Tim, first of all, thank you for the installation video. I just bought Ring Floodlight cam and was planning to install it above the garage as well. The outside of the wall is brick. The problem that I see with your installation is that it possibly violates the electric code and won't pass home inspection if one would be needed. I should say that I'm not an electrician, so you can just ignore this advice. My understanding of the proper install: 1. you have to wire the cam to the switch and from the switch to the power outlet. 2. the switch needs to be at a certain height so you can reach it (not on the ceiling).
@@tims-garage : yeah..the purpose of the switch is a 'code compliance'.. still debating doing your method vs what i think is correct. couldn't find the vid yet on youtube on how you do this w/out opening the sheetrock wall inside the garage. what i'm thinking of doing is to check a power outlet on one the side of the garage door to see if the electric cables are long enough so i can put a junction box there. install a switch above. run a romex inside pvc or alum/metal housing around the garage door to the middel of garage above the garage doors.. bottom line seems like much more work & materials :-)
Are normal floodlights switched? Installed mine in a similar way straight to an outlet. But yeah any romex needs to be in conduit. Maybe could’ve gotten away with MC. This’ll just be a PITA when it comes to selling your house.
@@workswithzach8219 there was no floodlights installed in the place (above and between two garage doors). I installed mine like a month ago. Ran mc inside EMT (for more secure attachment to dry wall inside)on outside the mc comes in directly into junction box. Sealed it and hopefully won’t leak inside. Didn’t install the switch and not even new gfci (that was only outlet non gfci in the garage). Waiting on slickdeals for 3 pack of gfci drop back to $19 :-)
@@tims-garage true but it’d be easier to swap the cam for a cheap floodlight. Would be helpful for next owner too. All-in-all your method is ok for temporary means!
You need an electrical box to meet code for waterproofing and safety because the splices are not in a rated enclosure. You are also not able to use romex on the ceiling of the garage. Romex can be damaged if hit therefore it can not be exposed. An alternative to leaving it exposed is to run conduit with individual conductors since romex is not allowed inside since it can overheat and melt, or you can run mc cable which is metal meaning it’s much more robust. The romex is not secured properly in the box. It needs to be secured in the cable holding clip. You also can’t double up on the grounds you would need to pigtail it with a greenie. That’s another code violation. The install looks good but this would never pass any inspection.
@@mcardenas23 I'm curious as well. So still drill the 1/2" hole as noted at the 4:25 mark, and instead of pushing the Romex wire outside to the exterior, you're thinking of pulling the Floodlight wires INSIDE the garage. Then install a junction box on the interior of the garage facing inward. Then run the Romex wire to the new junction box and do the wire connection in there? I'm thinking that would solve the junction box problem... but I'm NO expert... so still seeking an expert's answer...
This is what I came here for, and thank you. I was wondering when he was going to install the outdoor box and decided I wasn’t going to see it once I heard about not cutting drywall to run romex. This is a good exercise in learning that the home inspection biz is a joke, since as a FTHB I didn’t notice these sketchy connections until I started learning about PROPER electrical.
@Mark Carra. after the junction box per your commons, the other line can be run to the garage outlet just like the video is fine? Or still a code violation? Thank you
@@thinhnguyen7119 I’m not a electrician but everything that was done in this video is not per the NEC. Like everyone had said the camera outside need to be installed onto a junction box and the Romex wire needs to be behind the drywall and if it needs to be exposed then you would need it to be in conduit and the wiring would need to change from Romex to THHN
Finally!! People are realImg these cameras need a junction box! Safety first. Ring does a bad job at selling the product making People think they just hook it up to the side of the house.
I've just purchased mine. Isn't that a little too low for the install? I was thinking about putting mine all the way up under the roof lip to protect it from rain. Or do these withstand rain pretty well maybe?
My house is really old and doesn't have a ground wire in any of the electrical. Can I still use this type of romex wire to connect to a power outlet even though it has 3 (hot, neutral, and ground)? Would I just tape off the end of the ground wire since it won't be needed?
For anyone that does not like the romex running along the ceiling. Just replace it with a extension cord then plug it into opener outlet. Good job Tim. Thank you for the video.
Nice video you put together. I'm about to do this over the weekend. Just needed to figure out how to connect it to a outlet. I do have a question for you. If the builder did use the little slots you mention and had conencted to the screws. Would you have double up on the white/black connection or would you use the top screws ? that's the only thing I'm wondering about... don't want to burn down my house hahaha
Sorry I never saw this! It's okay to double up on it as long as you have a clean connection. I also like the idea that someone else posted about just wiring and extension cord. What did you end up doing?
