Outdoor USB Sockets?

Martynt74 · 31 Jul 2018 at 16:50

I've been looking at wifi based outdoor cameras and a lot seem to want powering via USB-C

The annoying thing with that is that you then have to drill a much bigger hole to account for the connector rather than just the wire. I could cut the wire and reconnect it, but that would void warranties and not be the neatest solution.

Does anyone know of any outdoor USB plugs available that i could use? I already have power outside so running the outside cable isn't an issue. Just annoying that some of the devices don't want to just take normal power!

Mercenary Keyboard Warrior · 31 Jul 2018 at 17:01

Not seen any outdoor specific sockets, but you could go with something like this, and switch the faceplate for one of the ones with USB as well
Or just use a normal plug to USB in this

Depends how many you need I guess.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-13a-2-gang-dp-switched-plug-socket-with-outboard-rocker/30139

bremen1874 · 31 Jul 2018 at 17:01

Do you have an example camera in mind? Seeing a picture would make things clearer.

Martynt74 · 31 Jul 2018 at 17:09

@Mercenary Keyboard Warrior - I've got one of those, but the cover doesn't give enough space to close/seal with something plugged in, so is only really suitable for temporary use.

@bremen1874

I've been looking at either the Netgear Arlo (ordered this but having second thoughts)

Power Lead for the Arlo
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XYM7...t=&hvlocphy=9046518&hvtargid=pla-347803283456

Or the Nest Outdoor IQ
https://www.amazon.co.uk/20ft-USB-Power-Cable-Nest/dp/B00W21M4BS

I've also considered the Ring cameras which do take a standard twin and earth connection which is a favourable element!

Martynt74 · 31 Jul 2018 at 17:12

Also i absolutely love that this product advertises the size of the wall wart thing as 0.14ft

bremen1874 · 31 Jul 2018 at 17:20

So you're wanting a external USB outlet you can plug the cable from the camera into?

thezappa · 31 Jul 2018 at 17:31

The power lead for the Arlo one states it must be used with the AC adapter (last pic in the series). Even if an outdoor USB socket existed using the adapter would not leave much/any room.
It seems to me the solution is to drill a slightly larger hole to accommodate the plug and plug it in inside.

Martynt74 · 31 Jul 2018 at 17:34

Yeah. Seems drilling bigger holes is the only option. Was just hoping to avoid it. Especially with 4 cameras and already having outdoor power.

TripleT · 31 Jul 2018 at 17:35

Any reason for wireless?

Would it not be easier going for wired and power over cat5?!

Martynt74 · 31 Jul 2018 at 17:36

It’s a consideration. Just means running cables from where the router is to everywhere.

At least with wireless I can just run a cable to the nearest power socket.

Think I need to do a lot more reading into the wired ones and what the software is like. I liked the wireless one as they’re all ecosystem With cloud storage.

TripleT · 31 Jul 2018 at 17:47

Hikvision is the go to. Most people put the NVR in the attic and the camera runs are easy then. They can do cloud backup etc, view remotely on phone etc.

There's a big thread on it.

HardwareGeek · 31 Jul 2018 at 19:32

You can buy different types of outdoor ip sockets

1 - some are with a built in socket that is fixed or if it can be removed wont accept a standard socket

2 - You can get an ip housing that will accept a standard double socket or should also be able to accept a slim design usb socket i would guess - this might be worth looking into, also might wanna check if cover will close properly with usb inserted etc

Ps

You could also use an ip junction box or they also make large ip boxes supplied with a 4 gang extension lead inside etc

Mercenary Keyboard Warrior · 1 Aug 2018 at 08:18

My outdoor sockets deffo accept a normal plug to be in and the unit sealed.
You can't use a transformer type plug though
I guess the makes must be different, some do look like they have more room in than others

Martynt74 · 1 Aug 2018 at 08:21

Ah mine are LAP ones and there’s very little clearance. Though maybe I could. I’ve never tried!

Have also tried looking at outdoor Network POE switches to again minimize the number of cables (if I used another type of camera) having to go through the walls but damn they’re expensive!