Are SimpliSafe Cameras Waterproof? (Plus Clever Ways to Protect Them)
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Many users love using their SimpliSafe cameras for monitoring the inside of their homes, but what if they wanted to have the same level of protection outside? Are SimpliSafe cameras waterproof enough for this purpose?
SimpliSafe’s only security camera, SimpliCam, is not waterproof and is only meant to be used indoors. For users who want to place their SimpliCam outside, SimpliSafe sells a waterproof sleeve as part of their Outdoor Kit. There are also some DIY ways to make SimpliCam waterproof.
SimpliSafe is a consistently top-rated smart security system, but the lack of an outdoor camera option is an issue for many users. Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to make your SimpliCam weather-resistant or waterproof.
Are SimpliSafe Cameras Waterproof?
SimpliCam is not waterproof; it will not function properly if water gets in it.
For this reason, SimpliCam should not be placed outside or next to a sink where there is a risk of water splashing on it. It’s also best to avoid placing the device in humid areas such as the bathroom as the humidity can also cause water damage.
Is SimpliCam Weatherproof?
SimpliCam’s operating temperatures are 14°F to 104°F. With that said, your camera may not be permanently damaged from extreme temperatures, but it will not work correctly otherwise.
However, this doesn’t mean you will never be able to use your SimpliCam outside. In 2018, SimpliSafe announced plans to develop a weather-resistant camera for outdoor use, although no further information has been provided.
In the meantime, though, SimpliSafe currently offers an Outdoor Kit designed to help protect your camera from the elements.
SimpliSafe Outdoor Kit
The SimpliSafe Outdoor Kit has a weather-resistant rubber sleeve that you put over your SimpliCam. The sleeve is designed to protect the camera from rain, snow, and dust. It also expands the camera’s operating temperature range to -4°F through 114°F.
The Outdoor Kit comes with a 25-foot cable to plug into a power outlet. If you don’t have a power outlet within 25 feet of where you will place your camera, you can also use an outdoor extension cord.
When your SimpliCam is outside, it may not be able to connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network. To solve this problem, you can buy a Wi-Fi extender.
DIY Ways to Protect SimpliSafe Cameras
Besides SimpliSafe’s Outdoor Kit for SimpliCam, there’s also plenty of DIY ways you can protect your device from water damage:
- Place the camera on a covered porch. This is the easiest way to use the camera outdoors. However, this may not be a good option if your porch is exposed to storms with strong winds.
- Use a compatible wall mount to mount the camera under an overhang or awning. This will keep the camera out of the rain and snow.
- If you don’t have a covered place outside to put your SimpliCam, you can buy a waterproof cover for the camera. Some rain covers also block sunlight. This helps to prevent the camera from overheating when temperatures reach above 104°F.
- You can make your own rain cover as well with a waterproof material like plexiglass.
If you use your SimpliCam outdoors without an Outdoor Kit, your SimpliSafe warranty may be voided. Keep that in mind when choosing a DIY method for waterproofing.
Alternative Waterproof Security Cameras
If you want to purchase a waterproof security camera, there are several options with varying degrees of weather-resistance. Here are some of the most popular ones compared to the SimpliCam:
| Waterproof | Operating Temperatures | Power Source | Connectivity | Video Resolution | |
| SimpliCam | No | 14°F to 104°F | A/C power adapter | 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi | 720p HD |
| Google Nest Cam Outdoor | Yes, IP65 rating | -4°F to 104°F | A/C power adapter | 2.4 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi | 1080p HD |
| Ring Spotlight Cam Battery | Yes, IP55 rating | -5°F to 120°F | Rechargeable battery pack | 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi | 1080p HD |
| Arlo Go | Yes, IP65 rating | -4° F to 113° F | Rechargeable battery pack | 3G and 4G LTE | 720p HD |
| NETVUE Outdoor Security Camera | Yes, IP66 rating | -4°F to 122°F | A/C power adapter | 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi or Ethernet | 1080p HD |
You can find all these devices and their respective accessories on Amazon:
In Summary
While SimpliSafe cameras are not waterproof, there are ways to protect them from water damage. SimpliSafe sells an Outdoor Kit, which includes a weather-resistant sleeve. You can also purchase or make a rain cover and mount it to your home’s exterior wall to shield your SimpliCam.
Curious about whether SimpliSafe’s Video Doorbell Pro is waterproof? Check out this article to learn more!
