How to Fix & Prevent Condensation in Security Camera Lens

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See this on my blog: https://hometechdiy.com/how-to-fix-re...

I also recommend using an anti-fogging spray if this solution does not work. If you are experiencing fogging after installing new silica gel packs, there is an seal issue and it should be resolved with new seals or silicone.

Hey Guys,
I noticed recently that this 6-year old camera has been fogging up. There appears to be condensation forming inside right around the lens and the IR lights. It’s more noticeable in the mornings and evening on days when there are large temperature fluctuations. Let’s get that fixed.
[montage - end with removing the camera]
Ok, so I just removed the camera and brought it inside. I think this is first time it’s been indoors in about 6 years. It has worked flawlessly over the years and it’s been on ever since I recorded this review video in 2019.
Condensation issues happen to pretty much any security camera, especially when subjects to many years out in the elements. This video can apply to multiple brands of cameras and not just Reolink. Since the camera is no longer under warranty, so we are on our own to resolve this problem.
Here’s what we need: We need a dust free environment, so I cleaned off my desk, the best I could. I have some cleaning wipes which we’ll use to get the big dirt, a dust blower, tools to open the camera, some Windex to clean the glass in the housing, a lint free cloth, and a couple silica packages. These absorb moisture and we’ll drop these inside the camera once we get it opened.

1. Starting off, we’ll get the camera as clean as possible from the outside. The main camera’s seal looks to be in good shape but there are multiple; The card slot seal, the main body seal and where the wires enter the camera. One of the camera’s seals may have let in a little humidity. This camera has seen temperatures as low as -40 degrees (F & C) in the winter which is well below the manufacturer’s specified operating temperature of -10C or 14F. That extreme cold may have allowed the rubber to contract allowing moisture to enter. It’s also pretty exposed here and the camera has been soaked in some pretty big rain storms, like this one here the other night.
2. Let’s pop off the card door. The rubber seal here feels nice and soft, oh and there is a card in here. I’ll clean it up anyways.
3. Moving onto the housing. There is a lot of dirt in these holes. Just check out how much dirt I am getting out of here. Ok, the screws are loosened up, let’s pop off the cover off. The seal is quite wide and looks to also be in great shape. A couple inconsistencies in the rubber, but no issues here.
4. Next, we’ll remove the mount and expose where the wire enters the camera. It’s dirty, but the compression seal seems like it’s doing its job. so, I’ll clean that up. Give the wire a little tug and seal pops out so I can better clean everything up. This also looks fine.
5. Before moving onto the shell cleanout, I am making sure the lens is dust-free. It looks great and I’m going to avoid touching this at all costs. For the glass in the housing, I like to use Windex for autos. I’ll give this a couple cleanings on the inside and out. Use the blower to dry it off and get out any lint, and I think it looks pretty darn clean.
6. As for the camera’s interior, we’re going to replace the original silica gel bag with these 3. It’s a good idea to stop here and make sure everything in dry before re-assembling the camera. Also, give the camera a quick blowout with some warm air to ensure it’s all dry. Let’s get it reassembled. And don’t forget to put the card door back in place.

Alright guys, we’ve got the camera installed with several brand-new silica gels packs ready to absorb any new moisture. We had no visible issues on the seals, which is great news, lots of life left in this camera. Links for everything seen here today can be found in the description, with the exception of the camera. This model is discontinued and replaced with the updated model RLC-811A which is a 4K camera with 5X optical zoom. If you found this video helpful, please give it a thumbs up, and please subscribe for more home tech DIY projects, you can do yourself.