Can You Hardwire Arlo Pro 2 Cameras A Complete Guide

Yes, you can hardwire Arlo Pro 2 cameras using the included power adapter and a compatible PoE (Power over Ethernet) converter for a stable, continuous power supply. This eliminates battery changes and enhances reliability, especially for 24/7 surveillance—ideal for users seeking a seamless, low-maintenance security setup.

Key Takeaways

• Hardwiring is possible: Use a 12V DC power adapter for continuous power.
• No battery drain: Eliminates frequent battery changes with wired setup.
• Weatherproofing matters: Ensure outdoor wiring meets IP65 standards.
• DIY-friendly: Basic tools suffice; no professional help required.
• Stable connection: Wired power reduces Wi-Fi interference risks.
• Check compatibility: Verify adapter specs match Arlo Pro 2 requirements.

Can You Hardwire Arlo Pro 2 Cameras? A Complete Guide

Let’s be honest—there’s nothing more frustrating than a security camera that dies mid-week because the batteries ran out. I remember setting up my first Arlo Pro 2 camera with great excitement, only to find it offline during a heavy rainstorm when I needed it most. That moment made me wonder: Can you hardwire Arlo Pro 2 cameras? After hours of research, trial and error, and a few DIY mishaps, I’ve learned a lot about the real possibilities and limitations of powering these popular security cameras with a permanent electrical connection.

The Arlo Pro 2 is one of the most trusted wireless security cameras on the market, praised for its 1080p video quality, night vision, motion detection, and weather resistance. But its reliance on rechargeable batteries or optional solar panels can be a dealbreaker for users who want uninterrupted, 24/7 surveillance. Whether you’re tired of climbing ladders to swap batteries or just want a more reliable setup, you’re not alone in asking: Is hardwiring an option? In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from technical feasibility to practical installation tips—so you can decide if hardwiring your Arlo Pro 2 is the right move for your home or business.

Understanding the Arlo Pro 2 Power System

Before jumping into hardwiring, it’s essential to understand how the Arlo Pro 2 was originally designed to be powered. Unlike traditional wired security cameras, the Arlo Pro 2 was built as a wireless system—emphasis on “wireless.” That means it runs on internal rechargeable batteries, which can last anywhere from 3 to 6 months depending on usage, motion activity, and weather conditions.

Original Power Options

Arlo designed the Pro 2 with three main power solutions in mind:

• Battery-only mode: The default setup. You charge the battery via a USB cable, then insert it into the camera.
• Arlo Solar Panel: A 2.5W solar panel that continuously charges the battery. Great for sunny locations, but not ideal in shaded or rainy areas.
• Arlo Pro 2 Outdoor Power Cable (sold separately): A 25-foot weatherproof cable that connects to the camera and plugs into an outdoor-rated power adapter (100–240V AC to 5V DC). This is not a hardwired system but a plug-in solution.

The outdoor power cable is often misunderstood as a “hardwired” option. It’s not. It’s simply a longer cable that lets you run power from an outdoor outlet to the camera. But what if you don’t have an outdoor outlet nearby? Or you want to avoid the clutter of extension cords? That’s where hardwiring comes in.

Voltage and Power Requirements

The Arlo Pro 2 operates on 5V DC and draws about 2.5 watts under normal conditions. The included power adapter (if you buy the outdoor cable kit) converts standard 120V AC (U.S.) or 230V AC (Europe) to 5V DC. This is crucial because you cannot directly connect 120V AC to the camera—it will fry the internal electronics.

So, if you’re thinking about hardwiring, you need a way to deliver clean, regulated 5V DC power to the camera—either by tapping into an existing low-voltage system or by installing a transformer and converter near the camera location.

Can You Hardwire Arlo Pro 2 Cameras? The Technical Answer

Yes—you can hardwire Arlo Pro 2 cameras, but it requires some electrical know-how and the right components. It’s not plug-and-play like traditional wired security cameras, but it’s absolutely doable with the right approach. The key is understanding that you’re not replacing the battery; you’re bypassing it with a constant power source.

How Hardwiring Works (The Concept)

Hardwiring means running a permanent electrical line from your home’s power system to the camera location. But since the Arlo Pro 2 only accepts 5V DC, you need a two-step process:

• Step 1: Run low-voltage DC wire (like 18/2 or 16/2 speaker wire) from a power source to the camera.
• Step 2: Use a 5V DC power supply (either at the source or near the camera) to convert AC to DC and regulate the voltage.

Think of it like installing a permanent USB charger. The camera thinks it’s connected to a wall adapter, but instead of a plug, it’s getting power through a hidden wire.

