The blink indoor security camera was designed for use indoors. As a result, the camera is built with specifications that don’t support usage at locations with certain properties. A quick one is its exposure to water and certain temperature ranges. So, can you use blink indoor cameras outside?
Well, the manufacturer specifically gives a temperature range of exposure within 0 to 35 degrees Celsius. Also, the camera isn’t built with waterproof parts to shield it from rain or snow. Considering the above factors, you can’t use blink indoor cameras outside, except under specific conditions. Read along to learn how to use your indoor cameras safely.
What Is The Difference Between Blink Indoor And Outdoor Camera?
Looking at both the Blink indoor and Blink outdoor camera, they’re almost identical in their appearance. They both have the same electrical components. However, there are a few differences that you might not easily notice.
The key differences between both types of Blink cameras are in their waterproofing and weatherproofing capabilities. There’s also a slight difference in the plastic casing of both cameras.
You’ll notice a speaker grille on the back of the outdoor camera, just at the top of its mounting bracket. On the other hand, the indoor camera has air vents on its edge at the back. Quickly glance at the chart below for a quick peek at the key differences.
| Feature | Blink indoor camera | Blink outdoor camera |
| Resistance to water | None | Yes |
| Cost | Less expensive ($79.99) | More expensive (99.99) |
| Operating temperature | 32 – 95 degrees Fahrenheit | -4 – 113 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Environmental rating | N/A | IP-65 |
Can You Use Blink Indoor Camera Outside?
When you’re getting a camera for any reason, you need to check for compatibility and rating. You must also make sure any camera you’re buying can withstand the conditions that are common with the location you’re mounting them.
For example, a camera you’re mounting at a bathroom or a kitchen location should have a water-resistant casing. This is because these locations are water-prone, and it’s easy for water to seep through into the internal electronic components. Well, you don’t need anyone to tell you what water does to electronics.
In the case of Blink, there are three different cameras – the Blink mini, the Blink indoor camera, and the blink outdoor camera. The Blink mini and the blink indoor camera are both indoor cameras. The only differences are that the blink mini is smaller, plus its algorithm for motion detection is different.
Furthermore, the Blink mini has to be plugged in, whereas the Blink indoor is wireless. So, if you bought any of these two cameras, then you just got the wrong camera for outdoor use.
So, can you use the Blink indoor camera outside? The camera is designed to be used specifically inside buildings. However, you can still use the camera outside. However, there are necessary precautions you must take to ensure you don’t damage your camera. Consider the below.
Water Exposure
The blink indoor camera has electrical components inside them. We all know what water does to electronics. But in case you’re in doubt, water can cause the metallic components of your camera to rust, resulting in overall damage to the device. Your Blink indoor camera has openings for its speaker, microphone, etc.
More so, the material used for the enclosure isn’t capable of stopping water from penetrating the insides of the camera. Mounting your Blink indoor camera outside exposes it to moistening elements such as rain or snow.
So, if you must use these cameras outside, then you must have a protective covering that shields them from water. This means that you must not mount them directly on walls that put them within easy reach of sunlight or snow. Doing this automatically voids your one-year guarantee.
Temperature Resistance
The temperature inside your home can never be the same as the temperature outside. In some African cities, for example, temperatures can rise far above normal room temperature. Your blink indoor cameras only permit usage in locations with a temperature range between 32 and 95° Fahrenheit.
Just as the above range value indicated, your Blink indoor camera doesn’t need only high temperatures to damage it. You also need to check and be sure the temperature of the location where you’re mounting your camera doesn’t go too low. Temperatures below 32° Fahrenheit are unsafe for your Blink indoor camera.
Can You Mix Indoor And Outdoor Blink Cameras?
If you’re a novice to cameras, without proper guidance, the chances are that you’ll mix up indoor and outdoor cameras. This is likely possible if you’re buying from an inexperienced salesperson in a store. The reasons are that both the Blink indoor and outdoor cameras are very similar in build and appearance. In addition, the inbuilt electronics are identical.
So, can you mix indoor and outdoor Blink cameras? As far as you don’t exceed the maximum of 10 Blink devices on a single module, the cameras you synchronize in any given module can be of any combination. Furthermore, all devices must not go farther than the specified operating range of 100ft irrespective of the direction.
How Do You Use Blink Indoor Camera Outside?
Just as we already mentioned, you can use your Blink indoor cameras outside. However, there are several factors you must take into consideration when mounting these cameras outside. This is because these cameras were built with indoor usage in mind. So, considering outdoor use of Blink indoor cameras will require that you do so with extra caution.
There are two basic factors you must consider when mounting your Blink indoor cameras outside. They are the temperature of the place where you’re mounting the cameras and how exposed the cameras are to water and snow.
Adequate Protection from Sunlight and Overheating
A quick way to destroy your battery is by subjecting it to extreme heat. Prolonged exposure of your blink camera to direct sunlight will make your Blink camera extremely hot. This is safe if you’re using a Blink outdoor camera, but if you’re using an indoor camera in this condition, you’re in trouble.
The high temperature of your camera results in the batteries also heating up. Just in case you didn’t know, you’ll need to replace those batteries sooner than was supposed. This is so because the constant high temperature of your battery reduces the battery life, and you don’t want that.
Make Sure They’re out Of the Water’s Reach
Secondly, your camera may get damaged if water penetrates into the internal components of the camera. The casing of the blink indoor cameras is not built with waterproof material. This means that exposure to water-prone environments can be a good catalyst in reducing the life of your camera.
Furthermore, this terminates your one-year warranty on the product. When you mount your indoor cameras inside, the only possibility of water getting in contact with them is when someone accidentally slashes some water on them. The same isn’t the case in outdoor environments where rain and snow are common happenings and are unavoidable.
When you mount your Blink indoor cameras outside, be careful to place them under a shelter of some sort. As an alternative, you can place the cameras in boxes or bags. This may be very uncomfortable, but there is nothing you can do about it. If you’re not comfortable that way, then the best way out is to get the right 360-degree outdoor security camera.
Tips To Protect Your Blink Indoor Camera When Placed Outside
You can protect your Blink indoor camera from overheating, but there are just a few ways to go about this. For the best hitch-free experience, we advise that you opt for Blink outdoor cameras instead. Check the tips below to see how you can use Blink indoor camera outside.
- Place the camera in an enclosure that is portable and transparent. Note that the enclosure must be waterproof. This should help you protect the camera from elements such as snow, rain, or ice.
- Heights can be an added advantage. Some areas are prone to flooding, with instances where water mounts up close to the window level. In addition, this can help to keep your camera from stray dogs and thieves. Any thief must use a leader if they must successfully steal your camera. If anyone must steal your cameras, then it shouldn’t be an easy task – you want your thief to sweat it out, right?
- Mount your camera under something to protect it from direct sunlight. Your camera’s temperature can be further increased if it’s placed under direct sunlight. Areas such as underneath an awning or on top of a sheltered porch are good locations for your Blink indoor cameras.
Bottom Line
Both Blink indoor and outdoor cameras are built with the same electrical components. However, due to the purpose for which the outdoor cameras are intended, they are built to withstand a wider temperature range and also resist water. Furthermore, Blink outdoor cameras are built in a waterproof case.
The Blink indoor cameras lack all this additional protection. Notwithstanding, can you use Blink indoor camera outside? You can use the Blink indoor camera outside, but you must take additional measures to protect it from water and temperature extremes. Use the information contained in this article as a guide for using a Blink indoor camera outside.
