topic Re: Using manual dimmer switch to dim floodlight in Cameras and Doorbells

Using manual dimmer switch to dim floodlight

Phillu — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 00:09:41 GMT

I am planning to install Google Nest Floodlight cam in my backyard. I would like to use the manual dimmer switch like Lutron or Levitron for floodlight dimming. This will be useful as there won't be any need to use the home app to dim the lights.

Re: Using manual dimmer switch to dim floodlight

Phillu — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 01:12:14 GMT

Does the floodlight camera support the manual dimmer switch?

Re: Using manual dimmer switch to dim floodlight

MplsCustomer — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 02:16:31 GMT

@Phillu

I don't think the camera itself is going to do well with the reduced current. I wouldn't use a dimmer switch on our plugged-in Google Nest Camera (Battery), which is basically the same camera, or on any of our other cameras.

Re: Using manual dimmer switch to dim floodlight

Phillu — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 04:12:17 GMT

Thanks for the reply. As I understand, cam battery lasts for few months after each recharge. What if I fully recharge the camera by keeping the dimmer switch slider in fully up position?

Re: Using manual dimmer switch to dim floodlight

MplsCustomer — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 15:42:12 GMT

@Phillu

The floodlight camera runs off of household current unless the power is out, in which case it is battery-powered. If you use your dimmer switch to reduce the power, your camera is then running on reduced power. If it were me, I wouldn't want to risk damaging the camera by doing so.

Incidentally, Google Nest has never explained why the floodlight camera even has a battery. They don't mention it in any of their marketing materials. I suspect the reason is that they wanted to use the same camera as the Google Nest Camera (Battery) that we have (plugged in all the time), which is touted as battery-powered, but performs poorly on battery power.

Re: Using manual dimmer switch to dim floodlight

Phillu — Sat, 10 Dec 2022 04:05:08 GMT

Thanks again, I am now planning to install the regular switch. BTW, how is the battery life of the standalone nest battery cam?

Re: Using manual dimmer switch to dim floodlight

MplsCustomer — Sat, 10 Dec 2022 14:42:09 GMT

@Phillu

Since ours is plugged in all the time, we have no experience with the battery life. Other customers in this forum, however, have expressed disappointment. In addition, if you have to dismount the camera, then you also have to refocus the camera and reset the activity zones each time you do so.

Re: Using manual dimmer switch to dim floodlight

Phillu — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 00:07:00 GMT

Thanks @MplsCustomer

Re: Using manual dimmer switch to dim floodlight

Brad — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 19:01:04 GMT

Hi there,

Sorry to hear you're experiencing this, as I can imagine it has been an inconvenience. I would love to look into this further for you. I would agree with, @MplsCustomer that a dimmer would not work well for you in this case. You can adjust the brightness of the floodlight in the settings, though. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Best regards,
Brad

Re: Using manual dimmer switch to dim floodlight

Brad — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 19:13:12 GMT

Hi there,

Just checking in to see how the conversation is going. Please let us know if you have any further questions or concerns. We'll leave this thread open for a little longer for follow-up questions and concerns.

Best regards,

Brad

Re: Using manual dimmer switch to dim floodlight

Phillu — Sat, 17 Dec 2022 17:29:39 GMT

We can close this thread, thanks

Re: Using manual dimmer switch to dim floodlight

EmersonB — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 00:28:16 GMT

Hi everyone,

@Phillu thanks for getting back to us. It looks like we can consider this one complete, so I will lock the thread now. Feel free to start a new thread and we'll be happy to help.

I appreciate your help, MplsCustomer and Brad.

Best,
Emerson