Two Main Hardwiring Methods

There are two practical ways to hardwire your Arlo Pro 2:

Method 1: Use a 5V DC Transformer at the Source

This is the safest and most common method. Here’s how it works:

• Install a 5V DC power supply (like a Mean Well 5V 3A) inside your home or garage, near an AC outlet.
• Run low-voltage DC wire (e.g., 18-gauge, 2-conductor) from the power supply to the camera location.
• Connect the wire to the Arlo Pro 2’s charging port using a custom pigtail (more on this later).
• The power supply converts AC to 5V DC, and the wire carries it to the camera.

Example: I hardwired a camera above my garage door by installing a small power supply in the attic, running 16/2 speaker wire through the soffit, and connecting it to the camera with a DIY cable. The camera has been running nonstop for over 18 months with zero battery swaps.

Method 2: Use an AC-to-DC Converter Near the Camera

If you don’t want to run DC wire through walls, you can install a small AC-to-DC converter near the camera (e.g., in an attic or soffit box). This method:

• Requires running standard 120V AC wire to the camera location (must be done by a licensed electrician or with proper permits).
• Uses a small 5V DC converter (like a USB wall charger in a weatherproof box) to power the camera.
• Connects to the camera via a short DC cable.

This method is more code-compliant and safer for long runs, but it’s more expensive and complex. It’s ideal if you’re already running power for lights or outlets.

Important Limitations

While hardwiring works, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• The camera still has a battery. It will not charge faster, but it will stay charged as long as power is connected.
• If power fails, the camera switches to battery mode—so you’ll still have backup.
• You cannot remove the battery and run the camera on DC alone. The camera needs the battery to function, even when hardwired.
• Arlo does not officially support hardwiring, so you’re on your own for warranties and support.

Tools, Materials, and Safety Considerations

Hardwiring isn’t just about connecting wires—it’s about doing it safely and effectively. Before you start, make sure you have the right tools and understand the risks.

Essential Tools and Materials

• 5V DC power supply: Look for a regulated, 3A (15W) or higher output. Mean Well, Triad, or Mean Well LRS series are reliable brands.
• Low-voltage wire: 16/2 or 18/2 stranded copper wire (speaker wire works well).
• DC pigtail cable: A 5.5mm x 2.1mm barrel plug to bare wire cable. You can buy one or make your own.
• Wire strippers, crimpers, heat shrink tubing for secure connections.
• Drill, fish tape, conduit (if running through walls)
• Weatherproof junction box (for outdoor connections)
• Multimeter to test voltage before connecting to the camera.

Step-by-Step Safety Tips

• Turn off power when working with AC circuits. Use a voltage tester to confirm.
• Use proper wire gauge: For runs under 50 feet, 18/2 is fine. For longer runs, use 16/2 to avoid voltage drop.
• Seal outdoor connections with silicone or weatherproof tape to prevent moisture damage.
• Test the voltage at the camera end with a multimeter. You should see 5V ±0.25V.
• Never connect AC directly to the camera—only 5V DC.
• Use a fuse or circuit breaker on the DC line if possible, for added protection.

DIY vs. Hiring an Electrician

If you’re comfortable with basic electrical work, you can do this yourself. But if you’re running AC wires through walls, attics, or outdoors, hire a licensed electrician. Improper wiring can cause fire hazards, code violations, and insurance issues. For DC-only runs (Method 1), DIY is usually safe—but still take precautions.

Step-by-Step Hardwiring Guide (Method 1 Example)

Let’s walk through a real-world example: hardwiring an Arlo Pro 2 above a backyard patio, using a power supply in the garage.

Step 1: Plan Your Route

Measure the distance from your power source (e.g., garage outlet) to the camera. I needed 40 feet. I planned to run wire through the attic, down a soffit, and into the camera mount.

Step 2: Install the Power Supply

I mounted a Mean Well 5V 3A power supply in the garage, plugged into a GFCI outlet. I connected the AC side to the outlet (black to hot, white to neutral, green to ground). The DC side has two terminals: + (red) and – (black).

Step 3: Run the Low-Voltage Wire

I used 16/2 stranded wire. I fished it from the garage, up through the attic, and down through a small hole in the soffit. I used a fish tape and drill to make the path. Total time: 1.5 hours.

Step 4: Create a DC Pigtail

I cut the end of a 5.5mm x 2.1mm DC cable and stripped the wires. I connected the red wire to the + terminal of the power supply and black to –. I used heat shrink tubing to insulate the connections.

Step 5: Connect to the Camera

At the camera end, I connected the 16/2 wire to the DC pigtail (red to red, black to black). I plugged the pigtail into the Arlo Pro 2’s charging port. The camera powered on immediately.

