Page 10 - Security Today, January/February 2021

VIDEO SURVEILLANCE
ditions or hazards that come with cameras being exposed. What to look for is a high-level certification that guarantees protection against harsh elements. An IP (International or Ingress Protec- tion) rating gives an indication that the camera’s enclosure has been tested by a strict set of standards, and therefore, guarantees safe operation without malfunction or damage, respective to the various forms of outside disruptors.
Cameras that undergo these tests are put through a rigorous eval- uation process, so implementing devices that achieve any number of these ratings can help ensure surveillance investments are protected — and will provide some peace of mind. IP codes represent different levels and categories of protection, which are applicable for varied environments that experience dust, harmful particles, water pres- sure, wind, precipitation and even vandalism. However, out of the many levels of IP protection, there are three “gold standard” codes that, if achieved, users can be assured that even in the harshest, most extreme or threatening circumstances, video technology will not just survive, but it will continue to perform as required.
IP66. For a camera to be considered “weatherproof,” this is the primary rating that it needs to attain. The meaning behind this rating is twofold: Dust Tight, or optimal protection against dust, debris and other particles, as well as jets of water from any direction. In essence, this ensures that the device will still oper- ate fully and be safeguarded from dust particles and significant amounts of rain. An IP66 rating is also crucial if video surveil- lance cameras are deployed at a site where dust, dirt, sand or other foreign particles frequently occur.
IP68. Cameras that reach the IP68 rating yield the protections as outlined above, but they are also deemed resistant to submersion underwater up to a depth of 1m or more for a specified period of time (30 minutes, for example). Simply put, these cameras have a more advanced weatherproof rating and resistance. The use cases for devices that are designated as IP68 range from enterprise or commercial facilities that regularly face heavy storms, to remote locations in arid or semi-arid regions that experience common dust or sandstorms and even in a variety of boat or marine applications.
IP69K. Difficult to attain, but critical in certain industries, the IP69K rating is for applications where high-pressure, high- temperature wash-down is necessary to clean equipment. Where intense cleaning with high temperature water is required, this specification allows users to continue wash-down procedures without the fear of damaging video surveillance installations. This advanced test was originally put into effect for construction and maintenance vehicles, such as garbage trucks or a cement bulk trailer, and it is now widely used in instances where video monitoring technology is housed on surfaces that require regular, high-pressure cleaning, such as food preparation, car washes and road vehicle applications.
The IK10 rating. Whether a video security system is installed at an outdoor site exposed to extreme conditions or in a straight- forward surveillance position outside a building or facility, us- ers often need reliable cameras that are designed to be durable and will continue to function when subjected to rough treatment.
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An IK10 rating designates that a camera can withstand up to 20 joules of force impact.
Think of the potential for debris hitting one of these devices or even just the risks posed by powerful winds. What’s arguably an even greater benefit, however, is the fact that these cameras are deemed vandal-resistant. They are designed to withstand vio- lent blows to their housings and lens covers and absorb the shock without breaking and without interrupting the video, making them very difficult to tamper with.
Monitoring systems outside banks, casinos, warehouses, pro- duction facilities, parking lots and even large-scale businesses would be optimally protected from all threats with the integration of IK10, vandal-proof surveillance cameras.
ACCESSORIES FOR TEMPERATURE PROTECTION
Resilient video technology at remote locations is all too often overlooked. These are places where extreme conditions, such as those previously mentioned, are frequently present. But they also see temperature fluctuations both from harsh weather and due to the specific industrial work. In many video surveillance systems, manufacturers work with integrators to appropriately install a protective sun shield, which of late, has become a rather simple installation process.
Similar to the compact design trajectory of modern surveil- lance cameras, most notably in panoramic technology, sun shields are usually lightweight and unobtrusive, but they allow for cam- eras to be used in direct sunlight, mitigating damage from intense sun and also reducing glare.
Likewise, recent innovations in optional heater modules for extremely cold environments are expanding the video surveil- lance options in a variety of industries. Outdoor cameras can continue to function in temperatures as low as -40°C (-104 °F) during normal operation; however these accessories allow for the camera to even start up (cold start) in areas that reach an ambient temperature of -40°C (-104 °F).
NEW BEGINNINGS FOR OUTDOOR VIDEO SECURITY
Outdoor applications of IP video surveillance technology have been marginally adequate for decades. Users in remote locations or with operations that require more advanced protection from outside elements now have the advantage of integrating camera systems that are specifically designed to withstand a wide range of extreme elements.
New, sleek and compact designs eliminate the need for addi- tional protective housing; they are built to be durable and inten- tionally engineered to endure specific weather conditions. But, what’s the true advantage? Modern outdoor
surveillance cameras allow users to harness the benefits of cutting-edge features, processing technologies and high-quality images regard- less of the tough external conditions.
Dilen Thakrar is a product manager at Oncam. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 | SECURITY TODAY