Extreme temperature security cameras

Our extreme temperature CCTV cameras have broad temperature ranges, from extremely cold to very high temperatures. IP66/67/68/69 ratings also guarantee that our IP cameras have high levels of water protection, and weather-proof casings prevent outdoor elements from damaging our cameras.

Our robust cameras have more comprehensive operating temperature ranges up to ‑60°C to 60°C (-76º –140ºF). The best extreme cold weather security cameras in our range can be installed in arctic regions and mountainous and alpine environments.

Yes. Our weather-proof IP cameras have  IP66/67/68/69 ratings, meaning they have the highest waterproof level and can withstand high levels of solid and water ingress. Some of our cameras also have a AISI 316L stainless steel enclosure to resist penetration by water sprays and dust and resist corrosion.

Arctic security cameras are engineered to operate reliably in freezing climates, such as the Arctic, northern Canada, Alaska, Scandinavia and other sub-zero regions. These cameras are designed to operate in temperatures that can drop to ‑40°C (-40ºF) or lower. They often feature low-temperature-rated components and weather-sealed housings to maintain internal warmth. Some even have automatic defrosters or specialized lens coatings to prevent frost buildup.

Pelco offers extreme weather cameras that are rated for operating at sub-zero temperatures as low as ‑50°C (-58°F). Many of Pelco’s outdoor security cameras for cold weather carry IP66/67/68/69 ratings, have weatherproof housings and are made from AISI 316L stainless steel or highly durable aluminum. They also include different styles from PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom), bullet, dome and more models and they include IR illumination, wide dynamic-range (WDR), low-light performance and anti-corrosion casings. Each of these features are helpful for long winters and snow and ice conditions.

In extreme weather environments with many factors that can obstruct camera views, such as snow and heavy rain, features like low light, motion detection and anti-fog lenses are crucial to enhance the cameras’ ability to provide clear, reliable video.

No. Cold-weather cameras and high-temperature cameras are built very differently, even though both fall under extreme environment categories. For cold weather security cameras, their primary challenge is to prevent freezing, maintain internal heat and ensure that the electronics are operating in sub-zero. They often use resistive heaters to warm internal components, have specialized lubricants for PTZ gears, cold-resistant capacitors and freeze-resistant cables. They also have sealed housings to keep snow, ice and moisture out, and most have an anti-fog and anti-ice design.

For high-temperature security cameras, the primary challenge is to dissipate heat and prevent overheating in hot sun, desert environments or in industrial facilities with smoke and fire. They often use active cooling mechanisms, airflow channels or internal fans, and their components are built to withstand high operating temperatures. Their housings are designed to handle long-term exposure without degrading and use reflective or light-colored housing materials to reduce heat absorption.

For a normal, consumer-grade security camera, anything that goes above 40°C to 45°C (104ºF to 113ºF) can cause thermal shutdown, image sensor distortion, shortened electronic lifespan, Wi-Fi module failure and battery swelling (for wireless cameras).

Many consumer-grade security cameras begin to struggle or fail below ‑20°C (-4ºF). The cold temperature will cause the camera to fail to start, have its battery drain rapidly (for wireless cameras), experience fogged or frozen lenses and sometimes the cameras will shut down to protect internal components.