A security camera that works in July still has to work on the coldest night of January. Before you buy, check two numbers on the product page: the operating temperature range and the IP weather rating. This guide explains both and lists the ratings Lorex publishes for cameras and doorbells we sell.
The short answer
Pick a camera whose rated minimum temperature is colder than the coldest night where you live, and look for an IP65, IP66 or IP67 rating for outdoor use. Wired (PoE) cameras suit the coldest spots. Battery-powered models have the narrowest cold range in the table below.
How to read the two ratings
- IP rating. The first digit, 6, means dust-tight. The second digit is water protection: 5 handles water jets, 6 handles powerful water jets and 7 handles temporary immersion. Higher is more protected.
- Operating temperature. The range the manufacturer says the camera is built to work in. The low end is the number to compare with your winter.
These are manufacturer ratings from the specifications on each listing. Real-world results also depend on how and where you mount the camera.
Cold and weather ratings at a glance
| Camera | Weather rating | Rated operating range |
|---|---|---|
| Connect U3 4K PoE bullet | IP67 | -40°C to 60°C (-40°F to 140°F) |
| Connect X Series 4K PTZ, 30× zoom | IP66, heated anti-fog glass | -40°C to 60°C (-40°F to 140°F) |
| Connect X3 4K dual-lens turret | IP66 | -40°C to 60°C (-40°F to 140°F) |
| Connect X3 4K varifocal PoE bullet | IP66 | -30°C to 60°C (-22°F to 140°F) |
| Connect X5 4K PoE bullet | IP66 | -30°C to 60°C (-22°F to 140°F) |
| Connect T5 4K analog turret | IP66 | -30°C to 55°C (-22°F to 131°F) |
| Connect V3 and V7 4K PoE bullets | IP67 | -20°C to 50°C (-4°F to 122°F) |
| 4K Spotlight indoor/outdoor Wi-Fi 6 camera | IP65 | -20°C to 55°C |
| 2K Wi-Fi video doorbell, wired | IP65 | -20°C to 50°C |
| 2K Wi-Fi video doorbell, battery-operated | IP65 | -10°C to 50°C |
Ratings can differ between models in the same family, so confirm the numbers on the exact product page before you order.
Tips for winter installs
- Mount cameras and doorbells under an eave or soffit where you can, so snow and ice are less likely to build up on the lens.
- Use the weather-resistant cap or RJ45 cable gland that comes with many wired cameras to protect the network connection. A junction box keeps cable connections tidy and protected.
- Cold weather shortens battery life on rechargeable cameras and doorbells. If you want a battery camera outdoors, consider a model that is solar-ready and add a Lorex solar panel, or choose a wired option.
- Outdoor cable runs need outdoor-rated cable. See the CAT6 outdoor extension cable, which is UV treated and rated for direct burial.
Cold-rated Lorex picks
IP67 housing and a rated operating range of -40°C to 60°C. A wired PoE camera for entrances and perimeters.
View product ➜
IP66 housing with heated anti-fog glass, rated -40°C to 60°C. Pan, tilt and zoom for large yards and lots.
View product ➜
IP67 housing, rated -20°C to 50°C, with a built-in security light band for driveways and building exteriors.
View product ➜
IP65 and rated -20°C to 55°C, with smart security lighting and a 32GB microSD card included.
View product ➜
IP65 housing rated -20°C to 50°C, with 2K HDR video and Color Night Vision. Wired power avoids battery drain in the cold.
View product ➜Frequently asked questions
Will my camera stop working below its rated temperature?
The rating is the range the manufacturer specifies. Outside it, the camera may not perform as designed, so choose a model rated for the coldest nights where you live.
What does IP67 mean?
It means the housing is dust-tight (6) and protected against temporary immersion in water (7). IP65 and IP66 are protected against water jets and powerful water jets.
Is a wired doorbell better than a battery doorbell for winter?
On the specifications above, yes: the wired 2K doorbell is rated to -20°C and the battery version to -10°C, and wired power avoids battery drain in the cold.
Do wired cameras need extra weatherproofing?
Protect the network connection. Many wired cameras include a weather-resistant cap or cable gland, and a junction box adds protection for the cable connections.
Shop weather-ready cameras
Start with the outdoor range.
Outdoor wired cameras ➜Outdoor Wi-Fi cameras ➜Doorbell cameras ➜Power and solar ➜Keep reading
- Wired vs Wi-Fi Security Cameras: Which Is Right for Your Home?
- Video Doorbell Buying Guide: Wired vs Battery, 2K vs 4K
- Security Cameras With No Monthly Fees: How Lorex Local Recording Works
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