As some of you know, I have some IP cameras in my backyard. One of them went offline recently and didn’t come back online. Upon inspecting the connection point between the camera ethernet connector and the patch cable had completely fried because of water damage. Can this Dahua camera still be revived? Let’s replace the ethernet connector and see if it still works!

Spoiler alert (Yes it still works)

Well, the simple answer is yes. The Dahua cameras I am using seem to have very good protection against water damage inside of the cables! So even though the water really blackened out the connector and individual pins (some where gone!) the camera itself survived without any harm and by replacing the ethernet plug, it was all fixed!

So if you ever have a camera where water ingress-ed into the plug, try and replace the plug and see if it still works, in my case I’ve been able to “repair” the camera every time!

Here are some close-up shots of the wiring inside of the plug:

(Click for a larger version)

Video!

If you want to watch the whole video and process, check it out here:

 

Shopping stuff

Ethernet stripping tool: http://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_ssABnY Ethernet connection kit: http://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_shBJ9y Ethernet coupler (if you need female side): http://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_ruVfG2

Favorite model IP camera: http://geni.us/JxaSu

Ending remarks

These Dahua cameras (or at least my favorite model the IPC-HDW5831R-ZE) are more robust then you might think. If yours got water damage, try and repair it!