Installing outdoor electronics has never been easier with advancements in Wi-Fi. Powering them outdoors, however, can still be a challenge.
Whether it is a security camera watching over the driveway, a floodlight illuminating the backyard, a fan mounted beneath a patio, or speakers installed around an outdoor living space, nearly every electronic device requires a dependable source of power.
The challenge is that outdoor devices often need to be installed where power does not already exist. While there are several ways to solve this problem, each comes with its own advantages and compromises. Depending on your home, your budget, and the type of device you are installing, one option may make far more sense than another.
The Traditional Options
For many homeowners, the easiest solution is connecting to an existing outdoor electrical box or light fixture. If power already exists exactly where the device needs to be installed, the job is often straightforward.
When power is not available, however, things become more complicated.
Running a new electrical circuit provides a permanent solution, but it may require new wiring, conduit, weatherproof electrical boxes and, in many cases, a licensed electrician. While experienced DIY homeowners may be comfortable tackling this type of project, many people understandably prefer not to modify their home's electrical system.
Solar-powered devices have also become increasingly popular. They eliminate the need to run wiring and can be an excellent choice for many cameras and lights. The tradeoff is that performance depends on available sunlight, battery capacity, weather conditions and how much power the device consumes. Depending on the product, brightness or operating time may be affected during periods of limited sunlight.
Battery-powered devices have become another popular solution, particularly for security cameras. They offer tremendous flexibility because they can be installed almost anywhere without running a power cable. The downside is maintenance. Eventually, the batteries need to be recharged or replaced, and if the camera is mounted high on the side of a house, that often means getting out a ladder every few months.
Extension cords are another option that some homeowners consider because they are inexpensive and easy to use. While they work well for temporary projects, they are generally not intended to permanently power fixed outdoor equipment and may not comply with electrical codes depending on the installation.
Power over Ethernet, commonly known as PoE, has become a popular solution for many commercial security cameras and networking devices. It delivers both power and data over a single Ethernet cable, making professional installations clean and efficient.
While PoE works extremely well in many situations, standard indoor ethernet cable is not designed for prolonged outdoor exposure. Outdoor installations may require outdoor-rated cable, conduit or another form of protection.
Another potential downside is cable termination. Installing Ethernet connectors correctly can be challenging for a DIY installer, especially when the work needs to be completed while standing on a ladder.
An Alternative Worth Considering
Another approach beginning to emerge is Power over Coaxial Cable.
Instead of delivering household AC power directly to the device, a dedicated power adapter converts it to low-voltage DC power, which is then carried over coaxial cable to a compatible device.
At first glance, it might seem like an unusual idea. Most people associate coaxial cable with television antennas or internet service rather than outdoor electronics.
But coaxial cable has been installed on homes for decades. Outdoor-rated coaxial cable is designed for exterior environments, is readily available, can be customized to virtually any length, and uses connectors that are relatively simple to install with the proper tools.
This allows homeowners to place the power adapter near an existing electrical outlet while routing low-voltage power over coaxial cable to the exact location where it is needed.
Looking Ahead
There is not a single best way to power outdoor electronics.
Traditional electrical wiring, batteries, solar power, extension cords and Power over Ethernet all can make sense depending on the application. Power over Coaxial Cable simply introduces another option for installations, specifically outdoor installations where those methods may not be the ideal fit.
Today, products using CoaxPower technology remain relatively uncommon. One example is the Channel Master Pro-Floodlight, but it is easy to imagine future outdoor cameras, speakers, Wi-Fi access points and other smart devices adopting similar installation methods.
As more electronics move outdoors, homeowners will continue looking for simpler, safer and more flexible ways to power them. Having more options ultimately means being able to choose the solution that best fits each installation rather than forcing every project into the same approach.