June 19, 2011. Paul Hixon
A primary component of any outdoor security system is the need to protect video cameras with the appropriate CCTV (closed circuit television) camera housing. These devices are important in maintaining surveillance equipment by enclosing the camera and keeping them safe from environment hazards and human tampering. Depending on the material use in its fabrication and overall functions provided, most CCTV camera housings will vary greatly in cost with respect to their sophistication.
Constructed commonly from aluminum or a similar alloy, CCTV camera housings can be designed to be either waterproof or weatherproof. Heavier materials can be use to improve the casing’s resistance to vandalism or to make the entire enclosure bulletproof. Heating units and blowers can be used to keep the camera inside functioning in locations where temperatures extremes might cause problems. Mounting brackets and fixtures can normally be purchased or customized for the surveillance area that the camera will be covering. The housing shape and design can provide some options in respect to the visibility of the camera system by either reducing the camera’s overall profile or hiding it completely. Depending on the necessity for low-light visibility, to allow for the use of an infrared security camera system, the exterior lens of camera housing can be manufactured to increase the overall picture quality. This is normally accomplished by utilizing infrared illuminators, sunshields, RF filters, and shatter resistance glass. Other aspect that can be provided by the CCTV camera housing is mobility of the camera itself as well as allowing for various forms of video feed transmission, which can range from being hard wired to wireless.
Due to the difficult task of providing adequate security and surveillance, protecting the equipment involved cannot be understated. The appropriate camera housing will accommodate the size and location of the camera while protecting it from damaged. Careful consideration is key when choosing the right CCTV camera housing to accommodate any surveillance system.
Updated June 19, 2011. Published January 25, 2011. Paul Hixon
