Introduction to the Hikvision DS-1280ZJ-DM45 Junction Box
The Hikvision DS-1280ZJ-DM45 is a compact, purpose-built junction box designed to tidy up and protect the cabling and connectors for dome surveillance cameras. Finished in Hikvision white with a surface spray treatment, this aluminium-alloy box provides a neat, low-profile mounting interface for both ceiling and wall installations. Its nominal dimensions (Φ140 × 40 mm) and lightweight construction make it an unobtrusive solution for residential, commercial and light industrial CCTV applications.
Key features at a glance:
- Aluminium alloy construction with a Hikvision white surface spray finish for durability and a clean look.
- Compact footprint: Φ140 mm diameter and 40 mm depth — low profile and visually discreet.
- Side and bottom cable inlets with an interchangeable bottom waterproof cover and side gland nut for weather protection.
- Recommended maximum camera load: 3 kg — suitable for most light dome cameras and small accessories.
- Supports both wall and ceiling mounting; designed to conceal power and data connectors and provide tidy cable management.
Detailed Specifications and Benefits
The DS-1280ZJ-DM45 is engineered around simplicity and practicality. Below are the technical highlights and the practical benefits they offer to integrators and end users.
- Model:DS-1280ZJ-DM45
- Product type:Dome camera junction box
- Material:Aluminium alloy
- Colour / finish:Hikvision white (surface spray treatment)
- Dimensions:Φ140 × 40 mm (nominal)
- Weight:Approx. 237 g
- Recommended maximum load:3 kg (camera and accessories)
- Cable inlets:Side inlet and bottom inlet; interchangeable bottom waterproof cover / side gland nut
- Mounting:Wall or ceiling mount
- Mounting holes:See datasheet for multiple hole patterns (e.g., M4 / Ø4.5 mm callouts)
- Notes:Use waterproof rubber/grommet or gland nut for outdoor installations; mounting surface must support at least three times the total weight of the camera and junction box.
- Durability:The aluminium-alloy body resists deformation and offers better mechanical protection than thinner plastic alternatives. The surface spray finish improves corrosion resistance and provides a consistent aesthetic match for Hikvision dome cameras.
- Low-profile design:With only 40 mm depth, the box keeps cameras close to the mounting surface, helping maintain a clean look especially indoors or under eaves.
- Cable management and weather protection:The option to use a bottom waterproof cover or a side gland nut lets you adapt the box to different cable entry needs and environmental exposures. Properly sealed, the unit can be used outdoors under sheltered locations.
- Lightweight but capable:At approximately 237 g, the unit adds minimal bulk while still supporting small dome cameras — the 3 kg recommended load covers a wide range of consumer and prosumer dome models.
- Installation flexibility:Wall or ceiling mounting and multiple mounting hole patterns (refer to the datasheet) make it easy to retrofit or install during new deployments.
Use Cases and Scenarios Where the Product Excels
The DS-1280ZJ-DM45 is best suited for installations where a compact, reliable, and visually discreet junction box is needed. Typical scenarios include:
- Retail and office interiors:In shops, offices and public buildings where aesthetics matter, the low profile keeps cameras unobtrusive while hiding cabling and connectors behind a neat faceplate.
- Residential CCTV:For homeowners installing dome cameras indoors or under eaves, the unit offers a tidy way to conceal power and network connections and maintain a professional appearance.
- Light commercial installations:Small businesses, clinics, and schools can use this junction box for discreet ceiling or wall-mounted cameras.
- Retrofits and upgrades:When replacing cameras or upgrading to IP dome cameras, the DS-1280ZJ-DM45 simplifies cable routing and reduces visible clutter, especially in situations where existing conduits are limited.
- Protected outdoor locations:With appropriate sealing (rubber grommets, gland nuts, and silicone), the box can be used outdoors under sheltered locations such as eaves or covered walkways where it won’t be directly exposed to heavy rain.
Comparisons with Similar Products on the Market
When selecting a junction box, integrators commonly weigh material, size, load capacity, and weatherproofing. Here’s how the DS-1280ZJ-DM45 compares to typical alternatives:
- Durability:Aluminium boxes like the DS-1280ZJ-DM45 are generally more robust and offer better mechanical protection than ABS plastic. They also dissipate heat better and resist UV degradation over time.
- Weight and cost:ABS options are often lighter and cheaper. If budget and very light duty are the main concerns, plastic boxes can be attractive — but they sacrifice longevity and some weather resistance.
- Low-profile advantage:The DS-1280ZJ-DM45’s shallow depth is ideal where appearance and minimal projection are required. Larger weatherproof housings provide more room for connectors, PoE injectors or power supplies but add bulk and visibility.
- Weatherproof expectation:Fully IP66/IP67-rated full-size junction boxes offer greater protection for exposed outdoor locations — the DS-1280ZJ-DM45 can be weather-resistant if sealed properly but is not a replacement for heavy-duty outdoor housings in exposed locations.
- Fit and finish:Hikvision’s unit is color-matched and sized with many Hikvision domes in mind, offering a seamless aesthetic. Generic boxes may require paint or modifications to match the camera body.
- Documentation and support:Branded accessories usually come with datasheets showing hole patterns and mounting guidance, which speeds up installation and reduces guesswork.
Customer Testimonials and Typical User Feedback
There are no official individual testimonials provided here, but feedback from installers and users of similar Hikvision junction boxes typically highlights the following points:
- Positive:Clean finish and color match with Hikvision cameras; easy to mount and conceal cables; compact size makes it ideal for interior use; aluminium build feels robust compared to plastic alternatives.
- Constructive:Not a full outdoor-rated enclosure without additional sealing; limited internal space for very bulky connectors or accessories; installers recommend checking load and mounting-surface strength before installation.
If you require verified customer reviews, check reseller product pages or installer forums where users discuss real-world installations — these can give insights about particular camera pairings and sealing techniques.
Installation Tips and Practical Advice
- Always install on a flat surface and ensure the mounting surface can support at least three times the combined weight of the camera and junction box.
- For outdoor or semi-exposed locations use waterproof rubber grommets, proper gland nuts, and a bead of silicone sealant around the cable entry to maintain weather resistance.
- Consult the Hikvision datasheet for exact mounting-hole positions and dimensional drawings before drilling — this reduces mistakes when aligning the camera and box.
- Route cables and connectors inside the box before fixing the camera; use the interchangeable inlets to match the cable direction (side or bottom) and maintain a tidy finish.
Conclusion: Why the DS-1280ZJ-DM45 Is a Great Choice
The Hikvision DS-1280ZJ-DM45 junction box is an excellent choice when you need a compact, durable and aesthetically compatible mounting solution for dome cameras. Its aluminium construction, low-profile dimensions and flexible cable inlet options make it particularly well suited to indoor environments, retrofits and sheltered outdoor locations where appearance and neat cable management matter.
Recommended for integrators and DIY installers who value a professional finish and reliable mechanical protection without the bulk of a full-sized outdoor housing, the DS-1280ZJ-DM45 balances form and function. With a suggested retail price of $24.99 (check local resellers for current pricing and availability), it offers a cost-effective accessory that complements many dome camera installations. For exposed outdoor use or heavier camera loads, consider a larger, fully weatherproof housing; otherwise, for everyday indoor and sheltered outdoor CCTV work, the DS-1280ZJ-DM45 is a compact, practical and dependable option.
