Why is my CCTV showing a black screen?

The most common cause is a power supply failure to the camera. Check if the camera has any indicator lights. If there are no lights, it is likely a power issue rather than a camera fault.

Can water damage a CCTV camera?

Yes. Even outdoor-rated cameras can suffer water ingress if the housing seal deteriorates or if the cable entry point is not properly sealed. Water damage typically shows as a foggy image before complete failure.

Should I repair or replace a faulty camera?

CCTV cameras are generally replaced rather than repaired. Modern replacement cameras offer significantly better image quality and may be compatible with your existing recorder.

Low risk

Updated 30 August 2026

CCTV No Picture Or Image

Your CCTV camera is showing a black screen, no image, or heavily distorted video.

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What's happening?

When a CCTV camera shows no picture, black screen, or a heavily distorted image, the camera itself, its cable, or its power supply may be at fault. This can affect one camera or all cameras on the system.

What usually causes it?

Camera power supply failure — camera has no power
Damaged or corroded video cable (BNC or Ethernet)
Camera lens fault or sensor failure
Water ingress into the camera housing
Incorrect camera settings or configuration after a reset
IR LED failure causing no night vision

Is it dangerous?

Not a safety risk. However, if the camera has suffered water ingress and is still powered, there is a minor risk of a short circuit. If you can see water inside the camera housing, turn off the power to that camera.

Can I fix it myself?

Check if the camera has power — look for an LED or IR glow at night. Check the cable connections at both the camera and recorder end. Try swapping the cable with a known working camera to isolate whether the fault is the camera or the cable. For wireless cameras, check the Wi-Fi signal strength and battery level.

When should you call an electrician?

Call an electrician if the camera has no power and the supply is hardwired, if cables need replacing (especially if they run through walls or underground), if multiple cameras have failed simultaneously, or if a camera needs replacing at height.