Is it possible for me to swap out this outdoor light for an outdoor plug socket?

SocialSpud · 09-10-2021 1:40pm #1

I'd like to install an outdoor socket instead so I can plug a security camera into it.

See photo: https://i.imgur.com/CYnmUe2.jpg

aido79 · 09-10-2021 3:10pm

You wouldn't need to use a socket. Just take the light off and replace it with a camera.

That's the easy bit. Do you intend to use a wireless camera or how do you intend to watch or record what's on the camera?

I'd probably forget about changing the light over to a camera and use a POE camera instead if it's easy enough to get a cat 5 or car 6 cable to there if it was my house.

SocialSpud · 09-10-2021 8:07pm

Thanks. I'll probably using something like Nest Outdoor Cam. I'd love POE but unfortunately I wouldn't have an easy straight run to this spot so it needs to be a socket + wifi.

The camera would not be positioned exactly where the light is so I was thinking some sort of outdoor double gang socket and then plug the outdoor camera into it with a long cable.

I don't know too much about electrics, reckon it's manageable? Can a light be replaced with a outdoor double gang socket?

AckwelFoley · 09-10-2021 8:15pm

Im not an electrician but putting a socket where a light was isn't best practice. The socket would require 2.5 sq cable. Lights use 1.5sq. While the 1.5 would function its not right. You also would have a plug that's then working off a light switch and on the same mcb as other lights.

SocialSpud · 09-10-2021 8:42pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117998827#Comment_117998827

Thanks. Yea there's only a single switch to this one light so I could leave it ON all the time. But yea, this is was I was wondering about initially if it's safe to do so. I don't really need the light, I'd use an outdoor socket more but I have no real way of running a new one. I basically just wanted a way plug this cable in to power my Nest Cam: https://store.google.com/product/nest_cam_weatherproof_cable?hl=en-GB

19-10-2021 7:31am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117998827#Comment_117998827

Yes, you are correct. Lighting circuits use a smaller cable size than socket circuits. In addition unless this is a very new installation they are not protected by an RCD which is a requirement for socket circuits.

There are many types of cameras than can be powered from a lighting circuit.

denismc · 19-10-2021 7:48am

Have you considered running an electrical cable through a wall to connect with an inside socket.

I did this to provide an outdoor socket for an automower.

You can buy kits with upto 50m of cable length. Have a look at the link below.

Outdoor Socket with Switched Covers,13A Outside Sockets Waterproof, 2 Gang Outdoor Plug Sockets Waterproof,IP66 Rated Weatherproof Outdoor Sockets (2 Gang with LED and 10M Cable) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08NV6M9LQ/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_WG1VD2MJ56SSWXS89070

SocialSpud · 24-10-2021 10:47am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118040132#Comment_118040132

Thanks. So I think I need to just find a camera which connects directly into the light cable rather than trying to add a socket. Unfortunately the one I was hoping to get only connects via a power socket. I'll keep looking though.

SocialSpud · 24-10-2021 10:48am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118040189#Comment_118040189

There actually is a socket directly opposite this light inside the house so I could try and connect it to that.

Is it possible for me to swap out this outdoor light for an outdoor plug socket?

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