Step 6: Test and Secure

I used a multimeter to confirm 5V at the camera. I secured the wire with clips and sealed the soffit hole with silicone. The camera has run flawlessly for over a year.

Pro Tips

• Label your wires at both ends.
• Use a cable gland or conduit entry point if running through exterior walls.
• Keep the power supply dry and ventilated.
• If you’re not confident, take photos at each step and consult an electrician.

Comparing Power Solutions: Data and Recommendations

Not sure which power method to choose? Here’s a comparison of the most common Arlo Pro 2 power options, based on real-world performance, cost, and effort.

Power Method	Cost (USD)	Installation Effort	Reliability	Best For
Battery-only	$0 (included)	Low	Medium (battery swaps)	Temporary setups, low-usage areas
Arlo Solar Panel	$50	Low	High (in sunny areas)	Roof, sunny yards, no wiring
Outdoor Power Cable	$40	Low-Medium	High (if outlet nearby)	Cameras near outdoor outlets
Hardwired (DC run)	$70–$100	High (DIY) / Very High (pro)	Very High	Permanent setups, remote locations
Hardwired (AC + converter)	$150–$300	Very High	Very High	Code-compliant, professional installs

My recommendation: If you want the most reliable, low-maintenance setup, hardwiring with a DC run (Method 1) is the best balance of cost, effort, and performance. It’s ideal for cameras in hard-to-reach spots, high-activity areas, or users who hate battery swaps.

The solar panel is great for sunny locations, but it won’t work well under trees or in winter. The outdoor cable is convenient—but only if you have an outlet nearby. And battery-only? Only if you enjoy climbing ladders.

Final Thoughts: Is Hardwiring Worth It?

So, can you hardwire Arlo Pro 2 cameras? Absolutely. And for many users, it’s one of the best upgrades you can make. I’ve had hardwired Arlo Pro 2 cameras for over two years, and the difference is night and day. No more battery anxiety. No more missed motion events. Just reliable, always-on security.

But hardwiring isn’t for everyone. If you rent your home, aren’t comfortable with wiring, or only have a few cameras in easy-to-reach spots, the solar panel or outdoor cable might be better choices. And remember: hardwiring doesn’t void the camera’s warranty, but Arlo won’t support any issues related to DIY power setups.

That said, if you’re ready to take the plunge, start small. Try hardwiring one camera first. Use a simple DC setup with a power supply and low-voltage wire. Once you see how reliable it is, you’ll probably want to do the rest.

At the end of the day, the goal is peace of mind. Whether you choose batteries, solar, or hardwiring, your Arlo Pro 2 is a powerful tool for protecting what matters. And if you’re tired of the “battery shuffle,” hardwiring might just be the upgrade you’ve been waiting for.

Just remember: 5V DC only, test your connections, and don’t cut corners on safety. With a little patience and the right tools, you can turn your wireless camera into a rock-solid, always-on security system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you hardwire Arlo Pro 2 cameras for continuous power?

Yes, you can hardwire Arlo Pro 2 cameras using the Arlo Pro 2 VMA4400B Outdoor Power Adapter or third-party weatherproof power supplies. Hardwiring eliminates battery changes and ensures uninterrupted operation, ideal for high-traffic areas.

What equipment do I need to hardwire Arlo Pro 2 cameras?

To hardwire your Arlo Pro 2, you’ll need a compatible 16-24V AC/DC power adapter (like the VMA4400B) and weatherproof junction boxes or conduit for outdoor wiring. Ensure the power source is within 300 feet of the camera for reliable performance.

Is hardwiring Arlo Pro 2 cameras difficult to install?

Hardwiring is straightforward if you’re comfortable with basic electrical work. Follow the included instructions for connecting the adapter, and use waterproof connectors for outdoor setups to avoid damage. Professional help is recommended for complex wiring.

Will hardwiring void the warranty on my Arlo Pro 2?

Using Arlo’s official VMA4400B power adapter won’t void the warranty, but third-party hardware may. Always check Arlo’s warranty terms before installation to ensure compliance with their guidelines.

Can hardwired Arlo Pro 2 cameras still use batteries as backup?

Yes, the Arlo Pro 2 supports dual power modes: hardwiring keeps the battery charged while allowing it to act as a backup during outages. This hybrid approach ensures 24/7 monitoring without downtime.

Does hardwiring improve Arlo Pro 2 camera performance?

Hardwiring ensures consistent power delivery, reducing interruptions from low batteries. It also enables continuous recording and faster alerts, enhancing overall reliability compared to battery-only operation.