Introduction to the Hikvision DS-1280ZJ-S/BLACK Junction Box
Hikvision DS-1280ZJ-S/BLACK Junction Box for Dome Camerasis a compact aluminium-alloy mounting accessory designed to provide a neat, secure interface between dome surveillance cameras and walls or ceilings. Sold as the black variant of Hikvision's DS-1280ZJ-S family, this junction box is intended to hide and protect cabling, simplify installations, and offer an aesthetic match for black camera housings. With a modest retail price point (suggested price: $24.99), it presents an attractive option for installers, systems integrators and end users who want a durable, low-profile mounting solution without paying a premium for larger or more complex back boxes.
Key features at a glance
- Material:Aluminium alloy — lightweight and corrosion-resistant.
- Finish:Black variant (DS-1280ZJ-S/BLACK) for matching black camera models.
- Compact footprint:Designed for small-to-medium dome cameras where a low-profile mount is desired.
- Cable management:Provides a tidy location to conceal power and data cabling and to secure connections.
- Official documentation:Datasheet and technical details available from Hikvision (link below).
Detailed specifications and benefits
This section pulls together the available technical details and explains the practical benefits they bring to real-world installations.
- Manufacturer model:DS-1280ZJ-S (sold as DS-1280ZJ-S/BLACK for black variant)
- Product type:Junction box for dome cameras
- Material:Aluminium alloy
- Colour:Black (variant DS-1280ZJ-S/BLACK)
- Compatibility:Designed for Hikvision and compatible dome surveillance cameras
- Dimensions (official):137 × 54 × 171.5 mm
- Dimensions (reseller reported):Ø 137 × 164.8 × 53.4 mm (reported variation)
- Weight (official):Approx. 660 g
- Weight (reseller reported):Approx. 621 g (reported variation)
- Datasheet:https://assets.hikvision.com/prd/public/all/doc/m000002068/DS-1280ZJ-S_Datasheet_20250324.pdf
- IP rating:Insufficient data — consult the official datasheet for environment suitability
- Mounting type & country of origin:Insufficient data in reseller listing — see Hikvision documentation
- Aluminium-alloy construction:Offers a good strength-to-weight ratio and better corrosion resistance compared with plain steel. It is lighter to handle during installation and more resistant to rust in normal indoor or sheltered outdoor locations.
- Neat cable routing and protection:The junction box provides space to route and store cable splices, terminal blocks or small power supplies, keeping the visible installation tidy and reducing the risk of cable damage or accidental disconnection.
- Aesthetic matching:The black finish is useful when pairing with black camera housings or dark facades, minimizing the visual impact of the mounting plate.
- Compact footprint:Its small size makes it suitable for locations where space is limited or where a low-profile appearance is desired, such as retail interiors, office ceilings and residential properties.
- Cost-effective:With a suggested retail price under $25, it’s an economical choice for large-scale installations where many junction boxes are required.
Use cases and scenarios where this junction box excels
The DS-1280ZJ-S/BLACK is targeted at installation scenarios that value neatness, simplicity and a discreet look. Typical use cases include:
In stores, offices, hotels and other indoor commercial environments, installers often want to minimize visible cabling and preserve interior aesthetics. The compact black junction box conceals wiring behind the camera and provides a tidy, professional appearance that blends with dark ceilings or camera housings.
For homeowners and small businesses installing dome cameras under soffits, on entrance porches or inside garage areas, the lightweight aluminium box is easy to mount and offers sufficient room for wiring and small cable accessories while keeping the installation discreet.
When specifying components for large deployments, installers often choose economical, reliable accessories. The DS-1280ZJ-S/BLACK’s modest price and compatibility with many dome models make it a practical choice for projects with budget constraints yet requiring a finished look.
Architectural projects and high-end retail fitouts sometimes require camera mounts that blend into dark ceilings or contrast minimally with black camera domes. The black finish of this junction box helps meet those requirements without the need for custom painting.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
To help you position the DS-1280ZJ-S/BLACK among alternatives, here are common comparison points and what to expect:
- The internal design and dimensions are effectively the same between the white and black variants — the primary difference is cosmetic. Choose the variant that best matches the camera housing and mounting surface.
- Material:Aluminium tends to be more durable than plastic, especially in temperature-variable environments or where impact resistance is needed. Plastic boxes are usually cheaper and lighter but may not offer the same long-term performance.
- Fit and finish:Branded Hikvision accessories are typically designed to fit Hikvision dome models seamlessly. Generic boxes may require additional drilling or adapter plates to achieve a neat fit.
- Cost:Generic alternatives can be less expensive but may not offer matching finishes or the same assurance of fit for Hikvision cameras.
- Some manufacturers sell junction boxes with integrated features such as built-in back boxes for conduit, gasketed weatherproof seals, or integrated power/terminal compartments. The DS-1280ZJ-S/BLACK is a compact, straightforward option without advertised integrated electronics or extensive weatherproofing — check the datasheet if an IP rating or gaskets are necessary for fully exposed outdoor installations.
Customer feedback and installer impressions
Public, named customer testimonials specific to the DS-1280ZJ-S/BLACK are limited in reseller listings. However, aggregated installer feedback and common themes from resellers typically include:
- Positive:Installers appreciate the compact size and clean finish for indoor and sheltered outdoor environments. The box is described as easy to mount and provides adequate internal space for cable connections for most dome cameras in its class.
- Notes / Cautions:Some installers recommend confirming the camera model’s mounting hole pattern and checking the official Hikvision datasheet before ordering, as reseller-reported dimensions occasionally differ slightly from the official dimensions. Others suggest confirming environmental requirements — if the camera will be mounted in fully exposed outdoor positions, verify whether additional weatherproofing or a different box with a specified IP rating is appropriate.
- Value:The product is commonly viewed as cost-effective given its material and finish for the price point (suggested retail $24.99). For installations where a branded fit is important, choosing the Hikvision accessory can reduce fitment issues compared with generic parts.
Installation and compliance reminders
Installations should be performed by qualified personnel in accordance with local electrical and building codes. The product listing notes that official Hikvision documentation and a technical datasheet are available — consult the datasheet for precise mounting instructions, hole patterns, and any regulatory or compliance declarations (CE/UKCA) that apply in your region. Datasheet link: https://assets.hikvision.com/prd/public/all/doc/m000002068/DS-1280ZJ-S_Datasheet_20250324.pdf
Also note that warranty and certification details were not specified in the reseller data provided. If warranty coverage or certification markings are critical for your project, confirm these details with Hikvision or your supplier prior to purchase.
Conclusion: Why choose the Hikvision DS-1280ZJ-S/BLACK?
The Hikvision DS-1280ZJ-S/BLACK junction box is a practical, economical accessory for installers and systems integrators seeking a compact, durable mount for dome surveillance cameras. Its aluminium-alloy construction offers a robust, corrosion-resistant option that combines a neat internal space for cable management with a black finish that pairs well with black camera housings and darker mounting surfaces.
While it is not marketed as a heavily weatherproofed, feature-packed enclosure, it excels where a low-profile, good-looking mounting solution is needed—especially for indoor, sheltered or semi-exposed applications. The competitive suggested price (around $24.99) makes it a sensible pick for projects where multiple junction boxes are required and cost-efficiency matters.
Before buying, verify camera compatibility, consult the official datasheet for exact dimensions and installation guidance, and check whether a weather-rated alternative is needed for fully exposed outdoor locations. If you need a branded accessory that minimizes installation surprises and provides a professional, discrete finish, the DS-1280ZJ-S/BLACK is worth considering.
