The best place for your Ring Video Doorbell is right outside your door. However, it is exposed to different weather conditions including heavy rains, snow, and ice. This leads one to wonder if they are waterproof at all. We did the research and here's what we've found out.
Technically speaking, Ring Video doorbells aren't waterproof. Yes, manufacturers state on their website that their products have been designed to be resistant to rain and withstand harsh weather conditions but they don't have an IP rating that'll tell us just how well they can stand up to water.
Hang on so we can tell you more about what we've learned concerning Ring doorbells and cameras and their ability to endure water and how you can protect them from water damages. We'll also tell you how to replace your doorbell cover in case you need to put a new faceplate cover for your Ring doorbell.
Is the ring video doorbell 3 plus waterproof?
The Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus is a doorbell reinvented. These video doorbells allow you to answer the door wherever you may be, literally. You can be away from your house and still get to talk to guests who happened to drop by.
Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus also serves as a security camera. It can detect motion as people get closer to your home and you will receive notifications about it on your smartphone, PC, or tablet. Its advanced motion detection captures movement 4 seconds even before it happens!
But of course, you need to put them in a strategic location outside your home to be able to capture what's going on outdoors. As such, they are exposed to harsh weather conditions such as heavy rains and snow. Since these video doorbells are electronic devices, they will be damaged when water is able to penetrate inside the system.
According to their website, these devices are weather-resistant. However, being weather-resistant is different from being waterproof. When a product is weather-resistant, it can only withstand a certain level of exposure to the elements. On the other hand, a product is waterproof if it can withstand water for a very long time.
This is why it is important for electrical devices and appliances to come with an IP (Ingress Protection) rating that informs buyers about their ability to endure water and other liquids.
In particular, you should be looking at the second digit of the IP code to determine how much protection it's got from liquids. It can range from 0 to 9, with 0 having no protection at all and 9 having the highest level of protection.
Ring, Inc. hasn't published yet if they have an IP rating. As such, we cannot confidently say that their Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus, together with their other video doorbells, are waterproof or how well they can stand up against other elements.
How waterproof are Ring cameras?
Ring, Inc. also offers a range of security cameras that can be used indoors or outdoors depending on the model that you choose. These will enhance the security of your home and even your neighborhood.
Their newest version of the Ring Stick Up Cam, which can be used outside your home, comes with an IP rating of IPX5. This means that it has adequate protection against light water pressure that's coming from any direction. It can only withstand a limited amount of water so it is not completely waterproof.
How do you weatherproof a ring doorbell?
Since Ring hasn't specified the IP rating of their ring doorbell products and they didn't say in particular that they are waterproof, it is best to err on the side of caution and give your doorbell the best protection from water. This will ensure that it stays in top working condition all the time.
Here are some ways to waterproof and enhance the weather protection of your Ring doorbell.
First, consider the location where you will have your Ring doorbell installed. It's best to place it under an awning or roof that will serve as an umbrella over it. But if there's none, don't worry because there are other products available in the market to help you waterproof your doorbell.
Rainshield Waterproof Protect Cover
This cover is made of ABS plastic and rubber which will give added protection to your doorbell. It works well under extreme temperatures also.
Click this link to see this product on Amazon.
Silicone Skin Case Cover
This silicone cover is lightweight, durable, and built to last. It protects your doorbell from the rain and harmful UV rays. It is also easy to install and use with its slip-on design.
Plastic Waterproof Cover
This is also made of durable ABS plastic that will shield your doorbell from the rain. It is easy to install as you just need to glue it on the wall.
Check out this doorbell cover on Amazon.
These are just some of the products that you can use to enhance the protection of your doorbell against rain and other harsh weather conditions.
Should I caulk around a ring doorbell?
Caulking is one way to make sure that water does not make its way to your Ring doorbell. It will ensure that all cracks and gaps around your unit are properly sealed to prevent damages caused by water.
Now, if your Ring doorbell already comes with a cover as an added protection, caulking may be unnecessary. But of course, it is still up to you if you want to do this.
If you decide to do so, make sure that you caulk around the area where your Ring doorbell attaches to the wall. Follow the instructions for the proper application as recommended by the manufacturer.
It is also important to do this when the weather is dry. This will allow the caulk to set and stick to the surfaces properly without any cracking and swelling.
How do I replace my Ring Doorbell cover?
Some Ring doorbell units come with a removable faceplate cover which serves to protect the electrical components of the doorbell from different elements. It also makes the doorbell more presentable since it hides the screws and wiring away from plain view.
Here's how you can remove your Ring doorbell faceplate cover.
- Turn off the power if you have a wired connection. This is for safety purposes to prevent any electric shocks.
- Using the screwdriver that came with your Ring doorbell unit, unscrew the security screw that's located underneath the faceplate.
- Push the bottom of the cover upward to detach it from the base.
- Remove it from the base gently to avoid breaking the faceplate cover. This will temporarily keep the interior of the doorbell exposed so it's best to do this task when the weather is nice to avoid damaging the sensitive components.
- To replace the old cover with a new one, position the new faceplate cover properly. Snap it in place at the base of the faceplate.
- Screw it securely in place.
That's it! You can turn on your doorbell so you can use it again.
Final Thoughts
Your Ring video doorbell is a great addition to your home not just to notify you about your guests but also to ensure your security. But since they are not really waterproof, it's best to provide an additional layer of protection for this device so that it will continue to do its job properly.
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