Are Ring Doorbells Waterproof? Everything You Should Know

Despite their many benefits, one of the main concerns that homeowners have about Ring doorbells is their ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. Rain, snow, and extreme heat can all affect the performance of these devices and potentially cause damage if they are not properly protected.

In this blog post, we'll answer some of the most common questions about Ring doorbells and their ability to withstand water and other elements. We'll provide tips and best practices for keeping your Ring doorbell safe and functioning correctly, regardless of the weather conditions in your area.

Waterproof vs Water-Repellent vs Water-Resistant

Before we dive into whether Ring doorbells are waterproof, it's essential to understand the difference between waterproof, water-repellent, and water-resistant. Water-resistant devices are designed to withstand some exposure to water without getting damaged. This means that they feature some level of protection against water, such as a sealed casing or protective coating. However, water-resistant devices are not completely waterproof and cannot withstand complete submersion in water without getting damaged.

Meanwhile, water-repellent devices can withstand some exposure to water, but they are not completely waterproof. These devices have a special coating that repels water, preventing it from entering the device. This coating can be made of various materials such as nano-coating, hydrophobic coating, or oleophobic coating. The coating creates a barrier between the device's surface and water droplets, causing them to bead up and roll off the surface, rather than being absorbed into the device.

Waterproof devices, on the other hand, are designed to withstand complete submersion in water without getting damaged. They feature advanced protection against water and often come with a high IP rating, which indicates the level of protection against water and dust. Waterproof devices are typically more expensive than water-resistant devices but are necessary in certain situations, such as when using devices underwater.

Do Ring Doorbells have an IP rating?

So, is the Ring doorbell waterproof?

Ring doorbells have an IP rating of IPX5, which means they are water-resistant. This rating indicates that the doorbell can withstand low-pressure water jets from any direction but is not suitable for continuous immersion in water.

The IP rating, which stands for Ingress Protection rating scale, is a standard rating system that indicates how well a device is protected against water and dust. The first digit of the rating refers to the level of protection against solid objects, while the second digit indicates the level of protection against water.

In the case of Ring doorbells, the "X" in the IPX5 rating means that the device has not been rated for protection against solid objects. The "5" in the rating indicates that the device is protected against low-pressure water jets from any direction. This means that the device can withstand rain and splashes of water but is not suitable for continuous immersion in water.

While the Ring video doorbell is not completely waterproof, it can handle rain and splashes of water.

How rain & snow affect your Ring Doorbell

Rain and snow can affect your Ring device in several ways, especially if it's not properly protected. Here are some of the ways that rain and snow can affect your Ring doorbell:

• Malfunction: If your Ring doorbell gets wet due to rain or snow, it may malfunction, and some of its features may stop working. For example, the camera lens may become blurry or fogged up, or the motion sensors may not detect motion correctly.

• Water damage: Water can damage the internal components of your Ring doorbell, especially if it seeps into the device through small openings. This can result in permanent damage that may require costly repairs or even replacement.

• Short circuits: Water can cause short circuits in electronic devices, leading to a complete failure of the device. If your Ring doorbell is exposed to water for an extended period, it may short-circuit and stop working altogether.

To prevent these issues, it's essential to protect your Ring doorbell from water and extreme weather conditions. This can be achieved by following some best practices such as installing the device in a protected location, using a protective cover, and sealing any wire holes to prevent water from seeping in. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your Ring doorbell operates correctly and lasts for a long time.

Are wired Ring Doorbells more at risk?

Wired Ring doorbells are not necessarily more at risk than wireless ones when it comes to exposure to rain or snow. However, the wiring of a wired Ring doorbell can be more susceptible to water damage compared to battery-powered wireless models. If the wiring gets wet due to rain or snow, it may cause the doorbell to malfunction or to fail completely.

To prevent this, it's essential to ensure that the wiring of your wired Ring doorbell is adequately protected from water. This can be achieved by installing the wired Ring doorbell in a protected location and sealing any wire holes with silicone sealant. Additionally, you can use a weatherproof mount and a protective cover to shield the device from water and other elements.

How to remove water from your Ring Doorbell

If your Ring doorbell has been exposed to water and you notice that it's not functioning correctly, it's essential to remove the water as soon as possible to prevent any damage to the device. Here are some steps you can take to remove water from your Ring doorbell:

1. Turn off the power: Before attempting to remove water from your Ring doorbell, turn off the power to the device to avoid any electrical shock.

2. Remove the cover: If your Ring doorbell has a cover or case, remove it carefully to expose the device.

3. Wipe down the device: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down the exterior of the device, removing any visible moisture.

4. Use a vacuum: If there is water trapped inside the device, you can use a vacuum cleaner to remove it. Use a low-power setting and hold the nozzle close to the device to suck out any water that may be trapped inside.

5. Leave it to dry: Once you've removed as much water as possible, leave the device to dry completely in a dry, well-ventilated area. Avoid using any heat sources to dry the device, as this can cause further damage to the internal components.

6. Test the device: Once the device is completely dry, turn the power back on and test its functionality. If the Ring doorbell doesn't work correctly, you may need to contact Ring customer support for further assistance.

How to protect your Ring Doorbell or Camera from harsh weather

Here are some tips on how to protect Ring doorbell from harsh weather conditions:

Choose a good location

When installing your Ring doorbell or camera, choose a location that is protected from harsh weather conditions such as rain, snow, or direct sunlight. Installing it under a covered porch or awning can help protect it from exposure to the elements.

Seal the wire holes

Make sure to seal any wire holes with silicone sealant to prevent water from seeping into the device through these openings. This will help protect your Ring doorbell or camera from water damage.

Use a protective cover

Consider using a protective cover designed to shield your Ring doorbell or camera from rain, snow, and other harsh weather conditions. There are many options available, including rain protection covers that are specifically designed for Ring devices.

Get a weatherproof mount

Install your Ring Doorbell or camera on a weatherproof mount that is designed to withstand exposure to the elements. The Wasserstein Ring doorbell mount and wall plate is weatherproof and not only adds 35° to 55° of viewing angle to your camera but also covers holes left by your old doorbell. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing the mount to ensure that it is properly secured.

Install your Ring Doorbell in a glass box

If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, you may want to install your Ring doorbell or camera in a glass box. This will provide an extra layer of protection against rain, snow, and wind, while still allowing the device to function correctly.

FAQ

Is the Ring Video Doorbell waterproof?

Ring video doorbells are water-resistant devices, with an IPX5 rating, which means they can handle low-pressure water jets from any direction but are not suitable for continuous immersion in water.

Can water damage a Ring Doorbell?

Yes, water can damage a Ring doorbell, especially if it enters the device through wire holes or other openings. It's important to protect your Ring doorbell from exposure to water and take the necessary precautions to prevent water damage.

Is Ring Doorbell good for winter?

Yes, Ring doorbells are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including winter weather. However, it's important to take extra precautions to protect the device from snow, ice, and other weather elements.

Why did my Ring Doorbell stop working after the rain?

If your Ring doorbell has stopped working after the rain, it's likely that water has entered the device and caused damage. To prevent this, it's important to protect your Ring doorbell from exposure to water and take the necessary precautions to prevent water damage.

Can my Ring Doorbell withstand elements?

Yes, Ring doorbells are designed to withstand exposure to the elements, including rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. However, it's important to take extra precautions to protect the device from harsh weather conditions and prevent water damage. 

Looking to upgrade your Ring Doorbell? Be sure to check out Wasserstein's collection of Ring accessories, including the solar charger mount, battery charger, and power supply adapter for your Ring Video Doorbell.