Blink outdoor cameras are one of the best devices for your home security, but they’re mounted outside so the risk of it getting wet under the rain is certain.
These devices are rated as IP65 and are water-resistant. So, can they get wet? And if they do then what should you do about it?
Also find out ways by using which you can avoid your Blink camera from getting wet, read on.
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Can The Blink Outdoor Camera Get Wet?
This is one of the most common concerns of Blink camera owners. Blink has made their cameras to function outside of the house specifically and they can tolerate your typical weather, but when it comes to getting wet it is a bit complicated.
According to the International Electrotechnical Commission Blink outdoor cameras have an IP65 weather rating, which is quite impressive.
Here, the numeral 6 shows that the device is ‘dust-tight, and number 5 states that the device is ‘protected against water jets. Water projected in powerful jets shall have no harmful effects.’
We frequently hear terms such as water-resistant, water-repellent, and misunderstood it for being waterproof which is incorrect. Let’s understand their meanings.
- Water-resistant: Devices marked as water-resistant can handle water up to some extent and prevent it from penetrating inside. They should be kept away from liquids though.
- Water-repellent: A product labelled as water-repellent is hydrophobic or repels water on contact. It can prevent water from entering inside the components up to some degree.
- Waterproof: If the device is waterproof then it can be submerged into the water without any worries.
The Blink Outdoor Camera is water-resistant and as mentioned earlier it has an IP65 rating.
All this information suggests that your Blink outdoor camera can get wet, but you do not need to worry if it is from normal rain, sometimes from sprinklers and water splashes from the garden hose, anything beyond that might be considered a potential danger for your Blink camera, keep this in mind.
What Happens If It Gets Wet?
If your Blink outdoor camera gets wet, most probably it will be fine and will resume working normally. You may have to wipe off the water droplets from the camera’s lens or else you might have a blurry or distorted vision.
This was about your device getting wet in case it gets partially or completely submerged in water then problems may arise. As we said earlier too waterproof and water-resistant are two separate things.
In case your device gets wet or submerged in water, make sure you perform the following things.
Determine The Damage
Give it a test run to conclude if it is broken or still working. If the contact with water was least, then it should work just fine.
Check The Batteries
Make sure that the water doesn’t reach the batteries. Water can’t get inside the batteries, however, if moisture or water is collected around the area then it can inflict some serious damages such as corroding the connectors.
Put It in Rice
If the device is not working because it has endured water damage, then put it inside a container or a bag filled with rice. Rice has moisture-absorbing tendencies, this may get your device functioning again. You can use this method for other devices too such as mobile phones.
Air dry
Take it inside your house and give it some time to dry naturally, depending on how much water exposure it underwent.
You do get the warranty for a fixed period for your device, but it doesn’t cover the damage inflicted by the customers.
Nonetheless, if you’re sure that the damage was incurred because of the bad or defective design of the device and it is under warranty, then you are free to file a warranty claim. Blink generally offers 1 year from the date of purchase for repairs and replacements.
How To Protect It from Water Damage
If the camera is not waterproof then you must take steps to protect it from water, moisture, and exposure to sunlight too. Because these devices are IP65 rated and can’t cope up with being drowned in water whether intentionally done or by accident.
Suppose your device is mounted somewhere under the roof gutter and the water empties there, then your device may accumulate water inside and damage it. So it’s best to use this case for additional protection from the rain and the sun.
This case is a protective cover for your device and easy to use and install. You must just slip it in, and it will be fixed inside. The case is made up of rubber which will protect it from all the sides, making sure no water makes its way inside.
It even has a little roof on top of it for avoiding sun glare, and looks fancy, just like a little birdhouse.
Do make sure you get the right cover for your device model.
Location Matters
If the area where you live experiences heavy rainfall, then install it somewhere it doesn’t get exposed to the rainwater. Even if you live in a moderate climate, do mount it somewhere secure, not under any place where water runs off directly on it. Because it won’t be able to repel that much water, the same goes for the sunlight. So, select an ideal location on your property and mount it accordingly.
Careful Battery Change
The batteries offered by Blink in your device have an incredible life of 2 years! After 2 years you will have to replace the batteries, while doing so pay attention to it so that you close the battery lid tightly.
Some people even suggest lining the battery compartment edges with silicone for extra safety. Whatever you do, make sure the compartment is closed tightly and perfectly, failing to do so may invite water inside and your device may cease to function.
What If You Find Water in The Battery Compartment?
What if you go out to change the batteries and find out that your Blink camera is full of water? No, you do not need to throw it away immediately and purchase another one, follow the steps given below first:
- Unmount the camera from its position, get inside of your house. Now, shake it mildly to get out water as much as you can. Then grab a soft towel or any other cloth to soak up the visible moisture.
- The electronic circuit inside of the camera may still have the presence of moisture, perform the following step next.
- If you’re patient then let it dry out in the open for a couple of days, there are high chances that it will continue working.
- If you need your camera working again then go grab a hair dry and dry your camera using it on low or no heat for 20-30 minutes.
Conclusion
Your Blink outdoor camera can get wet underwater but is water-resistant so it can only do so much to prevent any water from entering inside.
Mounting it in a secure place away from rainwater and sunlight is a way you can prevent it from getting wet, thus eliminating any risk of water clogging and working improperly.
