Ring brand is one of the most well-regarded, highest-quality security brands worldwide. Making everything from cameras to doorbells, once you buy a Ring product, it can last a lifetime.
But like anything tech, there’s one fear we all have. Water. Even the simplest spill or leak can fry circuits, making your new device useless. Especially with outside devices, like doorbells and security cameras, you’ll want to know what (if any) protection your product has against rain, humidity, snow, and more.
This article will answer whether Ring doorbells are waterproof or not. We’ll go through the different kinds of water protection you need to be aware of and share expert ways of protecting your device from the weather. With our help, your Ring products will surely last the test of time.
Are Ring Doorbells Waterproof?
To fully understand your Ring doorbell’s resistances, we must first explain what waterproof means in product design and how it differs from two other mistaken terms, ‘water resilient’ and ‘water repellent.’
Waterproof
If a product is described as waterproof, it makes it incredibly difficult for water to enter inside. Products use a rating system known as the ingress protection rating scale (IP for short) to measure waterproof efficacy.
This rating system ranges from 00 to 68; the first digit records protection against solids and the second measures against liquids.
An 00 rating, for example, will offer no waterproof protection, while 68 ratings offer IP ratings are the best line of defense against both harmful particles and liquids.
Water-resistant
Water resistance is the lowest form of water protection, signaling that the device can only resist a certain degree of water. This protection can range from specialized gaskets, seals, and casings that make it difficult for water to enter. They’re usually located around vulnerable areas of the device, such as the battery, to protect it.
That said, being water-resistant means that your device can still be susceptible to water damage and must never be submerged or exposed to long periods of water exposure.
Water-repellent
Although often seen on clothing, certain Ring doorbells and device accessories can be defined as ‘water-repellent.’ This means that the product has a special coating of some substance that repels water away.
As the product ages, this coating wears away, exposing the device. And because this coating is often hard to see, it can be challenging to know when exactly you need to replace, repair or repaint your product.
So are Ring doorbells waterproof?
Now that we’ve defined the different types of water protection, we can finally answer our question – are Ring doorbells waterproof?
As per Ring’s official website, the answer is no; no Ring products are listed as waterproof. This means your doorbell may break if submerged in water, exposed to high-pressure water, or in contact with water for extended periods.
Can my Ring doorbell withstand average rain?
Video doorbells are commonly placed outside our homes, beside the front door. As such, homeowners might be worried their doorbells will become damaged by outside elements such as rain, snow, and frost.
The good news is that Ring doorbells are described as weatherproof. They can easily handle normal and extreme weather conditions like storms, ensuring that whatever rainwater does fall on top of your doorbell will most likely not cause any damage to internal circuitry.
Additionally, being weatherproof means that your doorbell can withstand extreme temperature changes ranging between -5 to 120°F, ensuring that frozen water, humidity, and moisture don’t wreak havoc on your device in the subsequent days.
How can you protect your Ring doorbell from water?
Ring doorbells have an excellent reputation and an endless amount of features, and they look amazing too. But they’re expensive, and you’ll undoubtedly want to add protection to your doorbell to ensure it lasts.
As they are only water-resistant, there will always be that potential for water to wreck them. So how can you add protection and gain peace of mind?
Below are four tried-and-tested ways to protect your Ring investment.
1. Position your doorbell
One of the easiest and most overlooked ways to protect your Ring doorbell from water is placing it in a sheltered location. Your porch, patio, or front door may already have an overhanging roof, ledge, or veranda.
These structures create the perfect environment for your doorbell, ensuring prolonged rainfall won’t fall directly on top of it.
Remember not to place your doorbell in areas with lots of running water. Avoid drainpipes, plumbing, vents, and taps – as these may leak and submerge the doorbell.
2. Plastic rain shield
If you don’t have a nearby roof to cover your doorbell – don’t worry. Several brands of rain shields are tailor-made to wrap around Ring doorbells neatly to eliminate any chance of water gathering inside from heavy rain.
Always ensure your rain shield is waterproof by reading the manufacturer’s instructions and customer reviews. Avoid buying products that only offer water-repellent protection, as these shields will gradually lose effectiveness over time.
Rain shields are perhaps the most user-friendly protection you can buy because most simply slip around your doorbell and can be easily removed to clean and wipe down accordingly.
3. Silicone cover
If you live in warmer climates with high humidity and sun exposure, you might consider installing a silicone cover instead of a rain shield. Silicone is a waterproof material that is highly resistant to direct sunlight, UV light, glare, weather, and aging.
Because of its polymer makeup, you can buy various colors, patterns, and textured silicone covers, allowing you to get creative while protecting your doorbell. Moreover, silicone has one of the lowest sensitivities to aging, which means your case can easily last up to 10 years.
4. Weather-blocking mount
If you’re worried about extreme weather conditions damaging your ring video doorbell, consider the weather—blocking mount. This accessory extends over the doorbell like a roof, ensuring rain, sleet, and snow does not touch the device.
Despite their name and appearance, mounts promise a straightforward installation, and many can be stuck on with adhesives, requiring no drilling or DIY skills. Some models even come with features of their own, like night-time lights, improving the visibility and functions of your Ring doorbell.
Ring doorbell tips and tricks to remember:
- Ring devices often have an incredibly short warranty period of 1-year. For this reason, protecting your device is a worthy consideration.
- When cleaning your Ring doorbell, gently wipe away dirt with a soft microfiber cloth. Never hose or spray it with water.
- Avoid placing your doorbell in areas with lots of running water, such as drainpipes, plumbing pipes, or near your garden hose.
- Be careful when cleaning the walls and windows around your doorbell. Never aim the hose directly at the doorbell. Use a gentle setting, or consider hand-washing near its immediate environment.
- If you know an extreme storm or hurricane will be ahead, consider keeping your ring cameras inside until the weather ends.
- Check the IP code of casings and shields – the higher the rating, the better its protection. The second digit is of particular note regarding liquid protection.
- Several protective doorbell casings offer a range of additional features, such as glare reduction, UV and dust protection, and night-time modes. Consider these if your doorbell is underperforming.
- Size matters – when buying a protective casing, check with manufacturers on their compatibility with your device before you buy. Too much space between your doorbell and case can also allow for moisture to gather.
- Regularly update and monitor your Ring app to get the most out of your Ring device and prolong its lifespan.
Conclusion
While Ring doorbells are not waterproof, they are not completely defenseless. Many doorbells offer a certain degree of water resistance that ensures regular rainwater won’t cause much, if any, damage.
That said, weather can be fickle, and sometimes a storm or flood can make you question the safety and security of your device. We suggest placing your doorbell in a dry, protected area, like under an overhang and away from drainpipes and plumbing, to get peace of mind.
Our article has shown that you can help protect your doorbell from rain and water through various accessories. Shields, mounts, and casings protect your doorbell investments cheaply and effectively. Or simply placing the doorbell under a nook or roof can protect it indefinitely.
Please comment below if you have questions about protecting your Ring doorbell or want to share your experiences.
When in doubt, remember:
- On their own, Ring doorbells are water-resistant. They offer low-level protection against water damage.
- Place your doorbell under a roof, or buy a protective casing. (rain shield)
- Ring products only have a 1-year warranty. If you suspect your product is damaged or faulty, act quickly to get a replacement within this timeframe.