Most outlets have two screws for Live (brass/gold) and two screws for Neutral (silver/nickle). So you should NOT have to put two wires on one screw... that's a big no-no! If you had a builder that did a "stab in" wiring (without a compression screw), take the time to correct their snafu and attach it to one of the set of screws (black to brass, white to silver, with a clockwise "hook") and then attach your floodlight to the other available screws. Putting two wires on one screw is not good, you'll have to make a short pigtail and then twist three wires (pigtail from outlet, extension, and source) together with a wirenut (probably red?). And make sure it's all in a junction box that's properly grounded!
Thanks for the video. Any probelms with the camera? Wondering if pluging in camera directly in to outlet would affect the camera as compared to the way they tell you to install which is to tap an exisitng junction box. Would the camera even "know" if it was wired directly to the box or wired to a wire that was plugged in. My friend did this except he did not use an extension cord he ran wire and instead of connecting to existing outlet just and added a plug to the end of the wire, essentially the same thing you did. He is have problems with his light going on too much and thinks it is related to the amount of power the camera is receiving.
Thanks Tim- Right, how would the camera know? as long as the proper wires were attached it should no act dfferently whether it was wired directly into outlet or wired into plug then plugged in.
In the Ring app - Device - Device Settings - Light Settings - Motion Settings for Lights: The motion zone for the light can be adjusted. And, you can adjust how long the light will stay on.
Tim's Garage the camera side on the exterior. Just wondering if it’s best to hide the wires in a junction box instead of leaving them exposed on the interior of the garage?
@@SkyDaddyExpress Yes, if you want to be code compliant, conduit should be used in this situation. NM cable (Romex) should not be used in an exposed area or where it is susceptible to damage. Some might wonder just how much damage would it be subjected to considering it is fastened to the ceiling. I would mention that I just removed an exposed NM cable that was plugged into an outlet on the wall and run to the ceiling to provide another outlet and it had surprisingly significant damage - nicks and cracks. Although more work, running THHN wire through PVC conduit from the outlet to and just through the hole wouldn't be that much more expensive than the method demonstrated in this video. In his situation, a single-gang box extender for the existing outlet would be necessary to connect the conduit to. Also, I decided to add a switch up high in case I ever needed to replace/service the camera. BTW, I'm not an electrician. I feel comfortable offering the above information because I researched it well for my own floodlight install above the garage . However, take it for what it is worth coming from a non professional.
I'm getting ready to do this install for a Eufy floodlight camera so this video is super handy. Couple question, what wire gauge did you use? Also, my wall is a brick exterior...is it better to drill from the inside out or outside in? Or does it even matter?
It should be printed on the wire itself. Note that, the wire you add should be the same as the one you're tapping into. Mines was 14/2 gauge. Drilling through stone or concrete, you need a masonry drill bit. Good luck.
No, shocks and fire hazard risk increased, and he's on the hook when an inspector comes around. Don't follow this video... it has a lot of bad practices and violations. And attaching an appliance cord will not fix them,
Great video. Very easy to understand. Question: can’t I just strip one end of an extension cord to connect the ring and then just simply plug the other end into an open outlet?
...and then clamp it onto the cut edge of the junction box! I mean, at least i'ts not a metal box, but still... there's a reason why entry glands/clamps/etc pinch onto romex with flat surfaces, and not edges.
Clearly Tim isn’t a Electrician but rather a family man whom just like myself will not pay several hundred Dollars for an actual one to come and work on something so simple. I say it gets the job done. There is no immediate threat to the house or structure. No harm no foul. Yeah extension cord would have been better but who gives a shit. He isn’t saying go do this. Just showing some options we have as home owners to maybe save a little here and there.
Yeah... I'm not an electrician but I know enough that this is not code and it's dangerous. And I love DIY projects. But this is very very wrong, much like 60% of DIY home solar project videos. If you don't know about running wire, find a relative or friend that's an electrician and get them to do it. Otherwise pay someone to do it so liability falls on them. If there's a house emergency event, the first thing the insurance company will see is the floodlight mounted directly on the siding without a junction box.
You showed nothing except a wire and your garage and wasted your time for this video. When you make a video for people then remember there are people who don't know about wiring and other stuff. So you have to show them how the wiring is done and which wire will go where means detail so they can install by themselves.
