Preventing Water Damage

In this article, we will cover best practices to prevent water damage on your Rhombus cameras. Topics included in this article are:

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

Drip Loops

If the cable enters the camera from above, regardless of model, adding a “drip loop” can help avoid water 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

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 the R2 camera, ensure that all three dome screws are firmly tightened to prevent water ingress.

It is crucial to tighten the housing tight (but not too tight) so that the internal O ring can work properly. The below picture demonstrates 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 below photos showcase where they are located on the camera. It's crucial to place the silica packet inside to prevent water damage.

When you connect the protective gasket, the important thing is that this is only possible on a POE line with an unterminated end.

You mostly see this when installers are running the POE lines. They make sure to insert the waterproofing parts before inserting the CAT5 ethernet cable end. This ensures a watertight seal, but yes, sadly is a hassle to do for most normal installs.

R400

Beware of moisture! The R400 comes with an attachable gasket that can be screwed into the back or the side of the camera. There are two rubber rings protecting the side that screws into the camera.

There is also water-absorbing material that helps prevent the cable from jostling around and potentially giving way to water droplets. This is the entry point where moisture can build up and potentially get inside the camera causing damage. This is why the silica packets are critical here.

Below demonstrates what a sideways-mounted gasket looks like on the R400.

Below demonstrates what a back-mounted gasket looks like on the R400. Notice the metal screw seal that prevents water from getting into the hole that is unused.

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

Waterproofing for the R600 can be found in Ethernet Cable Connection / Waterproofing section of the R600 article. 

Preventing Condensation

Condensation can sometimes be a problem with dome cameras, particularly with outdoor use. 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

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

Screws 

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

Note: We do caution about using power tools because they have the ability to over-tighten and possibly damage the base.

Mounting

For mounting a Rhombus Dome camera we recommend checking out this mounting guide. This guide will also better help with mounting accessories. 

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.