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.