Housings
Housings,
in essence are casings used to protect Cameras from a variety of
conditions, dependent on the environment in which they are mounted. At
first sight, most Camera Housings may seem similar. In practice, to
ensure the optimum appearance and performance are appropriate for a
Camera installation, a number of factors have to be taken into
consideration:
- Location.
- Risk of vandalism.
- The total load weight of the housing and constituent elements (including Camera, Lens and any other equipment encased within, the hanging bracket and fixing surface)
- The housing chosen has sufficient physical space for the Camera, Lens (which may have to be changed at a later stage), electrical wiring and enough room to make the connections and allow for future maintenance.
Environmental conditions
are also a primary consideration in selecting an appropriate housing
for a camera system, but often one which is not given the due
attention. As a result, a housing may not give the level of protection
required in its specific application - wasting time, money and effort.
If a camera is to be mounted externally in a coastal location, for
example, the housing will require a marine finish to protect against
the damaging effects of salt which can induce premature corrosion.
Climatic
effects also need to be considered. Rising and falling temperatures can
dramatically effect the workings of electrical equipment and as a
result requires pro-active consideration. In hot conditions, the
severity of the sun may require the use of air blowers and sun shields
to maintain the temperature of the camera at an optimum level and
ensure clear viewing. Conversely, in cold conditions, it may be that a
camera requires a heater and thermostat built into the housing. In
rainy conditions, wipers may be required to keep the housing glass
clear to maintain the cameras viewing quality.
