Introduction to the Hikvision DS-1280ZJ-S/GREY and its key features
Hikvision DS-1280ZJ-S/GREYis a purpose-built aluminium-alloy deep-base junction box designed for dome and turret CCTV cameras. It provides a clean, weather-resistant mounting base that keeps cable terminations protected and installations looking professional. Key features include a G¾ cable gland for tidy internal cable routing, a compact deep-base form factor compatible with selected Hikvision dome/turret models, corrosion-resistant surface treatment, and a maximum supported load of 4.5 kg. When paired with the recommended waterproof rubber seal, it becomes suitable for many outdoor installations.
Detailed description: specifications and practical benefits
The DS-1280ZJ-S/GREY is engineered to solve two common installation challenges: protecting cable terminations and delivering a robust, weather-resistant mounting point for dome and turret cameras. Below are the key specifications and the benefits they bring to real-world projects.
- Material:Aluminium alloy with surface spray treatment. Benefits: lightweight yet sturdy; resists corrosion over time compared with untreated metals; excellent for environments where a balance of strength and weight matters.
- Colour / Finish:Hikvision White (also available as a GREY variant). Benefit: neutral finish that blends with most exteriors and can be painted if a custom finish is required.
- Dimensions & weight:Ø137 × 51.5 mm; approximately 527 g. Benefit: compact footprint that fits discreetly beneath compatible domes while providing enough internal volume for cable terminations and small connectors.
- Cable entry:Provision for a G¾ cable gland. Benefit: allows neat, secure single-point cable ingress and helps maintain weather resistance when the gland is correctly torqued and the recommended rubber seal is installed.
- Waterproof-ready design:Requires the separate waterproof rubber seal for true outdoor protection. Benefit: gives installers the flexibility to use the box indoors or outdoors while ensuring IP protection when needed.
- Maximum supported load:4.5 kg. Benefit: suitable for the majority of compact dome and turret cameras; the rated load guides safe selection of compatible camera models and mounts.
- Mounting recommendations:Surface or in-wall mounting to a flat, stable wall capable of supporting at least three times the total installed weight (camera + mount). Benefit: reduces the risk of failure caused by weak backing surfaces and helps ensure a long-lasting, secure installation.
- Safety & compliance:Manufacturer certification details (CE, UKCA etc.) are not stated in the supplied datasheet; verify approval requirements with your supplier for regulated projects. Benefit: ensures the hardware meets local project or procurement standards before installation.
Use cases and scenarios where this junction box excels
The DS-1280ZJ-S/GREY is versatile across many CCTV installation types. Its combination of compact size, durable material and tidy cable management makes it particularly well-suited to the following scenarios:
- Ideal for mounting dome or turret cameras under eaves, above doorways, or on exterior walls where a discreet, weather-ready base is needed. The aluminium finish resists the elements without adding excessive weight.
- Provides a neat appearance for visible cameras while keeping cable terminations out of sight. The compact base reduces visual clutter and helps cameras appear more integrated with building facades.
- When paired with the correct waterproof seal and a compatible camera, the box supports installations where weather resistance is required but a full IP-rated enclosure is unnecessary or too bulky.
- Useful where existing cable paths need to be tidied or where an installer is upgrading to a dome/turret camera without changing a mounting surface extensively. The deep base offers extra room for connectors and small adaptors during a retrofit.
Comparison with similar products on the market
Choosing the right junction box or mounting base often comes down to material, capacity, weatherproofing and compatibility. Here’s how the DS-1280ZJ-S/GREY compares with common alternatives.
- Durability:Aluminium typically outperforms plastic under prolonged sun exposure and in harsher climates because it resists UV degradation and is less likely to crack. Plastic boxes are cheaper and lighter but may age faster outdoors.
- Corrosion:Treated aluminium resists corrosion when coated; plastic is inherently corrosion-free but can be brittle in cold conditions.
- Strength and cost:Stainless steel offers higher mechanical strength and corrosion resistance in very aggressive environments (marine, chemical exposure) but is heavier and costlier. Aluminium balances cost, weight and sufficient strength for most CCTV mounts.
- Fully IP66/IP67-rated enclosures provide higher ingress protection and more internal volume for complex electronics, but they are larger and more conspicuous. The Hikvision deep base is a good middle ground for installations that need discreet mounting with moderate weatherproofing when the correct seal is applied.
- The DS-1280ZJ-S/GREY is designed with Hikvision dome and turret cameras in mind, ensuring a precise fit for compatible models. Generic boxes may fit a wider range of cameras but can require additional adaptors or drilling for a secure fit.
Customer feedback and installer impressions
There are no individual customer testimonials provided in the supplied product information. However, typical feedback themes from installers and system integrators for similar aluminium deep-base junction boxes often include:
- "Cleaner installations": Installers appreciate the internal space for cable joins and the G¾ gland provision for tidy cable entry and strain relief.
- "Good balance of weight and durability": Aluminium construction is often praised for being strong yet lightweight, simplifying mounting and reducing load on brackets.
- "Affordable accessory": Compared to premium stainless steel or full enclosures, aluminium deep bases are seen as a cost-effective way to achieve a professional look and adequate protection for many outdoor camera deployments.
When evaluating user feedback for your purchase, look for comments about compatibility with the camera model you plan to use and whether the waterproof seal and gland successfully maintained weather resistance over time.
Pricing and value
The suggested retail price for the DS-1280ZJ-S/GREY is modest, making it an economical choice for single-camera installations or large-scale rollouts where accessory cost-per-unit matters. Its price point positions it as a practical upgrade over basic plastic junction boxes while avoiding the higher expense of fully sealed, heavy-duty enclosures.
Conclusion: why choose the Hikvision DS-1280ZJ-S/GREY?
The Hikvision DS-1280ZJ-S/GREY deep-base junction box is a practical, well-balanced solution for installers and end users who need a tidy, weather-capable mounting base for dome and turret cameras. Its aluminium construction provides durability without excessive weight, the G¾ cable gland provision enables neat, secure cable entry, and the internal space is sufficient for most cable terminations encountered in residential, retail and small commercial projects.
While it may not replace heavy-duty IP-rated enclosures for extremely demanding environments, it serves as an excellent mid-range option: professional in appearance, straightforward to install, and cost-effective. If you plan to use it outdoors, remember to fit the recommended waterproof rubber seal and follow manufacturer torque and installation guidance to ensure the expected weatherproof performance.
For installers, system designers and property owners seeking a compact, reliable mounting base for compatible Hikvision domes or turrets, the DS-1280ZJ-S/GREY represents a sensible choice that balances functionality, aesthetics and value.
