Can A Ring Doorbell Get Wet?
The Ring Doorbell is a smart device that helps keep your home safe with various surveillance features. It’s an easy-to-install device with various design perks that help improve your home security. Motion-activated recording, two-way audio, and Alexa-compatible operation are just a few of Ring’s compelling selling points.
In fact, 18.2% of homeowners use a doorbell, video camera, or both to improve home security. Ring dominates this market and is the most popular video doorbell brand in the industry.
Yes, a Ring doorbell can get wet. According to Ring, their devices are water-resistant and will survive storms, strong winds, and freezing temperatures. However, the devices are not designed to be submerged in water. High water pressure is not recommended on your device, either. Water can also still reach the doorbell’s internal components, no matter how many precautions you take.
If you’re on the fence weighing Ring Doorbell’s pros and cons, you may be looking into its waterproof features. You don’t want to invest in one only to find out it malfunctions under the slightest sign of moisture, after all.
There are various ways to ensure your Ring doorbell stays functional. Let’s discover how waterproof a Ring doorbell is and ways to keep it safe outdoors.
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What Happens if a Ring Doorbell Gets Wet?
When a Ring doorbell gets wet, it should remain functional. This is true so long as it’s not dropped in a container full of water or a pool.
How Waterproof Is a Ring Doorbell?
The Ring doorbell is rated IP65 waterproof, which means it’s not 100% waterproof. Although it can tolerate rain, you’re still taking a risk if you install it somewhere it’s exposed to rain.
Other items in their lineup are rated weather resistant. A weather-resistant item means it can handle temperature and climate fluctuations, which is suitable for areas with distinct seasons.
What Is the IP Rating System?
The IP Code or Ingress Protection Rating determines how well a product keeps out solid and liquid materials. The first number correlates to how well a product keeps out solid foreign bodies like dust or tools.
The second number correlates to how well a product keeps out liquid foreign bodies like water. The higher the numbers, the better insulated or built the item is against dust and water.
A rating of IP68 means an item is virtually air-tight, or in this case, dust-proof. This rating also means the item can be submerged in water for longer.
Which Ring Doorbell Is More Waterproof?
Most of Ring’s devices are rated the same — weather-resistant. The best Ring doorbell for you depends on the features you want. For instance, the Ring Video Doorbell 3 and 4 feature removable batteries.
You don’t have to wait until it’s fully charged to continue surveillance like you would with the Ring Video Doorbell 2. Other features to consider are size and installation methods.
Can Doorbell Wires Get Wet?
Doorbell wiring should not get wet. Even moisture can cause wiring and its parts to corrode, increasing the risk of device failure or electric shocks. Fortunately, most smart doorbells do not require you to plug them into your existing doorbell wiring.
Can a Ring Video Doorbell Get Wet?
All of Ring’s doorbells record video, so the answer remains the same. Yes, a Ring video doorbell can get wet — to an extent. The occasional rain is unlikely to damage it but submerging it in water will.
Other brands with semi-waterproof video doorbells include Google Nest (IPX4), Arlo, and RemoBell. A video doorbell’s waterproof rating depends on the specific product’s make and model. Additionally, power adapters and similar accessories are typically not built for heavy rain, so take more care with plug-in models.
This is why homeowners prefer cord-free doorbells. However, cordless doorbells rely on the battery’s strength. For this reason, a corded model may be more reliable at times.
How Do I Protect My Ring Doorbell From Weather?
Your Ring doorbell can help give you peace of mind when it comes to keeping you safe against intruders. You want it to stay operational at all times, whether it’s storming out or it’s sunny and clear. Fortunately, there are several ways to keep your Ring doorbell safe from the elements.
Install and Use Weather-Resistant Mounts
There are mounts that fully envelop your Ring device, so water is less likely to seep in. Nevertheless, a weather-resistant mount may be less bulky than a waterproof cover. It’s suitable for areas that don’t get much rain or snow but is practical to have just in case.
Use a Waterproof Cover
A waterproof cover, also known as a rain shield, helps keep the rain off your Ring device. There are various models available, from clear plastic to black. The designs also vary, but an effective rain shield is designed to keep out rain and snow.
Moreover, silicone doorbell cases are also popular for their waterproof capabilities. These cover up your doorbell’s body but leave the camera and button unobstructed.
Silicone covers can also help insulate your Ring device from extreme temperature changes. This benefit can help prevent other issues like keeping fog from developing on your camera lens.
Make Sure It’s Installed Under Your Porch Awning
This may be the best way to ensure your doorbell remains out of extreme weather’s reach. If you live in a home without a porch, you might look into retractable awnings. If your entryway is incompatible with a retractable awning, a waterproof cover or mount might be best.
These can be installed easily and removed just as quickly if you move homes.
How Do You Dry a Ring Doorbell?
The best way to ensure a Ring doorbell stays dry is to keep it from getting wet in the first place. However, nature finds a way, and moisture can still build up in the doorbell camera lens.
If your Ring device gets wet, dry it off with a soft towel. If your device is working properly, but it often fogs up, you might consider applying an anti-fog coating on the lens.
Shady areas next to air-emitting appliances like your air conditioner also promote moisture buildup. If possible, move your doorbell to a dry area where it faces the sun at some point during the day.
What Products Does Ring Offer to Protect Against Water?
Ring does not offer any official rain covers or shields. Nevertheless, there are plenty of Ring-compatible doorbell covers available online and at home improvement stores.
These covers are designed to keep out rain and snow, so your device can keep working, no matter the weather. If you enjoy DIY projects, can also build your own protective doorbell housing to safeguard your device.
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Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.
Related Questions
Is the Ring Doorbell 3 waterproof?
Like the rest of Ring’s doorbell line, their Video Doorbell 3 is weather-resistant. According to their site, it is also operational from 5°F to 120°F. This means it is not rated completely waterproof, although some water on it is fine.
Are Byron doorbells waterproof?
Byron is a staple in the doorbell industry. They provide a wide range of non-video doorbells. Their doorbells are rated IP44, which means they are protected from water splashes from any direction.They are also protected from solid objects larger than 1 mm. Their plug-in doorbells are recommended for the home and the office. Keep in mind that plug-in models may be more susceptible to water damage because of the electrical components.
Are Ring door sensors waterproof?
Ring’s Door Contact Sensor is designed to be used indoors. It is not waterproof and remains operational when used in temperatures between 32°F to 120°F.Ring’s Mailbox Sensor is rated weather resistant and operates in temperatures between -4°F to 122°F. It’s designed to be installed in your mailbox and alerts you whenever your mailbox is opened. Hence, it’s built with weather protective measures in mind.
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