Can I just wire a Wifi Cam to an outdoor light fixture?

nbstl68

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So I have been looking to replace some old front porch coach style wall lights with newer motion sensor ones. Then I run across these Kuna smart security lights w a camera built in and think Hmm...good idea. Then I realize they kind of seem like crap , (also out of stock) and don't see any similar competition in the nice looking outdoor light \ motion activated \ camera area...like they are the only ones that make nice looking "normal" porch lights w a camera.

So I started thinking, 12v is 12 v...so why couldn't I just say, pick up a decent Dahua or Hik Wi-Fi camera, (I'm not super concerned about security at this spot to need it hard wired to a router), cut the power cord, splice it into the same wiring and mount it under any motion light I want?
Does anyone see any issue there? I'm no electrician but the only thing I can think of is they are usually switch controlled in the house so someone could flip them off and also cut power to the camera. But I leave mine on inside an the light set to either dusk\dawn or motion trigger so it should always be on.
 

fenderman

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So I have been looking to replace some old front porch coach style wall lights with newer motion sensor ones. Then I run across these Kuna smart security lights w a camera built in and think Hmm...good idea. Then I realize they kind of seem like crap , (also out of stock) and don't see any similar competition in the nice looking outdoor light \ motion activated \ camera area...like they are the only ones that make nice looking "normal" porch lights w a camera.

So I started thinking, 12v is 12 v...so why couldn't I just say, pick up a decent Dahua or Hik Wi-Fi camera, (I'm not super concerned about security at this spot to need it hard wired to a router), cut the power cord, splice it into the same wiring and mount it under any motion light I want?
Does anyone see any issue there? I'm no electrician but the only thing I can think of is they are usually switch controlled in the house so someone could flip them off and also cut power to the camera. But I leave mine on inside an the light set to either dusk\dawn or motion trigger so it should always be on.
For starters your outdoor lights run on 120v not 12.
 

eggsan

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If you are a diy person, there are many small cameras (an also craps) that will fit inside a base light fixture. They are called board cameras, while the lens is a pinhole type. You just need to determine the available space inside the fixture to include the camera. You will need a 12v power supply, also to fit inside the fixture or the electrical box. Since security is not a big issue for you, a strong wifi signal is needed in the area (remember most fixture are metal). I understand hik and dahua manufacture a very small camera (body an lens are separated), but quite expensive. Mostly all cameras are Chinese, as well as the app. My experience with Camhi is OK (avoid xmeye). If you need to the camera to your existing NVR, remember it most be Onvif compliance. F11F6385-FAAC-424F-85A5-8445D603AA61.jpeg
 

mat200

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So I have been looking to replace some old front porch coach style wall lights with newer motion sensor ones. Then I run across these Kuna smart security lights w a camera built in and think Hmm...good idea. Then I realize they kind of seem like crap , (also out of stock) and don't see any similar competition in the nice looking outdoor light \ motion activated \ camera area...like they are the only ones that make nice looking "normal" porch lights w a camera.

So I started thinking, 12v is 12 v...so why couldn't I just say, pick up a decent Dahua or Hik Wi-Fi camera, (I'm not super concerned about security at this spot to need it hard wired to a router), cut the power cord, splice it into the same wiring and mount it under any motion light I want?
Does anyone see any issue there? I'm no electrician but the only thing I can think of is they are usually switch controlled in the house so someone could flip them off and also cut power to the camera. But I leave mine on inside an the light set to either dusk\dawn or motion trigger so it should always be on.
Hi @nbstl68

If you have large enough coach lights, you can perhaps diy mod it so there is a camera attached to it.

To get an idea of what is possible, I recommend seeing this for inspiration. ( note, do read the comments about data cable and electrical wiring no no )

Hack your own IP PoE Kuna Maximus lamp camera ( DIY coach light hack )
 

nbstl68

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Goofed on the 12 vs120 of course. Point being they both run off of the s me I assumed. Cool DIY but I am not that crafty (aka not so skilled). After looking around I am now thinking about something like splicing in one of those small Wyze V3 cube cameras below whatever light fixture I get since they already have an app and system and it would be easy to share and not very obtrusive.
 

nick9orl

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Goofed on the 12 vs120 of course. Point being they both run off of the s me I assumed. Cool DIY but I am not that crafty (aka not so skilled). After looking around I am now thinking about something like splicing in one of those small Wyze V3 cube cameras below whatever light fixture I get since they already have an app and system and it would be easy to share and not very obtrusive.

I've been thinking the same thing have you attempted this
 

Mike A.

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Wyze has an adapter that you screw into a bulb socket with a USB port on it. Camera plugs into the USB and you can control the light in various ways (on, off, on with motion, dusk/dawn) from the app. That would be the easiest way to do it. I have one. Works OK for what it is but the Wyze cams aren't all that great (likewise most others like them).

Wyze Lamp Socket

You'd be much better off running a cable and putting a real cam somewhere else that gives you the best view unrestricted by having to have it at the light.
 

garycrist

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So sorry but, if you go to the trouble to run cable, then why not put a real camera up?
Keep the camera away from the light too. I am in love with Andy's new 4K-T (turret) camera.
They are full color at night too especially with the additional coach light.
 

Justins311

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Hot Damn! you said march and I've been hanging by a thread lol. When can I purchase? Now? Funds ready need a new cam, my LVPTK66802 died last December :...(

Do you also sell the wired version of this? I want one wired one wireless for both sides of garage and porch. I want to purchase BlueIris and have some tech questions as well.

Feel free to email me k9mattk at out l00k d0t c0m or text 208.283.20 thirteen. I dont come on this board often and wont get DMs.
 
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