Why does my CCTV Camera flicker at night? When it comes to the security of your home or business, the CCTV system is perhaps one of the most prized assets. Likewise, there are times that you might feel like your system is somewhat malfunctioning. Hence, you might need to find the main cause and set it right as soon as possible. For example, in case your camera is flickering at night, there may be some problems with it. Let us take a look at some of the main reasons for this issue:
Contents
- Here are a few main reasons that might be causing your camera to flicker at night.
- 1. Power Issues
- 2. The Changing Light Conditions
- 3. Damaged Connections or Cables
- 4. Aging or Faulty Equipment
- 5. Defective Equipment
- The importance of night focus
- Thermal Cameras
- Conventional cameras
- PTZ Cameras
- Maintenance of security systems
- Alarm verification service
- Why Does My CCTV Camera Flicker at Night?: The Conclusion
Here are a few main reasons that might be causing your camera to flicker at night.
1. Power Issues
Much Like Various other equipment, your camera might be flickering as it is not getting enough power to function properly. In case you have been experiencing flickering videos and images when going through your camera feed at night, the first thing you need to check out is the main power source.
Also, bear in mind that all surveillance camera systems make use of infrared Light to be able to capture images in a place where there is very little Light. Hence, if your camera is running out of battery or is not receiving enough power, your infrared lights will not be performing up to the expected levels. Hence You need to take a look at the power input to make sure that your system is working at a dedicated power supply instead of a power splitter.
2. The Changing Light Conditions
As you might know, the Light plays a major role in the ability of your camera to work in a consistent and proper image. Here Bright lights such as flashlights or headlights can often lead to a lot of disturbance on your security camera, thus preventing it from resulting in a clear picture.
The Night cameras make use of infrared technology to be able to produce high-quality images even in low light conditions. Here, the Headlights can usually interrupt the cameras, thus causing them to flicker as your camera tries to adjust from infrared to normal Light. Hence it is advised that you should review your security camera footage to figure out when your cameras flicker the most. In case the changing lighting conditions are leading to your flickering problems, then you should adjust the angle of your camera.
3. Damaged Connections or Cables
Solutions for CCTV Flickering problems? Well, In case your security surveillance cameras flicker at night, this might be due to the damaged cables or connections. Damaged and deteriorating equipment can lead to data transmission and power issues that result in below-average image quality.
Also, you will have to take a look at all the connections that are linked to your camera. For example, you might have to go over loose or exposed wires to be able to see if they have grown corroded or damaged. Also, if you are installing any outdoor connections, you will have to make sure that you install a weatherproof box to avoid any further damage due to external conditions.
4. Aging or Faulty Equipment
The common CCTV problems and its fixes are plenty. It is worth noting that, the older your surveillance camera equipment, the more problems it is likely to experience. However, if you are still experiencing flickering problems with your new surveillance system, there are chances that you might have bought yourself defective equipment.
All security camera systems comprise a restricted lifespan. In case yours has reached its peak, there is hardly much to do except to get it replaced. For this, you should first go over the power sources and also check the cables and connections before deciding to change your security camera altogether.
5. Defective Equipment
It is necessary to bear in mind that, like most tech gadgets, security cameras have a limited lifespan. In case you are experiencing “rolling lines” across your feed, this might be because of the faulty wire cables and require replacement. Hence, Simple maintenance, such as dusting the equipment regularly and replacement of the old cables can expand the longevity of you’re the lifespan of the equipment.
The importance of night focus
Facing the security camera image flickering problem? In case we adjust the focus of a camera at night then it is certain that it will appear good during the day. It might be because of the cost of working at night is greater in time. In this case, the technician will not take the same as in the day and in the budget, as you might have to pay extra overnight; however, in the long term, it will be much better. On the other hand, if you focus during the day, you might run the risk that the image is out of focus at night. This fact is mainly due to the opening of the diaphragm of the camera and the depth of field.
Thermal Cameras
Thermal cameras tend to capture heat radiation that has been emitted by bodies and, with it, form an image. These cameras are perfect for use in low or no-light conditions. Not requiring any lighting, these are perfect for discreet surveillance. Thanks to this thermal image, the guards can easily identify whether it is a person or an animal and avoid possible unauthorized entry within the security perimeter.
Conventional cameras
Why does my security camera keep flashing? Conventional video security cameras tend to capture the image using a video lens and normal photography. They are the most regular cameras. In this case, the image is all the more realistic and well-defined as compared to the thermal cameras. Hence, we can easily check out what the lens has captured without any requirement for artificial image formation.
Conventional cameras are available in various resolutions and ranges, according to the quality of the lens.
PTZ Cameras
PTZ dome cameras are generally hemispherical-shaped cameras that are normally installed on the ceiling. However, these can also be mounted on a wall. These cameras can rotate on themselves, both vertically and horizontally. These are equipped with a zoom that allows the user to zoom in or zoom out of the captured image.
PTZ dome cameras also comprise a built-in sensor in order to detect heat sources, sounds, or even movements.
Maintenance of security systems
It is quite important to develop a correct maintenance of the security system. The maintenance can either be preventive or corrective. In the case of preventive maintenance, a check is necessary for all the elements that make up the security installation, which includes cameras, connections, and wiring, to verify that everything is working well.
In case of any faults that are detected, then it needs to be corrected. In case a camera fails, then a security breach occurs that makes the integrity of our security system vulnerable. In the case of the corrective maintenance phase, all the items that do not function properly need to be repaired or replaced.
In the case of large security installations, then equipment maintenance is as important as installation. With time there will be elements that stop working properly. Hence, getting ahead of those bugs or correcting them quickly is all the more important to the security of any business.
Alarm verification service
Till now, we have mentioned much about one of the main characteristic failures of a security camera, such as the flickering that occurs at night, and it has been insisted on the importance of proper maintenance of the facilities. Now, let us take a look at another major fundamental aspect of any perimeter surveillance system: the alarm receiving centre.
A security installation is manufactured of dozens of cameras and sensors. It is useless if you do not have a proper control and command centre that is able to receive all the possible signals that can be transmitted. This is the main function of an alarm verification service.
The alarms are centralized within a physical space and are attended by specialized personnel who can properly interpret what the camera or sensor is transmitting. The alarms can be real or false alarms that are caused by technical failures, by wind, or by animals.
In the case of the central office, the alerts received are prioritized, and the real alarms are acted on first. Likewise, the false alarms are left for a later time, and the correction of detected technical failures is planned.
To have an effective security system it is important to have a comprehensive planning that manages to cover various phases, all of them being necessary: design, installation, maintenance, and verification service of the alarms received. Any failure that can occur in any of these phases can lead to a significant security breach and, hence, make your company vulnerable.
Why Does My CCTV Camera Flicker at Night?: The Conclusion
So, there you have it, friends; these are some of the main aspects of the reason that your CCTV camera is flickering. What has been your experience with this phenomenon, and how have you managed to deal with it? Do let us know and we would love to hear from you.