Different approach to flush mounting ET/Dahua cameras

[slothman]

Hey everyone,

I’ve been lurking here for a while and finally made a move. I went with ET/Dahua cameras, mostly 4MP (T54) and a few 8MP (T58).

One challenge I’ve faced is transitioning from UniFi. With UniFi, you can drill a 3/8” hole, plug the cable directly into the camera, and get a seamless, flush look without needing a junction box. Moving to ET/Dahua, I noticed the manual doesn’t mention flush mounts, and I’m not a huge fan of in-wall power connections (of any voltage), especially since the connectors from Dahua aren't technically rated for in-wall (eg CMR/CMP).

I’m considering using a 3x2 old work handy box with a metal faceplate, which I think would work quite well, but there are some nuances, such as the bracket being unable to mount direct to faceplate due to screws interfering. These 3x2 holes would also be a huge help in wire pulls as this location is a PITA. It also helps with having a nice cover during resale so I can take my cameras when I sell the house. I found the PFA200G digging through the forums, but I can’t find anything saying it works with the T54/58 or pics showing the finished look.

Do you guys have any suggestions? I appreciate the help so far—just this one last hurdle. I really don’t want to start experimenting with 3x2 holes without at least asking someone who may know better.

 

[TonyR]

Id' look to see which junction box(es) fits the cams, look at the specs for it/them to determine mounting radii provided, compare to those here that the PFA200G provides, you might find one that gee/haws with the cam's mount.

 

[slothman]

Id' look to see which junction box(es) fits the cams, look at the specs for it/them to determine mounting radii provided, compare to those here that the PFA200G provides, you might find one that gee/haws with the cam's mount.

It’s hard to tell from the drawings but the camera mount holes are spaced 120d at 84mm diameter. One of the brackets that comes with PFA200G shows it having this spec, but there’s two parts to it. I’ve ordered quite a few things hoping to find a suitable solution but wanted to reach out here to see what others have found.

Unfortunately ET provides 4 mounting options for T54 T58 cameras, none of which are flush mount. Yet these mounts exist which seem like they should be compatible? Odd.

 

[samplenhold]

It also helps with having a nice cover during resale so I can take my cameras when I sell the house.

Unless you plan on selling in the next year or two, I would not make that part of your reasoning since you would want to purchase the then current offerings at the time of moving to your new place.

 

[mat200]

Hey everyone,

I’ve been lurking here for a while and finally made a move. I went with ET/Dahua cameras, mostly 4MP (T54) and a few 8MP (T58).

One challenge I’ve faced is transitioning from UniFi. With UniFi, you can drill a 3/8” hole, plug the cable directly into the camera, and get a seamless, flush look without needing a junction box. Moving to ET/Dahua, I noticed the manual doesn’t mention flush mounts, and I’m not a huge fan of in-wall power connections (of any voltage), especially since the connectors from Dahua aren't technically rated for in-wall (eg CMR/CMP).

I’m considering using a 3x2 old work handy box with a metal faceplate, which I think would work quite well, but there are some nuances, such as the bracket being unable to mount direct to faceplate due to screws interfering. These 3x2 holes would also be a huge help in wire pulls as this location is a PITA. It also helps with having a nice cover during resale so I can take my cameras when I sell the house. I found the PFA200G digging through the forums, but I can’t find anything saying it works with the T54/58 or pics showing the finished look.

Do you guys have any suggestions? I appreciate the help so far—just this one last hurdle. I really don’t want to start experimenting with 3x2 holes without at least asking someone who may know better.

I prefer the pfa 121 and pfa 122 junction boxes as they share the same base for dahua oem cameras

 

[slothman]

I finally got back to this and can confirm the PFA200 works great with the T54/T58 turret, but I’m just not a fan of the look—it makes the base look huge. I really don’t like making the camera look bigger than it needs to be. I specifically avoided variable zoom to keep the best picture in the smallest form factor.

Here’s what I ended up doing (test run in drywall since hardie board is less forgiving):

• Cut out and mounted an old work single gang handy box, 2.5” deep.
• Drilled a 1 3/8” hole in a single gang plate. This helped immensely with wiring
• Smashed the plate with a hammer to eliminate the 1/4” lip.
• Used the B holes on camera bracket to mount directly to the box through the cover plate.
• Thoroughly sanded the edges on my cut to avoid cable damage

Here’s what I will be doing going forward:

• 1 3/8” cable grommets, somehow ended up with wrong size.
• Trimming/rounding corners off the plate cover a couple of mm. They’re kind of exposed under the camera if you’re looking closely but I’m being picky.
• Drill out the screw holes on cover plate and use a plastic washer on the other side.
• Deeper boxes. I couldn’t use the weatherproof Ethernet connector. These come in 3.5” but take forever to come in. This should be plenty. It was a tight fit as is and I had to be careful not to damage my solid copper cabling.
• Fireblock foam or caulk for sloppier cuts just to make sure the gap to the side of the cover plate isn’t inviting pests.

Note: standard screws that came with the cover plate will cause you to lose your camera. If you do this make sure you use longer 6-32 screws. This means you need to cut out space for them.

Also note: hardie board is serious stuff. Make sure your lungs are protected whether you’re just drilling or cutting. I’ve already made some cuts with an oscillating tool (diamond grout blade) but will be trying drilling and hammering next.