Preventing Water Damage

Topics included in this article:

• Drip Loops
• R1
• R100/R120/R2/R200/R230
• R360
• R400
• R500/R510
• R600
• Preventing Condensation
  • Location
  • Screws 
  • Mounting
  • Desiccant
  • Seal
  • Treatments
• Helpful Links
• Contact Support or Sales

Drip Loops

If a cable enters the camera from above, regardless of model, adding a “drip loop” can prevent water from flowing directly into the cable connection. The photos below show the difference between a device with no drip loop in the cable (on the left) and one with a drip loop in the cable (on the right).

R1

Ensure that both the gray gasket and the white screw cap are in place and tightly assembled. Check that the gasket forms a tight seal with the ethernet cable. An unusually thin cable may not seal well. In this case, wrap some electrical tape around the cable where the gasket grips it or apply some silicone caulking around the cable exit.

R100/R120/R2/R200/R230

Use the included accessories to waterproof the cable connection, installing them as shown below. Ensure that the O-ring is in place (and not twisted) between the pigtail and the housing, and lock the housing and pigtail together with a quarter-turn. It's best to use an Ethernet cable without a boot or strain relief to fit easily within the housing. After mounting, ensure the dome screws are firmly tightened to prevent water ingress.

It is crucial to tighten the housing tightly (but not too tight) so the internal O ring can work properly. The below picture demonstrates that when mounted on its side, the O ring and the silica packets inside are the only things stopping the water from getting in.

R360

The R360 has rubber O-rings on the inside and two on the outside. The photos below showcase where they are located on the camera. It's crucial to place the silica packet inside to prevent water damage.

For older R360 models, the PoE line must be unterminated to attach the protective water gasket. 

Note: Newer models of the R360 will use the same waterproofing kit as the other dome cameras. See the above section for more details.

R400

The R400 comes with an attachable gasket that can be screwed into the back or the side of the camera. Two rubber rings protect the side that screws into the camera.

Water-absorbing material also helps prevent the cable from jostling around and potentially giving way to water droplets. Moisture can build up around the cable entry point and potentially get inside the camera, causing damage. Ensure silica packets remain inside the camera's dome, as they will assist in preventing water damage.

The image below demonstrates a sideways-mounted gasket on the R400.

The image below shows a back-mounted gasket on the R400. A conduit plug has been placed on the camera's side to prevent water from entering the unused hole.

R500/R510

The R500/R510 are naturally waterproof. The hood over the lens provides a natural drip system. There's a rubber O-ring within the lens housing connection as well to prevent water from getting in.

The below picture demonstrates where the pigtail comes out near the mounting holes.

R600

The R600 comes with a pre-installed waterproofing kit. With the dome removed, unscrew the cable gland using a 26mm hex socket to remove it from the base. 

Remove the waterproof connector. Pull out the grey insert and discard the black plug.

Place the ethernet cable into the grey insert. 

Reattach the waterproof connector's black outer cover. Ensure that the larger end is inserted into the stainless steel nut. 

Plug the ethernet cable into the RJ45 connector. Thread the other end of the cable through the hole where the cable gland will be reattached. Carefully seat the cable gland back, and screw it in with a 26mm hex socket until it is flush to ensure proper waterproofing.

Preventing Condensation

Condensation can be a problem with dome cameras, particularly outdoors. When installing outdoors or in other environments with high humidity or variable temperatures, please ensure these steps are completed to mitigate condensation:

• Location
• Screws 
• Mounting
• Desiccant
• Seal
• Treatments

Location

Avoid direct exposure to sunlight and rain. Mounting under an eave or other protective covering is ideal. 

Screws

Use the screws that come with the camera to mount it on the wall. We recommend creating a pilot hole first and hand-screwing the camera base into the wall. If you would prefer to use different lengths of screws, keep to the gauge of #4 and the same style of Phillips rounded head.

Note: We caution against using power tools because they can overtighten and possibly damage the base.

Mounting

We recommend reviewing our mounting guide for instructions on mounting a Rhombus dome camera.

Helpful Links

• Mounting a New Rhombus Camera
• General Onsite Troubleshooting Procedures
• Warranty, RMA, Return Policy, and End of Life
• R600 Camera Setup

Contact Support or Sales

Have more questions? Contact Rhombus Support at +1 (877) 746-6797 option 2 or support@rhombus.com.

Interested in learning more? Contact Rhombus Sales at +1 (877) 746-6797 option 1 or sales@rhombus.com.