Do I need the OEM bracket for my camera, or will a generic bracket work?
For most commercial installations, specify the OEM bracket. Brand-specific brackets include proper cable routing, gasketed weather seals, and mounting-hole patterns matched to the camera — which matters more than the cost savings of a generic bracket. Generic brackets are acceptable for indoor standard-dome cameras on flat surfaces; for outdoor, vandal-rated, or pendant applications, use OEM.
What NEMA rating do I need for outdoor camera enclosures?
NEMA 4 for most weather-exposed deployments (driving rain, snow). NEMA 4X for coastal, industrial, or food-processing environments (adds corrosion resistance — typically stainless steel or fiberglass construction). NEMA 6 for temporary submersion or flood-prone areas. The IP-rating equivalent is IP66 for NEMA 4, IP66 + corrosion for NEMA 4X, IP67 for NEMA 6.
How do I choose the right lens focal length for a box camera?
Work backward from the scene. Identify the farthest point you need identification-grade coverage, use our DORI guide to calculate required pixels-per-foot at that distance, and match lens focal length + sensor size to deliver that PPF. A 4mm lens on a 1/3" sensor covers ~60° horizontal FOV; a 12mm lens on the same sensor covers ~20°. Wide FOV = shorter identification distance.
What's the difference between 850nm and 940nm IR illuminators?
850nm is more energy-efficient — you get more effective range per watt — but produces a faint visible red glow from the LEDs. 940nm is truly invisible to the human eye but requires about 2x the power for equivalent range, and many cameras have lower sensor sensitivity at 940nm. For deterrent visibility or cost-efficient long-range, 850nm; for covert applications, 940nm.
Can I power an IP camera with a generic 12V wall-wart?
Not for a commercial deployment. Generic wall-warts are unregulated, not UL-listed for security applications, and typically don't include surge protection. Use a UL-listed surveillance power supply (Altronix AL series, UL 294 or UL 603) with battery backup where required. PoE is preferred when possible — single cable, centralized power management, UPS-backed.
What cable jacket rating do I need for in-ceiling runs?
Plenum-rated (CMP) cable is required for any run through a return-air plenum space above suspended ceilings (most commercial buildings). Riser (CMR) for vertical shafts between floors. PVC (CM) for open office spaces only. Using non-plenum cable in a plenum space is a fire-code violation under NFPA 70 and will be rejected by inspectors. Budget plenum cable for any building where you're not 100% sure of the return-air path.