@@javier3242 something like this Your friend has shared a link to a Home Depot product they think you would be interested in seeing: HDX 50 ft. 16/3 Light-Duty Indoor/Outdoor Extension Cord, Orange www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-50-ft-16-3-Light-Duty-Indoor-Outdoor-Extension-Cord-Orange-HD-277-517/202523960 SKU# 202523960 Just cut the female end and wire it to the light
One of the best installation videos of a floodlight system without a existing junction box. Thanks for the explanation.
What's the model of the light??
Tim, first of all, thank you for the installation video. I just bought Ring Floodlight cam and was planning to install it above the garage as well. The outside of the wall is brick. The problem that I see with your installation is that it possibly violates the electric code and won't pass home inspection if one would be needed. I should say that I'm not an electrician, so you can just ignore this advice. My understanding of the proper install:
1. you have to wire the cam to the switch and from the switch to the power outlet.
2. the switch needs to be at a certain height so you can reach it (not on the ceiling).
@@tims-garage True that :-)
@@tims-garage : yeah..the purpose of the switch is a 'code compliance'.. still debating doing your method vs what i think is correct. couldn't find the vid yet on youtube on how you do this w/out opening the sheetrock wall inside the garage. what i'm thinking of doing is to check a power outlet on one the side of the garage door to see if the electric cables are long enough so i can put a junction box there. install a switch above. run a romex inside pvc or alum/metal housing around the garage door to the middel of garage above the garage doors.. bottom line seems like much more work & materials :-)
Are normal floodlights switched? Installed mine in a similar way straight to an outlet. But yeah any romex needs to be in conduit. Maybe could’ve gotten away with MC. This’ll just be a PITA when it comes to selling your house.
@@workswithzach8219 there was no floodlights installed in the place (above and between two garage doors). I installed mine like a month ago. Ran mc inside EMT (for more secure attachment to dry wall inside)on outside the mc comes in directly into junction box. Sealed it and hopefully won’t leak inside. Didn’t install the switch and not even new gfci (that was only outlet non gfci in the garage). Waiting on slickdeals for 3 pack of gfci drop back to $19 :-)
@@tims-garage true but it’d be easier to swap the cam for a cheap floodlight. Would be helpful for next owner too. All-in-all your method is ok for temporary means!
You need an electrical box to meet code for waterproofing and safety because the splices are not in a rated enclosure. You are also not able to use romex on the ceiling of the garage. Romex can be damaged if hit therefore it can not be exposed. An alternative to leaving it exposed is to run conduit with individual conductors since romex is not allowed inside since it can overheat and melt, or you can run mc cable which is metal meaning it’s much more robust. The romex is not secured properly in the box. It needs to be secured in the cable holding clip. You also can’t double up on the grounds you would need to pigtail it with a greenie. That’s another code violation. The install looks good but this would never pass any inspection.
@@tims-garage It's also against code to run romex through a conduit. You would need to swap it out with THHN.
Hello
Would it be better to have installed a junction box in the inside of where the camera was installed? And make the cameras connection there?
@@mcardenas23 I'm curious as well. So still drill the 1/2" hole as noted at the 4:25 mark, and instead of pushing the Romex wire outside to the exterior, you're thinking of pulling the Floodlight wires INSIDE the garage. Then install a junction box on the interior of the garage facing inward. Then run the Romex wire to the new junction box and do the wire connection in there? I'm thinking that would solve the junction box problem... but I'm NO expert... so still seeking an expert's answer...
Thank you for your comment. I was a bit iffy if this installation was legit.
This is what I came here for, and thank you. I was wondering when he was going to install the outdoor box and decided I wasn’t going to see it once I heard about not cutting drywall to run romex. This is a good exercise in learning that the home inspection biz is a joke, since as a FTHB I didn’t notice these sketchy connections until I started learning about PROPER electrical.
I installed mine exactly how you did. Thanks! This video gave me the confidence to do it myself.
What's the model of the light??
Then it’s installed incorrectly
You need an approved junction box to mount the bracket to...It's against code to mount it directly to your siding. Nice place for a fire to start!
@Mark Carra. after the junction box per your commons, the other line can be run to the garage outlet just like the video is fine? Or still a code violation? Thank you
@@thinhnguyen7119 I’m not a electrician but everything that was done in this video is not per the NEC. Like everyone had said the camera outside need to be installed onto a junction box and the Romex wire needs to be behind the drywall and if it needs to be exposed then you would need it to be in conduit and the wiring would need to change from Romex to THHN
Finally!! People are realImg these cameras need a junction box! Safety first. Ring does a bad job at selling the product making People think they just hook it up to the side of the house.
