Can I Hose My Cameras? No.
Even though your cameras may be rated IP66, you should never hose them.
IP66 means the camera enclosure was tested under controlled laboratory conditions against water jets for a short duration. It does not mean it is safe to spray your camera with a garden hose or pressure washer.
In real-world conditions:
- Household water pressure can exceed IP66 test pressure.
- Hose nozzles concentrate pressure into a small area.
- Pressure washers (Gerni-style cleaners) are far beyond what cameras are designed to withstand.
- Wind-driven rain during storms can force water into seals over time.
Direct hosing can push water past seals, into cable entries, or into ageing gaskets. Once water enters the housing, corrosion begins, and that is not a manufacturing defect.
Manufacturers warrant cameras to the IP rating specification, not against misuse or pressure cleaning.
The Correct Way To Clean Your Cameras
If your cameras need cleaning:
- Use a slightly damp microfibre cloth.
- Wipe gently.
- Do not spray water directly onto the camera.
- Do not leave the unit wet.
That’s it.
The Bottom Line
IP66 means weather resistant — not hose proof.
If you want your cameras to last, clean them gently with a damp cloth and leave the hose well away from them.