Finding it Hard to Mount Your Verkada Camera? An Installation Guide
Verkada cameras are known for their sleek design and robust build quality. However, achieving a perfect, secure installation can sometimes be challenging, especially on difficult surfaces or in unconventional locations. If you're finding your Verkada camera hard to mount, this guide is here to help.
We'll provide practical tips and professional advice to overcome common mounting hurdles, ensuring your camera is not only secure but also positioned for optimal performance.
Common Mounting Challenges
Here are some of the specific difficulties you might encounter when installing your Verkada camera:
- Junction Box Misalignment: The holes on the camera's mounting plate do not line up perfectly with the screw holes on your existing electrical junction box.
- Uneven Mounting Surfaces: You're trying to mount the camera on a rough or uneven surface like stucco, brick, or corrugated metal, making it difficult to get a flat, secure fit.
- Incorrect Hardware: The provided screws and anchors may not be suitable for your specific wall material (e.g., plasterboard, concrete).
- Difficult Dome Attachment: You're struggling to properly attach and seal the camera's dome cover after the base has been mounted.
- Awkward Camera Angles: Achieving the desired field of view is proving difficult due to the limitations of the mounting location.
Solutions for a Secure and Professional Mount
Let's work through these challenges with some practical solutions. Planning your installation before you drill any holes is key.
1. Plan Your Camera Placement and Cable Route
Before you start, hold the camera in the proposed location to check its field of view on the Verkada Command platform.
- Check the View: Use the mobile app to see a live feed from the camera before you permanently fix it to the wall. This ensures you have the perfect viewing angle.
- Plan for the Cable: The Ethernet cable is the camera's lifeline. Decide how you will route it. Will it come through a hole in the wall directly behind the camera, or will it run along the surface in a conduit? Planning this prevents issues later.
2. Handling Mismatched Junction Boxes
Verkada cameras are designed to fit standard junction boxes, but variations exist.
- Use the Mount Plate as a Template: If the holes don't align, place the metal mounting plate over the junction box and see if you can use at least one hole.
- Drill New Holes: For the other holes, use the mounting plate as a template to mark and drill new pilot holes into the surface. Use appropriate wall anchors for a secure grip.
- Verkada Adapters: For more complex situations, Verkada offers a range of mounting accessories, including a universal mount adapter that can solve many alignment issues.
3. Mounting on Uneven Surfaces (Brick, Stucco)
This requires a little more care to ensure a weatherproof seal.
- Use the Right Tools: A hammer drill and a masonry bit are essential for drilling into brick or concrete.
- Create a Flat Surface: While not always possible, you can sometimes chisel away high points to create a flatter area for the mount.
- Use a Silicone Sealant: After mounting the base plate but before attaching the camera, apply a bead of clear, outdoor-grade silicone sealant around the edge of the plate. This creates a waterproof barrier, protecting the cable connection from moisture.
4. Attaching the Dome Cover Correctly
The dome is crucial for protecting the camera's lens and internal components.
- Align the Notches: Look for the small alignment markers or notches on the dome and the base. They must be aligned for the dome to fit correctly.
- Push and Twist: Once aligned, gently but firmly push the dome onto the base and then twist it clockwise. You should feel and hear it click into its locked and sealed position. Do not force it; if it's not turning, it's likely misaligned.
- Check the Seal: Visually inspect the seam between the dome and the base to ensure it is tight and even all the way around.
By taking these extra steps, you can turn a difficult mounting task into a secure, professional, and weatherproof installation that will protect your investment for years to come.