Outdoor Network IP Camera

An outdoor network camera is a network camera that is enclosed within an outdoor rated camera enclosure. The network camera may be built directly into the outdoor enclosure or may use an outdoor enclosure as an accessory item. Outdoor network camera enclosures range in size, appearance and available features. There are standard outdoor enclosures to protect a camera from the elements, enclosures with heaters for cold environments, enclosures with fans for warm environments and enclosures that combine all of these features into one complete package.

Outdoor camera enclosures can differ in the degree of protection it may provide from object intrusion, dust and water. Most outdoor rated network camera enclosures are IP66 rated (International Protection Rating) for protection against dust/debris and water/moisture. The actual IP66 rating states that an IP66 rated enclosure is “dust protected” allowing prevention against most dust ingress and provides protection from “powerful water jets” or a jet of water from any direction.

Essentially, if the outdoor network camera or enclosure is IP66 rated then it is safe to assume that this camera can be used in an indoor or outdoor environment and will be protected against any water penetration and most dust penetration. An IP66 rated enclosure may be susceptible to small amounts of dust over time but not enough dust to hamper any internal camera or enclosure functionality. Also, an IP66 rated camera enclosure cannot be submersed to stand in water.