Camera Environment Protection Ratings

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Affected Roles: Administrator, Installer

Last Edit: September 24, 2025

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Hardware Protection Ratings

All Digital Watchdog cameras are IP-rated and IK-rated, tested to determine the level of environmental abuse that the hardware can endure.

This article will outline the meaning of the IP and IK protection ratings of camera hardware.

Supported/Affected Devices:

DW MEGApix IP Camera Series
DW MEGApix Ai IP Camera Series
DW Star-Light Analog Camera Series
DW Star-Light Plus Analog Camera Series

Ingress Protection (IP) Rating

Ingress Protection (IP) Rating is determined by testing a product against the infiltration of foreign objects or substances (such as insects, dust, water, etc.) into the electrical enclosure of the camera.

The first digit in the IP-rating indicates the level of protection of interior electrical and motorized parts, against the infiltration of solid objects (dust, insects, etc.).

The second digit of the IP-rating indicates the level of protection of interior electrical and motorized parts against the infiltration of liquids.

The higher the IP-rating, the better sealed and protective the camera housing.

Digital Watchdog cameras are rated at:

IP66 Enclosure – IP-rated as “dust tight” and is protected against heavy seas and high-pressure jets of water from any direction.
IP67 Enclosure – IP-rated as “dust tight” and is protected against total immersion for up to 30 minutes, up to depths of up to 1 meter of water.
IP68 Enclosure – IP-rated as “dust tight” and is protected against complete, continuous immersion for up to 30 minutes, up to depths of 1.5 meters.

Impact Protection (IK) Rating

Impact Protection (IK) Rating is determined by the estimated amount of force from an external impact that the device can withstand.

Digital Watchdog cameras are rated at:

IK09 – protected against up to 10 joules of impact (equal to the impact of 5kg of mass dropped from 200mm above the impact surface)
IK10 – protected against up to 20 joules of impact (equal to the impact of 5kg of mass dropped from 400mm above the impact surface)

**NOTE: At this time, Digital Watchdog does not offer camera models that are rated to withstand explosions or high impacts caused by explosions.

How to Care For Your Camera

When using a camera installation for an extended period, physical issues with your camera may occur simply due to age. It is the responsibility of the camera’s owner and/or installment company to keep the hardware clean and maintained.

Below is a list of some ways to care for your camera(s).

Camera Hardware

While Digital Watchdog enclosures work to repel water and dust, maintaining image quality and hardware health, things like mud, cobwebs, and plant matter may affect the image of the camera by physically blocking the lens or distorting focus.

Here are some tips to help you keep the hardware clean:

DO NOT use any type of cleaning solution, spray, or substance (other than water) to clean the acrylic covering of the camera housing. The use of harsh cleaning agents on the acrylic dome may create a chemical reaction and lead to physical damage to the hardware.
Instead of cleaning solutions, please use regular water. Depending on the camera's IP Rating (explained below), you can spray the camera with water from a spray bottle, or hose, to clear away most physical blockages. Physical blockages include cobwebs, insects, mud, etc.
If you must clean any smudges off the camera from fingerprints or otherwise, use a clean microfiber towel or cloth to wipe it away. Periodically check your camera and make it a habit to clear away any foliage, debris, and residue buildup that interferes with the camera’s view.

IP Camera Firmware

DW MEGApix IP cameras will occasionally require a firmware update. These updates will usually include patches to address bugs and issues, new security features, or updated user features.

To learn how to update the camera manually, please read Updating MEGApix Camera Firmware.

Network Connections

When using IP cameras that are connected to either a DW Spectrum Server or a standalone VMAX NVR, it is the responsibility of the Owner to maintain connection points and to resolve issues including:

Network connection issues
Network switch issues
Router issues
Modem issues
Network cable issues

DW Technical Support may assist installers with resolving some of these issues if the problem involves a Digital Watchdog camera or recorder. It is requested that basic troubleshooting be performed to resolve the issue or identify the source of the issue before contacting DW Support.

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For More Information or Technical Support

DW Technical Support: https://www.digital-watchdog.com/contact-tech-support/

DW Sales: sales@digital-watchdog.com | www.digital-watchdog.com