Installing a Camera Motion Light

Today, I'm going to show you how to add a little home security to your home by installing a motion light with a built in camera. In this tutorial, I'll walk you through replacing an existing motion light. If you're installing a new motion light, there are a few additional steps required in running power via conduit, but I'm not going to go through those in this guide.

I'll be installing the Maximus Camera Floodlight by Kuna in this tutorial. I prefer the look and functionality of the Kuna lights compared to other camera lights on the market. The one thing I would suggest when installing smarter home products is that you try to stick to one or a few specific brands so as to not inundate yourself with smart home apps.

If you like this guide or find it helpful, consider subscribing to my YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/mrfixit.

First, make sure the power to the breaker is shut off that powers the motion light you are working on.

Next, remove the screw holding the light to the junction box. You can now pull the light from the box to expose the wiring. I recommend using a voltage tester to make sure the power is off to the light before touching the wiring. If there is voltage present, the voltage tester will beep.

Now you can disconnect the wiring. You should see a black hot wire, a white neutral, and a green ground wire. Depending on how old you home is, the coloring could differ. Finally, unscrew the mounting bracket for the light from the box.

Now, unpack your new light from its box and look through your components. This light comes with a mounting bracket, a mounting plate, the lamp head, and hardware.

Detach the mounting plate from the head lamp on the new light by releasing the locking switch on the mounting plate.

To begin installing the new light, screw in the new mounting bracket to the junction box.

With the mounting bracket fastened, secure the wiring from the mounting plate to the wires in the junction box using the included wire nuts. Make sure to connect them black to black, white to white.

For this light, there is no visible ground wire. The ground screw mounts through the center of the mounting plate and grounds the fixture to the grounded box.

Then mount the mounting plate to the mounting bracket with the screw in the center paying close attention to the area marker “up” on the mounting plate. In this case I’m mounting the light under an eave so “up” faces out towards me.

Once the plate is installed, attach the lamp head to the plate my inserting the metal nubs into the slots and turning the lamp. And then lock the locking switch.

Finally, turn the breaker power back on.

From here, just download the app for your light and connect it to your wifi account. You can add a bunch of different cameras, adjust the sensitivity of the motion detector, adjust the brightness of the light and when it turns on and off. You can even add or adjust the sound that plays when motion is detected.

The footage automatically records to your phone when it detects motion and alerts you with a notification if you want it to.

Being able to monitor your home from anywhere really gives you a lot of peace of mind. Adding a little security that you can monitor from your phone has never been easier or more affordable.

If you liked this project, check out some of these other smart home improvement projects:

Installing a Keyless Entry Lock System

Installing a Smart Thermostat

I hope you enjoyed this, and I hope you learned something new! If you did like this guide or find it helpful, feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/mrfixit.