One of the most important parts of any surveillance system is the outdoor security camera cover that protects it from the elements. Without the cover, the camera wouldn’t be able to stand up to Mother Nature for more than a few measly days. If you’re buying a camera made for outdoor settings, odds are that it comes with a cover already. However, if your old cover is starting to wear out, you want more control over your system, or you’d like to install a camera that you’ve previously used inside outside, you’ll have to buy a separate outdoor security camera cover for it.
You can find many different camera covers on the web, and it’s incredibly important for your system that you find the best one. It will affect the longevity and effectiveness of your cameras more than anything else. Here are a few things to look for in quality covers.
The Casing Material
Camera with Metal Casing
The material that a case is made out of will affect how waterproof, weatherproof, and vandal-resistant you can expect a given enclosure to be Plastic cases, while they are great right out of the box, have a tendency to melt in the heat and crack in the cold, especially if they’ve already melted in the heat. Both types of damage will make sure that your outdoor security camera doesn’t withstand one season out in the heat or cold.
A much better option is a metal case. Metal cases are more durable, won’t warp in the heat, crack in the cold, and can even take a beating from a few vandals. The major problem with metal cases though is that if you have a wireless system the metal interferes with the wireless signal. You can get around this by buying and installing an external antenna for your camera.
IP Rating
Another attribute of a camera case that should not be overlooked is the IP rating of the case. An IP rating is a number that is recognized internationally that shows how waterproof and dustproof certain electronics are. There are two numbers that make up an IP rating. The first one is the dust rating, which ranges from zero to six and the second is the waterproof rating, which ranges from zero to eight. You should always look for camera enclosures that are rated with an IP of at least 65. This will make sure that they are dust proof and can take a direct spray from a water jet.
Heater or Fan?
Depending on the climate in your area, you may need to look for a case with a heater or a fan. Most cameras work in a fairly large range of temperatures, but during the dead of winter and the dog days of summer, the mercury will probably either drop or rise to levels that will test the camera, and possibly break it. You can avoid this by finding a case with a fan or a heater installed to protect the camera. They are a little bit more expensive, but they’re much less expensive than buying a new camera!
Ruggedness
Finally, you need to look at how rugged the case is. This is especially true if the camera will placed fairly low to the ground where it can take a beating from vandals. Most metal cases stand up pretty well to abuse, but before you place a camera within the potential reach of a projectile, make sure that its welded together well and can take a hit.
A quality outdoor security camera case will pay you dividends for years to come. It will keep your camera safer and working better for a longer time. Take your time and find a great one at a trusted online realtor.
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Greg is a the owner and main contributor to Outdoor Security Camera Reviews. 
