Benchmark

Welcome to the June issue of Benchmark Magazine

It seems that summer is finally arriving - after a colder-than-usual springtime. Last year was the UK’s warmest on record, and the heatwave disrupted transport, emergency services, power supplies and people’s health. The risk of hot summer in the UK is more than twice the average figure, according to a report in The Guardian newspaper.

Heat can have several effects on security systems, depending on the intensity and duration of exposure. Are you and your clients ready for it?

High temperatures can cause security cameras to overheat, especially if they are not designed to operate in extreme heat conditions. Overheating can lead to malfunctioning or even permanent damage to the camera’s internal components, such as the image sensor, lens, or circuitry.

Many security cameras use infrared (IR) LEDs for night vision. However, heat can affect the performance of these IR illuminators. High temperatures can reduce the range and effectiveness of the IR illumination, limiting the camera’s ability to capture clear images in low-light conditions.

Heat can affect the image quality captured by security cameras. Excessive heat can cause the image sensor to produce noise, resulting in blurry or distorted images. Heat can also generate colour shifts, where the colours in the captured footage may appear inaccurate or washed out.

Issues with the mounting and housing of the cameras can also arise in extreme heat; metal components may expand, causing misalignment or even structural damage. Plastic housings may warp or become brittle, compromising the camera’s physical integrity and protection against environmental factors.

To mitigate the impact of heat on security cameras, it is crucial to choose cameras specifically designed to operate in hightemperature environments if heat exposure is expected. Additionally, proper camera placement, adequate ventilation, and protective housing or enclosures can help minimise the effects of heat on security camera systems. Regular maintenance and monitoring of temperature levels are also essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Geny Caloisi Content Editor

To get in touch about editorial opportunities, please book a call on my calendar: calendly.com/genyc

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