If you had only used conduit, and a junction box. This woulda been a solid installation. Spend more time next time. It will be worth it and safer.
Totally
Thank you very much this is exactly what I was looking for. I did not want to crawl in the attic. My receptacle is in the exact spot
I've just purchased mine. Isn't that a little too low for the install? I was thinking about putting mine all the way up under the roof lip to protect it from rain. Or do these withstand rain pretty well maybe?
I have to also say that your video explained the mounting very well. Quick and to the point.
Looks like a fire hazzard
What gauge wire do I need if I’m pulling power from a junction box in my garage that’s connected to a 30amp breaker?
This is why getting rid of the dislikes was a bad idea.
But why? You can express your discontent in the comments.
My house is really old and doesn't have a ground wire in any of the electrical. Can I still use this type of romex wire to connect to a power outlet even though it has 3 (hot, neutral, and ground)? Would I just tape off the end of the ground wire since it won't be needed?
This video is very thorough. You helped out a lot. Thanks!
You bet Archie!
What I’m confused on is why you’re using 14/2? That wire should be 12/2
As garages are usually on 20amp circuits.
Why didn’t you get up in the attic of the garage and tie the Romex into the existing circuit and then you can keep your wireing concealed?
No attic. Garage was on the lower level.
@@tims-garage gotcha 👍🏻
For anyone that does not like the romex running along the ceiling.
Just replace it with a extension cord then plug it into opener outlet.
Good job Tim.
Thank you for the video.
Uh no, u need to run MC or conduit if the garage is finished...do it right by the code...
Nice video you put together. I'm about to do this over the weekend. Just needed to figure out how to connect it to a outlet. I do have a question for you. If the builder did use the little slots you mention and had conencted to the screws. Would you have double up on the white/black connection or would you use the top screws ? that's the only thing I'm wondering about... don't want to burn down my house hahaha
Sorry I never saw this! It's okay to double up on it as long as you have a clean connection. I also like the idea that someone else posted about just wiring and extension cord. What did you end up doing?
Most outlets have two screws for Live (brass/gold) and two screws for Neutral (silver/nickle). So you should NOT have to put two wires on one screw... that's a big no-no!
If you had a builder that did a "stab in" wiring (without a compression screw), take the time to correct their snafu and attach it to one of the set of screws (black to brass, white to silver, with a clockwise "hook") and then attach your floodlight to the other available screws.
Putting two wires on one screw is not good, you'll have to make a short pigtail and then twist three wires (pigtail from outlet, extension, and source) together with a wirenut (probably red?). And make sure it's all in a junction box that's properly grounded!
Thanks for the video. Any probelms with the camera? Wondering if pluging in camera directly in to outlet would affect the camera as compared to the way they tell you to install which is to tap an exisitng junction box. Would the camera even "know" if it was wired directly to the box or wired to a wire that was plugged in. My friend did this except he did not use an extension cord he ran wire and instead of connecting to existing outlet just and added a plug to the end of the wire, essentially the same thing you did. He is have problems with his light going on too much and thinks it is related to the amount of power the camera is receiving.
Thanks Tim- Right, how would the camera know? as long as the proper wires were attached it should no act dfferently whether it was wired directly into outlet or wired into plug then plugged in.
In the Ring app - Device - Device Settings - Light Settings - Motion Settings for Lights: The motion zone for the light can be adjusted. And, you can adjust how long the light will stay on.
Finally got one up. Most difficult part was laying the power cable up there
Newbie here lol. Can you show how you connected the wire to the box at the end? I have no idea what I’m doing lol
Thank you so much. Clear and simple steps for a noob like me.
So you didn’t have to use the green screw on the bracket to ground
How come you did not use a conduit?
Simplicity? Laziness?
No junction box needed?
Tim's Garage the camera side on the exterior. Just wondering if it’s best to hide the wires in a junction box instead of leaving them exposed on the interior of the garage?
Sooo no conduit needed ?
