CCTV IP Rating

Weather proof is measured using an IP Rating, if your CCTV camera doesn’t state an IP rating you can consider it is for internal use only.

CCTV IP Ratings Guide

The IP classification system designates the degree of protection provided by an enclosure against solid objects or water ingress.
There are always two digits in an IP rating, the first digit refers to the protection against solid objects (dust) and the second digit refers to the protection against water.

Dust Protection (first digit):

• 1.  Non-protected
• 2.  Protected against a solid object greater than 50mm, such as a hand
• 3. Protected against a solid object greater than 12.5mm, such as a finger
• 4. Protected against a solid object greater than 2.5mm, such as wire or a tool
• 5. Protected against a solid object greater than 1.0mm, such as wire or thin strips
• 6. Dust-protected. Prevents ingress of dust sufficient to cause harm
• 7. Dust tight. No ingress of dust

Water Protection (second digit):

• 1. Non-protected
• 2. Protected against dripping water
• 3. Protected against dripping water when tilted up to 15º
• 4. Protected against spraying water at an angle of up to 60º
• 5. Protected against splashing water from any direction
• 6. Protected against jets of water from any direction
• 7. Protected against heavy seas or powerful jets of water. Prevents ingress sufficient to cause harm
• 8. Protected against the effects of temporary immersion in water
• 9. Protected against the effects of continuous immersion in water

So for using CCTV cameras outdoors, we would recommend a very minimum CCTV IP rating of 55, but preferably 65 and above.