We are now officially preparing ourselves for that very cold winter season. As we move into this winter season we encourage users of security systems and surveillance cameras to prepare and maintain their equipment. Seasonal checks and maintenance of your equipment is of great importance. In this winter season extreme cold and harsh weather conditions can have an impact on the performance of your systems.

Here are some suggestions and tips on how you can look after and maintain your security cameras and systems this winter.

1. Inspect the enclosures of your surveillance camera.

The camera enclosure is the outer casing of a security camera and can be considered the first layer of protection. The casing protects the elements built within and therefore, if the casing is damaged in any way the cold weather can impact these elements. Inspect the outer area for any exterior damage, including dents or openings. We all know that winter is a very dry season and if your enclosure has any gaps where there could be a build-up of dust or cold air can enter, it is recommended to replace the enclosure to ensure optimal protection.  Even with rubber seals the coastal regions experience problems with the change in temperature and salt also tends to creep in and eventually causes a moisture gap.

If your surveillance system is outdated it is also recommended to have a look at newer technology as it is more efficient to maintain and cost-effective. Speak to one of our consultants to see what security systems will be the best for you.

2. Examine and clean your camera lenses.

Inspect both your indoor and outdoor camera lenses. Things such as dust, dirt, cold weather and cracks can impact the lense and in turn the visibility. To clean your camera lense use the recommended methods given by manufacturers.  

3. Analyse surveillance camera cables.

Examine the cables of your cameras by looking for any signs of fraying, wear-and-tear or wires that may be exposed. If any of these occur, immediately replace the damaged wires. Also ensure whether your cables are securely connected and are receiving efficient power.

4. Remove any obstructions.

During the course of the year there may be obstructions such as tree growth or spiders that occur in front of the camera which could impact visibility. Maintain the area around the camera and the landscape of the area that is being monitored.

5. For solar solutions – check your batteries.

The winter time can interfere with your solar powered cameras due to a lack of sunlight. In the event when there is not enough sunlight to power your cameras make sure that the batteries are still effective and running so that you do not have interrupted camera feed. If the batteries are faulty or damaged replace them as soon as possible.

6. Winter is the best time for upgrades.

Thanks to the dry weather most areas are not risk at of rain. This time of the year is the best time to make sure that you can upgrade your security surveillance systems as a whole. To find out more about your upgrades or if you would like professional advice on further steps visit www.sensorsecurity.co.za or contact our offices.

In winter it is crucial to inspect and evaluate how your systems are working to ensure that the cold weather doesn’t impact your video feed. However, to maintain excellent performance from your security systems it is advised to do an inspection and examination as regularly as possible.