Ring doorbells are undoubtedly the best smart doorbells in the market. They serve as a doorbell and a security system due to their additional smart features. Chief among them is the camera and intercommunication system.
However, with its installation comes to some problems that you would be better off avoiding. Exposure to weather elements is the main concern when it comes to the installation of outdoor smart gadgets.
Note: As of the time we are publishing this, Ring hasn’t released IP waterproof rating for their doorbells to back up their claim that their cameras are waterproof. Without the rating and testing from reliable independent agencies, it would be wise to keep the doorbell as dry as possible.
So how do you protect the ring doorbell from rain?
Is the ring doorbell two waterproof?
Yes. Ring doorbell 2 is waterproof. It is designed to work in freezing temperatures and is resistant to rainwater. However, it is not recommended to submerge your Ring Doorbell in water. Operating temperatures for Ring Doorbell are -5 – 120°F (-20 – 50°C).
As long as it is not submerged directly into the water, your Ring Video Doorbell will be fully operational.
Is ring doorbell 3 waterproof?
Yes. Ring doorbell 3 is waterproof. All of the Ring devices are water-resistant. As a result, they can withstand strong winds or rainstorms. As long as your Doorbell is not submerged directly into the water, the Ring bell should be able to withstand a rainstorm.
How to protect ring doorbell from rain
The best way to protect your Ring Video Doorbell from the rain and other harsh weather conditions is to install it under an awning or a roof. Luckily, most front porches are protective from rain and other weather elements.
Simple DIY solutions
- Get an anti-fog coating specially designed for camera lenses.
- Use a Ziploc bag. If your Ring Doorbell is getting wet, it can grow mold. Bring it inside and place it on a Ziploc bag, so the moisture will begin to evaporate and drip on the bag instead.
- Place your Ring Doorbell in a covered area. Consider installing it under a covering such as a patio or some other porch awning to keep it from getting wet.
- Reposition the camera. To prevent condensation, keep your Ring Doorbell out of the shade and away from other HVAC equipment. This way, it won’t collect moisture.
Buy a Ring doorbell protective cover
This is an easy and inexpensive way of protecting your Ring doorbell from water damage. The rain shield can be made of clear plastic or a plastic cover and a rubber blanket. Both types are waterproof and protect the Doorbell from rain and snow. Below are some cover options you can get.
Doorbell Weather-Blocking Mount
This plastic rain cover will protect your Ring doorbell from extreme weather conditions. However, if you want something that will go beyond rain protection, this add-on will block direct sun glare, wind, and snow from damaging your smart Doorbell.
Some models come with anti-glare properties which can effectively solve the glare effects of the sun, moon, or that from your security lights. So if you’ve been struggling with some horrible night vision and lens flares, you may want to keep this option in mind.
Protective Silicone Cover
Unlike the two options above, this is an add-on silicone skin that protects and camouflages your Ring doorbell. In addition, the Ring doorbell protective cover is available in different styles and colors. These silicone covers are highly durable and will protect your Doorbell from sun glare, UV lights, and rain. So if you’re looking to customize your Doorbell while protecting it from adverse weather conditions, this option will be your best fit.
Weather Blocking Mount Bracket
The product is mainly designed to be a sun visor. However, it works incredibly well to protect your ring doorbell from the rain. It also works well to prevent glare caused by the sun, so it’s beneficial for a wide range of weather conditions.
It’s compatible with both Ring 1 and Ring 2. It also allows you to effectively angle the Doorbell & works great if you have narrow spaces and need it to fit.
DIY Ring Doorbell Cover
A free option to protect your ring doorbell is to build your cover. You could fashion it from any material you want or use a three D printer to create a custom and fancy unit.
What to do after your ring doorbell gets wet
Use a microfiber cloth to dry the device. This will gently dry the lens and keep it from getting scratched.
These are all great ways to dry your Ring Doorbell or defog it after it has collected too much moisture.
Ring Doorbells are meant to be outside and are very durable. Usually, condensation and fogging are not harmful to the device and are more a nuisance than anything else. However, cold weather can negatively affect the battery.
Follow these tips to keep your Ring Doorbell Pro and its battery safe:
- Bring the device inside. The software in the Ring will keep it from working automatically when it gets too hot or cold. Bringing it inside, though, can keep it from getting permanently damaged.
- Charge it to 100%. The battery is not effective when it gets too hot or cold, so charge it fully before bad weather.
- Monitor the temperature. At certain temperatures, the battery will stop charging and working.
These temperatures should be carefully watched:
- At -5 degrees Fahrenheit, the Ring Doorbell’s battery will stop working completely.
- At 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the battery may not charge at all or charge very slowly.
- At 36 degrees Fahrenheit, the battery will need to be charged more often because it won’t be as effective.
Even though Ring Doorbells are weather-resistant, extreme weather may reduce their efficiency capability. Look out for these reduced functions:
- The Ring Doorbell misses an event or a motion and does not alert you
- Reduction in battery life
- Notifications come in much later than when they happened
- The Ring registers motion that is not there
Can a Ring doorbell get wet?
Yes. If you install it on a bare wall, it will get wet. And if there is a rainstorm and it happens to be windy too, the rain is bound to get blown onto your Ring doorbell, especially if the roof ledge is shallow.
Check this too: Ring Spotlight Cam How to & Troubleshooting Guide
Chances are it will keep working especially if the weather stripping on the doorbell is intact and you’ve never opened up the unit.