How to attach a security camera to an existing box

exteriorlow-voltagemountingSecurity

Our house was wired for security cameras, when we moved in, and I'm now getting around to install the cameras on some of the corners.

However, the cameras and the separate mounts on sale today all seem to expect a three-hole mount of 2" in diameter.

What I have on the corners of my house — with the camera-cables inside — are 4" boxes with 4 screw-holes (although each box itself is attached to the wall with only two screws).

box with security camera wire inside
How should I proceed with the installations?

  1. Unscrew and replace the existing boxes with something specifically designed for today's cameras? What are they called — how do I find them?
  2. Find some sort of mounting adapter
    for sale? I spent an hour on Amazon already and couldn't find anything — any hints?
  3. Make an adapter by drilling the necessary openings in
    the cover-plates of the existing boxes? Seems easiest, but I worry about security of the result — though the cover is metal, it may bend and warp with time under the weight of the camera and wind-pressure.

Best Answer

Many camera's like this popular Lorex model:

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come with a small 2" surface mounting "Plate" that you can use if you don't have electrical box mounting. They also screw into a 1/2" weatherproof threaded knockout, so that they can be used with 4" weatherproof flood light accessory plates:

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