[Chris Johnston]

Cross‑posted here: https://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/threads/changing-usb-powered-security-cameras-to-ac-120.210821/

I have video cameras that run on USB power, but the factory USB cable is much longer than I need. The Lorex cameras I’m using have built‑in floodlights, and I want to install them in the same locations where my existing floodlights are mounted. That means removing the old floodlights and powering the Lorex cameras from the same AC wiring that currently feeds those fixtures. Is there a part or adapter I can buy — or safely build — that lets me shorten the USB power cable and connect the camera to the same AC power coming from the floodlight’s junction box?

I only show this as an example of what I might need. However it does not seem to be the most acquirable part. Could anybody link to an acquirable part?

Thanks for any help

 

[Martaine2005]

Yes of course.
The easiest solution is to use a 120VAC to 5VDC step down power supply.
The cameras should have a label with power specifications or at least in the instruction manual. Get a power supply with more current (A) than actually required to allow for headroom and running cooler.

 

[Harald Kapp]

From your application I guess your cameras are located outdoor. In that case you will need a power supply suitable for outdoor use such as this example (ask your favorite search engine for "outdoor 5V power supply").
Alternatively you can use any indoor power supply such as an easily available wall wart and put it in a weather-proof box (example) for mounting it outside (ask your favorite search engine for "outdoor electric box"). When you chose a box large enough, you may also be able to roll up the USB cable inside the box so you don't have to cut the cable.

+1 for @Martaine2005 's note on the required power.

 

[hevans1944]

Please report back how you solved your problem. I, too, have motion-detecting outdoor flood lights and a couple of Wyse "cube cams" that operate from a USB charger block. I would like to mount the Wyse camera outside, below the flood lights, to determine what is causing them to trip on at various times of the night. Pretty sure my cameras also have a Local Area Network (LAN) Internet connection to my WiFi wireless router, as well as internal SD-card storage. So, power requirements are minimal but more than internal rechargeable batteries (if such exist) could provide without continuous power available to recharge. We normally use these tiny inexpensive Wyse cameras for indoor surveillance.

 

[wilsonkyler]

I have video cameras that run on USB power, but the factory USB cable is much longer than I need. The Lorex cameras I’m using have built‑in floodlights, and I want to install them in the same locations where my existing floodlights are mounted. That means removing the old floodlights and powering the Lorex cameras from the same AC wiring that currently feeds those fixtures. Is there a part or adapter I can buy — or safely build — that lets me shorten the USB power cable and connect the camera to the same AC power coming from the floodlight’s junction box?

I only show this as an example of what I might need. However it does not seem to be the most acquirable part. Could anybody link to an acquirable part?

Thanks for any help

You won't find an out-of-the-box "cut-and-splice USB adapter" specifically made for this, because manufacturers just assume you're plugging into a standard wall outlet indoors. But you can easily set this up the right way using some standard electrical hardware.