipvm.com/reports/options-for-extreme-heat
2. https://www.securityinfowatch.com/video-surveillance/article/21234437/video-surveillance-solutions-for-harsh-and-rugged-environments
3. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GOVPUB-C13-81f29c7eb587f86f1eab1956d2a3279c/pdf/GOVPUB-C13-81f29c7eb587f86f1eab1956d2a3279c.pdf