Posted 20 hours ago

Electrician: Possible to install a camera in place of a light?

Hi,
I want to install a camera at my front door (own front door into an apartment).
Is it possible to replace the current light (see pic) with an eufy security floodlight? I’m assuming a normal installation would involve flat against a wall, rather than “horizontal placement” - into the current fixture.
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  1. E_T_C's avatar
    Might be easier to get a Ring door bell type camera, unless you have a specific use case where you need to replace the light.

    Could you add a camera in front or behind the light?
    Hullablue's avatar
    Author
    Adding behind the light would be an option alright. Would it be possible for an electrician to run a cable from the current light to the location you suggested?
  2. AndyRoyd's avatar
    Possible issue with any sec-cam with integral white light directly above subject is the potential for "white-out" of image due to the subject being so close to the cam - especially if the subject is follically challenged.

    Most powered cams do not run directly from mains; they have a wall-wart type power adaptor, typically providing low power 5V USB or 12V DC to the device.
    If the dedicated adapter or a less intrusive but electrical-spec equivalent can be safely housed in the existing light fitting and low voltage power cable fed to cam: all should be well.

    Not much security in a cam (or its power source) if placed within reach of subject.
  3. yorkie12's avatar
    Is the current light on all the time? or does it work from a switch in your flat? or is it automatic ? If you have to switch it on from your flat it probably wouldn't be suitable to power a camera . You would also with most need a transformer to reduce the voltage. Another thing would be a good WiFi signal from your flat.
    Hullablue's avatar
    Author
    I've a switch at the door for the light, and it's only turned on it's a dark morning (winter mainly). There's been an increase in anti-social behavior, and I'd like to put up a camera sooner rather than later.
    I've old google wifi AP's that I hope will carry the wifi signal to the front door.
  4. Willy_Wonka's avatar
    The only thing you need to work out is there an earth wire up there or not & does the Eufy camera need an earth or not?

    If there is no earth & the Eufy needs one then it is work intensive but possible. If there is an earth there then yes you can, no problem at all.
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