Introduction — What the DS-1280ZJ-XS Junction Box Is and Why It Matters
The DS-1280ZJ-XS (Black) is a compact aluminium-alloy junction and mounting box designed for neat, protected cable termination with compact, bullet and turret cameras. Its small footprint, durable construction and interchangeable cable covers make it an attractive choice for installers, system integrators and resellers who need a tidy, professional-looking interface between a camera and the installation surface. Lightweight yet robust, the unit is intended for wall or ceiling mounting and—when fitted with the correct gaskets and glands—can be used in outdoor environments.
Key features at a glance
- Aluminium alloy constructionwith surface treatment for durability and a professional Hikvision black finish.
- Side and bottom cable outletswith interchangeable waterproof bottom cover and side gland nut to support sealed cable entry.
- Compact, compatible designthat accepts many compact/bullet/turret camera mounting patterns for flexible installations.
- Simple installationfor wall or ceiling mount, concealing wires and small accessories such as connectors or small transformers.
- Outdoor-capablewhen rubber gaskets and glands are fitted and sealed correctly.
Detailed specifications and the benefits they deliver
Understanding the DS-1280ZJ-XS specifications clarifies where this junction box adds value and how it should be used. Below are the principal technical points and the practical benefits installers will notice on site.
The body is made from an aluminium alloy with surface treatment and finished in Hikvision black. Aluminium provides a strong, corrosion-resistant housing that is lighter than steel yet sufficiently rigid for typical camera mounting needs. The treated finish improves weather resistance and gives a discreet appearance suitable for residential and commercial settings.
- Dimensions (approx.): Hikvision global listing shows 100 × 43.5 × 132.1 mm; a vendor PDF lists Ø100 × 43.2 × 129 mm. These compact dimensions help the box remain unobtrusive when mounted beneath a small camera.
- Weight: There is a known discrepancy between listings: Hikvision lists approximately 320 g, while a vendor datasheet lists 621 g. This difference should be confirmed with the supplier before finalising shipping weights or publishing product pages.
Benefit: compact size keeps the installation neat and the reduced profile minimizes visual impact while still accommodating connectors and short cable stubs.
- Mounting: Wall or ceiling mount gives flexibility for various camera orientations.
- Cable outlets: Side and bottom outlets with an interchangeable waterproof bottom cover and a side gland nut to allow sealed cable entry when required.
- Compatibility: Designed to accept many compact, bullet and turret camera mounting patterns—installers should check the camera’s mounting pattern to confirm fit.
Benefit: multiple cable-entry options and broad compatibility speed up installation and reduce the need for additional adaptors or custom enclosures.
The DS-1280ZJ-XS is rated with a maximum load capacity of 4.5 kg. This is suitable for most compact cameras, but installers should verify camera weight plus any attached accessories (sunshields, heavy housings) do not exceed the specified limit.
While the design includes interchangeable waterproof covers and gland nuts to enable sealed cable entry, the ingress protection rating lacks a definitive numeric value in the public listing. The product is suitable for outdoor use when the rubber gaskets and gland assemblies are properly fitted and sealed. Correct installation technique—adequate sealing, appropriate conduit or gland selection and attention to the wall substrate—is critical to ensure weather resistance.
Installation scenarios and where the box excels
The DS-1280ZJ-XS is most useful in installations where a compact, durable and discreet junction solution is required. The box is particularly well matched to the following scenarios:
- Residential CCTV: Home installations benefit from the small profile and black finish that reduce visual impact and conceal cabling for a tidier appearance.
- Small commercial sites: Retail stores, offices and small warehouses where cameras are compact and installers want a professional finish without large junction boxes.
- Light-industrial environments: Situations where a more durable metal housing is preferred over plastic, provided the enclosure is sealed correctly for outdoor exposure.
- Bundle sales and resellers: Retailers packaging cameras with accessories can include the DS-1280ZJ-XS as a value-adding mount option for customers seeking a finished look.
- Ceiling-mounted entrances and soffits: The low-profile height helps installations where limited clearance exists above the camera footprint.
Benefit: installers save time by relying on a pre-engineered solution that accommodates multiple cable-entry configurations and hides connections while meeting reasonable mechanical load requirements.
How it compares with similar junction boxes
On the market, camera junction boxes range from basic plastic housings to heavy-duty cast-metal options with high IP ratings. The DS-1280ZJ-XS sits in the middle of that spectrum as a compact, metal-bodied, general-purpose junction box. Key comparison points:
- Plastic junction boxes: Typically cheaper and lighter but less durable and less heat-resistant than aluminium. Plastic boxes often offer similar cable-entry options but can look less professional in commercial installs.
- Cast-aluminium/heavy-duty boxes: Heavier and more rugged, often with certified IP/IK protection for harsh environments. These are better where vandal resistance or high ingress protection is mandatory, but they are bulkier and more expensive.
- Integrated camera housings with internal junction areas: Some cameras include a built-in junction area or a dedicated backplate, reducing the need for a separate box. The DS-1280ZJ-XS remains useful where the camera lacks an integrated junction or where separate, standardised mounting is preferred.
Overall, the DS-1280ZJ-XS is a good balance of build quality, appearance and cost for many standard CCTV deployments. It offers better durability and a more professional finish than basic plastic boxes while avoiding the weight, cost and size penalties of heavy-duty cast enclosures.
Customer feedback and review summary
There are no formal customer testimonials included with the product description provided. Based on typical installer experience with similar aluminium junction boxes, the following themes commonly appear in user feedback and are useful to consider:
- Positive themes: Clean finish and compact size praised for tidiness of installations; aluminium body appreciated for perceived durability; interchangeable cable-entry options valued for installation flexibility.
- Action items / caveats: Installers frequently stress the importance of verifying weight and dimensions (noting the reported discrepancy) before ordering large quantities; some recommend purchasing correct gland sizes and external sealing products for reliable outdoor performance.
- Reseller notes: Resellers often value compatibility across multiple camera models, which simplifies stocking and bundling decisions.
If you require verbatim customer testimonials, ask your distributor or supplier for case studies or verified user reviews for inclusion on product pages.
Practical purchasing and installation advice
- Confirm weight and dimensionswith the supplier due to the documented discrepancy between listings before finalising shipping and mounting plans.
- Check compatibilitywith the chosen camera’s mounting pattern—while the box accepts many compact mounting patterns, a quick template or physical check avoids on-site surprises.
- Use correct glands and gasketsfor outdoor installations and ensure proper sealing around cable entries and the box-to-surface interface.
- Verify loadagainst the camera and accessories; do not exceed the 4.5 kg maximum load rating.
- Confirm compliance(CE/UKCA) with your supplier and follow local electrical and mounting regulations.
Conclusion — Why the DS-1280ZJ-XS is a sensible choice
The DS-1280ZJ-XS Junction Box offers a practical, professional solution for concealing and protecting cable connections on compact, bullet and turret cameras. Its aluminium construction, compact dimensions and interchangeable cable outlets provide a good balance between aesthetics, durability and installation flexibility. For residential, small commercial and light-industrial installations where extreme ingress or impact protection is not required, it delivers a tidy mounting interface that helps installations look finished and perform reliably when sealed correctly.
Before purchase, confirm weight/dimension details with your supplier, check camera mounting compatibility and ensure the correct gaskets and glands are used for outdoor work. Priced competitively as an accessory, the DS-1280ZJ-XS represents a value-focused option for installers and resellers who need a dependable, neat junction box for everyday CCTV deployments.
