Everything you own will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. For example, your car tires will need to be replaced every 75,000 km or after 5-7 years. The battery inside your phone is good for ~500 charges before its capacity is significantly reduced.
So, what about security cameras? How long do they last before needing to be replaced? And what does failure look like for a security camera? That’s what I’m going to cover in this article.
Not All Cameras Are Built To Last
Not all security cameras are built to the same standard. Axis Communications, one of the top brands in the industry, build their cameras to be nearly bulletproof. If you look around your city, you’ll likely spot Axis cameras that have been working for a decade or more.
Another professional brand is Uniview, one of the leading CCTV manufacturers from China. Their cameras have a less than 1% failure rate, and are built to endure harsh winters and scorching summers.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, many consumer-grade security cameras won’t last for more than 2-3 years. We’ve seen multiple issues with cheap cameras – such as water getting into the lens, or not working in cold weather.
The vast majority of security cameras on Amazon or Temu are built to the cheapest level possible. Avoid these types of cameras if you value a long-lasting system.
Camera Location Affects Longevity
The longevity of your security camera depends on where you install it. A camera installed on the exterior of a building, where it will be exposed to sunlight, is going to have a shorter lifespan than a camera installed inside an office.
We’re even heard of cameras being installed in fishing boats, which are exposed to salt water on a daily basis. No matter how good your cameras are, if you put them in a harsh environment you will shorten their lifespan.
IP Rating & Temperature Specifications
The IP rating on a security camera reveals how resistant it is to dust and water. Make sure you choose a camera with an IP66 or IP67 rating if its going to be installed outdoors. This will ensure that water does not enter the camera.
Also, if you live in a place that experiences extreme cold in the winter, you’ll need to take the camera’s operating temperature into account. Some cameras are only rated for -5°C (41°F), which is fine if you live in Vancouver or London – but some places like Toronto or Montreal can reach -20°C (-4°F) in the winter.
If you live in a cold place and are installing cameras outside, make sure you choose one with a low temperature rating. For example, most Uniview cameras have a minimum operating temperature of -30°C (-22°F), making them suitable for the coldest weather.
Keep Water Away From The Connector
One of the fastest ways to ruin a camera is to let water touch the connector while the power is on. If this happens, it will cause a short, quickly overheating the connector and causing it to melt. This may also damage the electrical components, permanently disabling the camera.
To avoid water damage, it’s important to seal the cable and connectors properly. Most cameras include a waterproof fitting, but you can also use electrical tape and dielectric grease to waterproof the camera.
Also, junction boxes are important for cameras mounted on the exterior of a building. These boxes protect the camera’s connector and cable. You can add further protection by applying a layer of silicone to the top edge of the junction box.
Expect 7+ Years From Professional Security Cameras
A professional security camera that’s been installed properly should last for 7+ years. After that point, you should consider replacing your cameras – not because they’re failing – but to take advantage of the latest technology.
However, a cheap security camera may only last two or three years before failing. Not only do they fail quicker, but they tend to have worse image quality and less features.
Our recommendation is to purchase cameras from a quality brand like Uniview. You may spend more money upfront, but you’ll also save yourself time and money, since the camera will last longer.
