Install Lorex camera on pre-wired junction box

[Rfz]

Hi Everyone,

My house has several pre-wired round junction boxes. The boxes are covered by thin metal plates. I got Lorex 4K UHD 8-Channel IP Security System from Costco. However, the size of the boxes is larger than the base of the cameras. I attached several pics. How should I proceed with the installation? Can I just drill several holes on the metal plates and install the cameras on the plates? Not sure if the plates are solid enough to support the cameras. Or are there any kind of 'adapters' I can install on the boxes and then install the cameras on the adapters?

I would appreciate any suggestions or tips!!! Thanks you!

 

[HMC8403]

I would get a junction box cover, one that the holes match the box you have. Then drill a bigger hole in the center for the cables to fit through and then a few holes for the camera's mounting screws.

Make sure to get a metal cover and not plastic that crack over time.

 

[mat200]

Hi @Rfz

Wondering if the following would work also...

Gang Box Adapter
Model Number: DH-PFA200G

Gang Box Adapter

us.dahuasecurity.com

Review PFA200G Gang Box Adapter

DH-PFA200G Gang Box Adapter Review unit courtesy of Andy (@EMPIRETECANDY) in exchange for a fair and honest review. Andy's ipcamtalk vendor forum: link Andy's AliExpress store: link Andy's Amazon store: link Andy's Email: kingsecurity2014 (at) 163 (dot) com Price Approximately US $16-19 Link...

ipcamtalk.com

Dahua Junction Box Adapter: PFA200G Gang Box Adapter

Dahua now has a mounting adapter designed to fit a variety of standard electrical boxes. It looks like it's intended for indoor use. PFA200G https://dahuasecurity.s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/soft/20190311/DH-PFA200G_datasheet_20190225.pdf

ipcamtalk.com

 

[Rfz]

Hi @ HMC8403 @ mat200,

Many thanks for your suggestions! The white metal cover looks similar to the one that currently covers the box (the one in my pic was white but painted to match the color of the bricks) . The gang box adapter looks more sturdy and should fit the junction box. I think I am going to try to install the cameras on the metal covers. If this does not work, I will try to get the box adapters!

Thanks again!

 

[HMC8403]

Hi @ HMC8403 @ mat200,

Many thanks for your suggestions! The white metal cover looks similar to the one that currently covers the box (the one in my pic was white but painted to match the color of the bricks) . The gang box adapter looks more sturdy and should fit the junction box. I think I am going to try to install the cameras on the metal covers. If this does not work, I will try to get the box adapters!

Thanks again!

The adapter is well built and the pre-drilled holes are nice but for $20 each, I would try the $2 option first; especially if you already have them. Your cameras aren't heavy so there shouldn't be a problem

For the big hole in the middle drill a small hole and use a step drill bit to open it up. I would first mount the camera to the cover with nuts & bolts instead of screws and use some silicone between the two. Then definitely seal around the cover where it meets the brick. I actually used plumbers putty once; stays in place, doesn't drip or run, and easy cleanup afterwards.

 

[Opeth]

Why dont you get a cheap plastic electrical box and mount it on the blue one and its done.

 

[Rfz]

The adapter is well built and the pre-drilled holes are nice but for $20 each, I would try the $2 option first; especially if you already have them. Your cameras aren't heavy so there shouldn't be a problem

For the big hole in the middle drill a small hole and use a step drill bit to open it up. I would first mount the camera to the cover with nuts & bolts instead of screws and use some silicone between the two. Then definitely seal around the cover where it meets the brick. I actually used plumbers putty once; stays in place, doesn't drip or run, and easy cleanup afterwards.

Thanks! I actually didn't know there is a thing of 'step drill'!

Why dont you get a cheap plastic electrical box and mount it on the blue one and its done.

Thanks! Could you please suggest an electrical box that fits my junction box in the pic or include a link? I googled but am not quite sure what kind of electrical boxes I should use...

 

[Opeth]

A simple elctrical box . Comes with diferrent sizes , chosse the right one for you

 

[sebastiantombs]

If you use a step drill be sure to anchor the plate firmly down to something solid while drilling. Do not try to hold the plate in one hand and the drill in the other. Bad things will happen that will be very painful. Best way would be a drill press with a vice on the table. The center hole needs to be at least 3/4" and 7/8" is even better.

Plastic electrical boxes, the weatherproof variety, also come in 4" round configuration as well. They are available at Lowes and Home Depot or your local electrical supply store.

 

[mat200]

FYI - some lids have already a center hole prepared to be punched out. Look for those

 

[HMC8403]

And electrical box is good to conceal the wires and protect them from the weather. He already has an electrical box recessed within the bricks, all that’s needed is to modify a cover to mount the camera. Mounting a new box on top of the other seems pointless and would take away from a very clean and flush install.

 

[Rfz]

Hi all,

Many thanks again for your replies and suggestions, which were really helpful. I wanted to give an update in case it can help others. I end up getting a step drill, mainly because I realized that I have two shapes of plates and thought a step drill might be easy to find. The step drill actually worked pretty well. Please see some pics!