Continuous charging of Arlo Essential camera

[lusterav]

I have had my Essential camera hooked up with a solar panel for a month. On sunny days it maintains the charge fairly well but after a week of cloudy days the charge just kept on dropping. I didn't want to keep worrying about pulling out the ladder to get the camera to charge it. I purchased a longer charging cable and drilled a hole through my siding into my living room; ran the charging cable through to an electrical outlet in the living room. Perfect! Camera stays at 100% green battery. My question is: Will this hurt the camera in any way since it is always charging (green battery icon)? Does anyone know?

[JamesC]

lusterav,

While having a charger always connected should not cause any issues, Arlo Essential cameras are only designed to be powered outdoors with the compatible solar panel. The solution you've found here could result in water damage to the camera or the charging cable and is not recommended.

JamesC

[lusterav]

Thanks for the warning. I just can't worry about taking down the camera to charge it. So I might continue to take my chances with the continuous charging. I do understand the risk of damage. If it happens I will look for a different camera that accomodates what I need. Thanks again.

[dcfox1 · Accepted solution]

@lusterav  Most other Arlo model cams can use outdoor AC Cables made for them. 

[lusterav]

Thanks. Will keep that as the next option.

[StephenB]

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@dcfox1 wrote:

@lusterav  Most other Arlo model cams can use outdoor AC Cables made for them. 

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The key word here being "other".  The essential cameras do not have an outdoor AC cable accessory.

[lusterav]

This is what happens when you try to save money. I bought the least expensive camera when spending more would have been the way to go! Leason learned...