No red light on CCTV camera

CCTV cameras are fabulous devices which help keep our homes and offices safe and prevent intrusion. These devices record the activity of the area in which they are mounted and hence help us remain aware if any unauthorised presence is detected. One of their greatest benefits is that they guard us even during the night. Thanks to latest technology, we can now clearly see activities in and around us through CCTV cameras even in low light conditions. However in some cases, you may face CCTV night vision problems which must be solved quickly to get full benefit out of the device. This is why we have brought you a list of the common CCTV night vision problems and their solutions:

1. No image or video at night

PROBLEM:

No red light on CCTV camera
Image Credits: alselectro.com

One of the most common CCTV night vision problems is no image or video at night time.

SOLUTION:

  • To solve this issue, you must check whether the camera has power and all the connections and wires are fully secure.
  • Make sure the infra red light is on and illuminating. This indicates that the power is going through. If not, try turning it on.
  • Moreover you must understand that the camera may not always work in the range that it claims to so don’t rely on the printed specifications. Shorten the range if possible to get full benefits from your camera.
  • Try standing close to the camera and then see whether anything appears.

No red light on CCTV camera

Swann Indoor/Outdoor Home Security Camera

Dome Cam with Motion Sensor, Infrared Night Vision, Thermal Heat Sensing

This security camera features Swann true Detect PIR Thermal Sensing technology to reliably detect heat-generating moving objects, such as people, large pets and cars.

If you are planning to buy new CCTV Cameras here are some more recommendations:-

  1. Reolink Wired Outdoor Cameras, 5MP 16-Channel NVR with 3TB HDD for Home and Business 
  2. ICAMI Dome IP Camera Wireless Home Surveuillance System Audio with Motion Detect 
  3. INQMEGA PTZ Camera Outdoor Surveillance Camera with Two Way Audio 

2. White areas on the screen or white screen

PROBLEM:

Another common issue that one may face with a CCTV camera at night time is screen turning white or certain white areas on the screen. The reason for this is infra red light reflecting back into the camera lens.  This especially remains the cause if the angle of view is very wide.

SOLUTION:

Make sure you have the visor in line with the back of the camera body. Visor is that part of your CCTV camera lens which protects it from direct light or reflections.  This will help provide the lens a certain shade and minimise white lights and other light distractions.

No red light on CCTV camera
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons

3. General image deterioration at night time

PROBLEM:

During night, we often experience the problem of general image deterioration as far as CCTV or surveillance cameras are concerned.  What happens is that when infra red switches on camera, it draws more amount of current. But if the power is not powerful enough then this extra current drawn could lead to some problems.

SOLUTION:

To solve this problem, you need to ensure that you do not exceed the suggested or recommended cable run length and the cable is long enough. Long cables tend to cause connection problems and may affect camera performance and image quality.

No red light on CCTV camera

VIVO Gray 1,000ft Bulk Cat5e, CCA Ethernet Cable

Cat-5e Wire

Ideal for network installation. For indoor use, patch cables, and crossover cables

If you want to change your Cable, we have some more recommendations for you:-

  1. SolidLink CAT5e 1000ft Premium UTP Ethernet Cable 
  2. Five Star Cable Cat5 1000 Ft Ethernet Cable Wire 
  3. Dripstone 600001 1000ft CAT5e 4/UTP Ethernet LAN Cable 

4. Moving spots in front of the camera

PROBLEM:

No red light on CCTV camera
Image Credits: YouTube.com

You may also experience moving spots in front of the camera which may seem like spider webs.  This phenomenon is more noticeable during fog type weather conditions where water droplets suspended in the air reflect the infra red. The warm currents present in the air lead particles to rise and fall and these appear as moving spots in front of the camera.

SOLUTION:

In order to avoid this, try to cover your camera with a visor or hood and avoid placing it in areas where there is too much dust.

No red light on CCTV camera

Uogw Sun Rain Shade Cover

Protective Roof for Outdoor Security Cameras

.Uogw Sun Rain Shade cover could reduce influence and block the camera from weather element, capable of shielding rain, sunshine, dust, sand and snow.

Here are some Camera Covers you can find online:-

  1. SDS DS-1250ZJ Universal Sun Rain Shade Camera Cover Shield for Outdoor Camera 
  2. Camera Cover Shield for Nest/Ring/Arlo/Dome/Bullet Outdoor Camera – White 
  3. Universal Sunshade Rainshade Camera Cover Shield for Outdoor Camera 

Now that you know the common CCTV night vision problems and their solutions, you can solve the issue yourself and get camera working in perfect condition again. If you are not able to solve the issue on your own or troubleshoot the problem, you can take help of a professional like Mr Right for CCTV camera repair and service.

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Do CCTV cameras work without the red light on?

The short answer is no. CCTV cameras require electricity to fully function, but it is possible for them to work even when the power is down.

Do all CCTV cameras have red light?

Older fake security cameras have a blinking red light, while real types don't. It's a clever trick to see if CCTV cameras are working just by looking at it.

How do I know if my CCTV camera is on?

You can tell if the CCTV camera is on by the power indicator. Some IP cameras or wireless IP cameras have a status LED, so you can easily tell whether the camera is working or connected to WiFi properly. Identify whether the security camera is real or fake. If it's a fake security camera, it will never be on.

What does red light mean on CCTV?

A solid red light on a security camera means there is NOT a local internet or an internet connection.