@@SkyDaddyExpress Yes, if you want to be code compliant, conduit should be used in this situation. NM cable (Romex) should not be used in an exposed area or where it is susceptible to damage. Some might wonder just how much damage would it be subjected to considering it is fastened to the ceiling. I would mention that I just removed an exposed NM cable that was plugged into an outlet on the wall and run to the ceiling to provide another outlet and it had surprisingly significant damage - nicks and cracks. Although more work, running THHN wire through PVC conduit from the outlet to and just through the hole wouldn't be that much more expensive than the method demonstrated in this video. In his situation, a single-gang box extender for the existing outlet would be necessary to connect the conduit to. Also, I decided to add a switch up high in case I ever needed to replace/service the camera. BTW, I'm not an electrician. I feel comfortable offering the above information because I researched it well for my own floodlight install above the garage . However, take it for what it is worth coming from a non professional.
I'm getting ready to do this install for a Eufy floodlight camera so this video is super handy. Couple question, what wire gauge did you use? Also, my wall is a brick exterior...is it better to drill from the inside out or outside in? Or does it even matter?
Tippy, im looking to install a eufy on brick as well. what kind of drill bit did u use? and did u drill from
the outside in? any other tips?
How did your install go? I have brick as well. Any tips?
It should be printed on the wire itself. Note that, the wire you add should be the same as the one you're tapping into. Mines was 14/2 gauge. Drilling through stone or concrete, you need a masonry drill bit. Good luck.
How can I mount under eaves?
Dude! Why???! Why wouldn't you run through the attic and hide the wire and connect through the back of the switch?
No attic. My living room is right above the garage
GREAT vid!
Can you use power from an existing light bulb ?
what do you mean exactly?
Wow you save me some money, thanks for your help
Is this considered as per the code?
Nope. But it works fine for a honey-do list on the few hours a working man actually has to get some shit done. Cheers mate!
No, shocks and fire hazard risk increased, and he's on the hook when an inspector comes around.
Don't follow this video... it has a lot of bad practices and violations. And attaching an appliance cord will not fix them,
What size drill bit was that?? Length and size please?
1/2" bit, and I got a 16" one to make sure it went all the way through my wall. The length will depend on your wall thickness. Measure first.
Your house burn down yet?
Great video. Very easy to understand. Question: can’t I just strip one end of an extension cord to connect the ring and then just simply plug the other end into an open outlet?
@@tims-garage thanks!
Extension chord would be the better route honestly. Should have done that.
I’m literally doing this right now
DUDE! You cant just cut a slot in the box and stick the romex in!
...and then clamp it onto the cut edge of the junction box! I mean, at least i'ts not a metal box, but still... there's a reason why entry glands/clamps/etc pinch onto romex with flat surfaces, and not edges.
You didn’t show how you put the wiring together everything else is easy
THANK YOU!!!
Wow..this is a poor example for hacking it together. Will it work? Yes. Will insurance cover your fire claim? Probably not.
Can't wait to see your video!
Please don't follow this video to install your unit as it's violate code and is dangerous. See the comments from Joseph Priori.
If you want to do it to code, yes, do not follow. I like the extension chord way of doing it. That would make it safer.
Clearly Tim isn’t a Electrician but rather a family man whom just like myself will not pay several hundred Dollars for an actual one to come and work on something so simple. I say it gets the job done. There is no immediate threat to the house or structure. No harm no foul. Yeah extension cord would have been better but who gives a shit. He isn’t saying go do this. Just showing some options we have as home owners to maybe save a little here and there.
Yeah... I'm not an electrician but I know enough that this is not code and it's dangerous. And I love DIY projects. But this is very very wrong, much like 60% of DIY home solar project videos.
If you don't know about running wire, find a relative or friend that's an electrician and get them to do it.
Otherwise pay someone to do it so liability falls on them. If there's a house emergency event, the first thing the insurance company will see is the floodlight mounted directly on the siding without a junction box.
Hack-ctrician.
It works.
@@Scientists16 Doesn’t mean that it’s right
🤦🏻♂️
You showed nothing except a wire and your garage and wasted your time for this video. When you make a video for people then remember there are people who don't know about wiring and other stuff. So you have to show them how the wiring is done and which wire will go where means detail so they can install by themselves.
Amazing feedback!
@@tims-garage life saving feedback..
What’s the name of the wire that you purchased?
Romex, but I'd recommend using an extension chord
@@tims-garage could you link me what extension cord would be safe for this? Something from Home Depot
@@javier3242 something like this Your friend has shared a link to a Home Depot product they think you would be interested in seeing:
HDX 50 ft. 16/3 Light-Duty Indoor/Outdoor Extension Cord, Orange
www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-50-ft-16-3-Light-Duty-Indoor-Outdoor-Extension-Cord-Orange-HD-277-517/202523960
SKU# 202523960
Just cut the female end and wire it to the light