Redvision, the UK manufacturer of the X-SERIES™ rugged PTZ dome cameras, takes toughness to another level.
Vandal-resistant cameras
Vandal-resistance is the most common toughness rating for CCTV products. It is, in fact, a measure of impact resistance, as defined in European standard EN 62262. Products are issued with an IK rating, from IK 00 denoting no impact protection, through to IK10, the maximum. An IK10 product will resist an impact from a 5kg steel mass dropping or swinging into it, from 500mm.
Limits of IK10
Redvision believes IK10 is not exacting enough. Paul Hucker, Managing Director of Redvision, explains, “A camera might experience far greater forces in real applications. In our own impact testing we swing a 14lb (6.5Kg) sledge hammer, on a 2m handle, at the camera with great force a number of times. The camera resists the impact and remains intact. A video of the test can be viewed on our website.
“Despite our exceptional impact resistance, an X-SERIES™ camera was damaged when a speeding vehicle hit the base of a CCTV column, with the camera mounted on top. The impact force had been conducted up the column, demonstrating how vital a high impact resistance is.
Factors impacting reliability
“Redvision believes impact resistance is only one of many factors that define ruggedness. Weather resistance and an ability to function in rain are vital. We have an IP67 moisture-ingress rating for outdoor use, but more practically we have a wiper to clear rain and dirt from the camera view. We also have IR or white light options for night-time operation. Resistance to corrosive environments can also be important. We offer marine and extra-marine finishes, which are 25 year-rated, corrosion-resistance plated. Heat and the cold are significant in many applications. We have tested our products extensively and offer an operating temperature range of -25°C to 60°C. Our cameras are very reliable, with a MTBF of seven years, backed by our factory servicing facility.”
The impact forces on cameras in some applications can be immense and an IK10 rating is not enough. Redvision urges customers to think responsibly about public safety when designing surveillance systems and consider CCTV tower design, location and protection levels.