Enclosures

Cohu cameras destined for outdoor use should be purchased with a Cohu sealed and pressurized enclosure. Cohu’s “sealed and pressurized enclosure philosophy” has one sole purpose: protect the customer’s investment in quality video.

Nearly 80% of all departments of transportation and federal facilities specify a pressurized enclosure to increase the camera reliability and reduce maintenance costs of video systems. A Cohu sealed and pressurized housing prevents contaminants from fouling critical camera and lens components, soiling the window glass, and creating optical aberrations.

The i-dome meets more standards ratings than any dome housing on the market today, including IP-67, NEMA TS-2, UL-listing, CUL-listing and CE-approval.  It’s been rigorously tested at extreme temperatures ranging from -45 to 150 F.  It exceeds expectations.  Cohu provides lifetime complimentary repressurization of its environmental enclosures.  Any enclosure failing to hold 0.2 psig (gage) may be returned to Cohu for repressurization at no expense for the life of the product.  Enclosures are not sold separately, although service kits may be purchased through the Spares & Service Department.

Another benefit of the factory sealed and pressurized housing is the assurance of a properly installed lens on the camera. The factory lens installation provides correct termination of lens wiring, including zoom and focus follower pots as required.  All dust and debris is cleared from the optical path, which is essential for a blemish-free image. The lens is mounted, tested, and tracked. Lens tracking is an ISO-documented procedure, using calibrated test equipment to assure optimum focus throughout the entire zoom range. The CCTV camera and housing are shipped in one unit to the customer, ready to install.

Other Options

Sunshields

Sunshields keep sun glare, rain, and snow off the enclosure face plate. They also allow the camera to operate at much higher ambient temperatures by keeping direct sunlight off the enclosure surface. They are considered a necessity if the enclosure is to be directly exposed to the elements, but can be omitted if the enclosure is otherwise sheltered.

Wipers/Washers

A washer/wiper assembly is available for environments where the faceplate is exposed to salt spray or wetted grime and the camera is not conveniently accessible. Otherwise, the best solution is a simple hosing of the unit with fresh water or non-streaking cleaning solution when the faceplate becomes dirty.

Low-Pressure Sensor

This feature notifies the operator when routine maintenance of the camera housing is required. The camera can be equipped with a pressure switch set to create a contact closure. If the pressure in the camera housing drops to less than two psi, the contact closure is sent to the rear panel connector and, if used with an ID generator, activates a programmable alphanumeric message to warn of the low pressure condition. This message will be superimposed on the camera video output. This feature doubles as a tamper alarm, providing indication that the enclosure has been violated.

ID Generator

Typically, an ID generator card is located within the enclosure to make scene identification or camera location easy for the operator.

Fiber Optic Video Output

This option allows the video signal to be transmitted over a fiber optic link to a compatible fiber optic receiver.

Explosion Proof

Explosion proof housings are designed to meet the requirements of explosion-proof and dust ignition-proof installations, and hazardous locations. They meet the following specifications: National Electrical Code Class I, Division I, Groups C and D; Class II, Division I, Groups E, F, and G; UL 1203. Be sure to specify an explosion proof positioner if so required.

Bullet Resistant

Generally, Cohu environmental enclosures can withstand small caliber shots from 50 feet, although the faceplate glass can not. If you suspect that your installation will be so targeted, ask your Cohu representative to quote a bullet resistant faceplate or a more hardened enclosure.

Radiation Hardened

Cohu has extensive experience creating radiation-hardened camera enclosures and other component enclosures for nuclear applications. Consult with your Cohu representative for information and design guidelines.

Liquid-cooled

Very special enclosures for Cohu cameras can be made to withstand up to 148° C. A double wall construction of type 304 steel directs coolant flow around the body of the housing. The faceplate glass is Pyrex. Consult with your Cohu representative for information and design guidelines.