The Ring Floodlight Cam is a popular smart security camera with unique features such as two adjustable LED floodlights, a 1080p HD camera, and a security siren. This is an excellent option for upgrading your home’s old floodlights since it can connect to your home’s existing 110-240 volt A/C junction box. (Note: Unlike some of Ring’s other security cameras and doorbells, the Floodlight Cam cannot be powered using batteries, a solar panel, or any other power source.)

If you are interested in purchasing a Ring floodlight, there is a lot to consider, but this handy guide provides information about each model to determine which one is best for you. It also includes information on installing, using, and maintaining your new Floodlight Cam. 

Ring Floodlight Cam Specs & Features

Here are the Ring Floodlight Cam’s specs:

  • Two adjustable, motion-activated floodlights1080p HD cameraCustomizable motion detection zones and schedulesTwo-way audio and noise cancellationA security siren140-degree horizontal and 78-degree vertical field of vision for camera270-degree range for motion-activated floodlightsInfrared night visionAlexa compatibility

Like with all other Ring devices, a Ring Protect subscription is required to record and download videos from your Floodlight Cam. Without a Ring Protect plan, the Floodlight Cam only works in Live View mode.

There are two Ring subscription plans: The Protect Basic and Protect Plus. The main difference between them is that the Basic plan only covers one Ring device while the Protect Plus covers all the Ring devices in your home. (Check out this article for more information about Ring’s subscription plans.)

Floodlight

The Ring Floodlight Cam has two LED floodlights. They produce 1,800 lumens of brightness together, so 900 lumens from each lightbulb.

To put this into perspective, a standard 60-watt lightbulb produces about 800 lumens.

The 1,800 lumen Floodlight Cam is bright enough to light up most yards completely. This can scare away any potential intruders. It can also scare away animals who may rummage through your trash and carry diseases.

Security Siren

If the extra-bright floodlights don’t scare them away, the Floodlight Cam is also equipped with a 110-decibel siren. While the lights and camera are motion-activated, the siren must be turned on manually in the Ring app. This way, the siren won’t accidentally get triggered in the middle of the night because a cat ran through your yard.

Weather-Resistance

The Floodlight Cam has a weather-proof rating of IP56. The IP rating system is the official weather-proof rating system used for electronic devices. The IP rating measures two things: how resistant the device is to dust particles and how waterproof it is.

The 5 rating means the Floodlight Cam is protected against most but not all dust particles. The 6 rating means the device is protected against strong, direct water pressure. It is not 100% waterproof, which means it should not be submerged in water, but it can be left out in a heavy storm.

The IP rating tells us that this product has been tested to withstand severe weather. It can also operate in extreme temperatures. The camera works in temperatures as low as -22 degrees and as high as 120 degrees.

Ring Floodlight Models

While the Floodlight Cam is Ring’s original and most popular floodlight, they also have some newer options. Knowing the details of each Ring floodlight device allows you, as the consumer, to make an informed decision about which is best for your home.

The Floodlight Cam X

While Ring is known for their DIY video doorbells and cameras, they have a new line of products that come with professional consultation and installation. You can purchase just the Floodlight Cam X or a package that includes other X Line doorbells and security cameras.

With the professional consultation, a Ring expert will come to your home and advise you on what Ring products are best for your needs. If you only want the Floodlight Cam, they will install it for you. Then, you will have special access to Ring X Line support staff throughout the life of your device.

All Ring X Line devices come with a 3-year limited warranty and the Ring Protect Basic Plan, which provides video recording storage. The plan is included in the Floodlight Cam X cost for the duration of the device’s life.

What is the Difference Between the Floodlight Cam & Smart Floodlight?

In 2019, Ring released a series of smart lights. The Smart Floodlight looks very similar to the Floodlight Cam, but it doesn’t have a camera. It’s simply two adjustable, motion-activated floodlights.

Another significant difference is that the Smart Floodlight requires a Ring Bridge to operate. The Ring Bridge is a smart home hub that allows you to set up automation across your various Ring devices. For example, you can set your floodlights to turn on when your Ring Doorbell detects motion, or set your doorbell to record when your floodlights detect motion.

The Ring Bridge also allows you to control your Smart Floodlights in the Ring app. It’s easy to set up and plugs into any standard wall outlet. It’s compatible with all Ring smart lights and motion sensors; you can connect up to 50 compatible devices to one Ring Bridge.

For Ring Alarm users, the Ring Bridge cannot be used as a substitute for the Ring Alarm Base Station.

Unlike the Floodlight Cam, the Ring Smart Floodlight has a battery-operated option. The battery-operated Smart Floodlight uses four D batteries, so you can install it anywhere. However, it’s less bright than the hardwired Smart Floodlight and the Floodlight Cam.

Comparing Floodlight Cam Models

Here is a comparison chart of all the Ring Floodlight options:

Which Ring Floodlight Model Is Right for Me?

For full protection of your home’s yard and exterior spaces, the Floodlight Cam X is the best option. While it’s more expensive than the other options, the additional features and convenience make it worth the price.

If your home already has security cameras, it may seem unnecessary to purchase another one. In this case, the hardwired Smart Floodlight is the best option for you. It’s got many of the same great features as Ring’s security cameras, such as customizable motion detection and Alexa compatibility, but it comes at a fraction of the cost. It’s also even brighter than the Floodlight Cam!

Other factors to consider include the winter weather conditions where you live. If temperatures in your area often drop below 0 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter, the Floodlight Cam may function better since it has a lower operating temperature.

For folks who do not have a compatible exterior junction box, the battery-operated Smart Floodlight is a good alternative for you. While it’s significantly less bright at only 600 lumens, it is powered using four D batteries that can be purchased anywhere.  

Installing Your New Ring Floodlight Cam

Installing your Floodlight Cam can be done yourself if you are comfortable handling wires. If not, look into scheduling professional installation.

For self-installation, follow the steps below:

  • Turn off the power to the floodlight wires at the breaker box.Turn the floodlights facing up and the camera facing upright.If you are replacing an existing floodlight, uninstall it by unscrewing it, removing it from the wall, and detaching the wires.If you don’t have an existing floodlight, stop here. Contact an electrician first to wire your house to use a floodlight; the floodlight should be nine feet above the ground. If you are replacing an old floodlight, continue on.Cut a hole in the black gasket at the bottom of the mounting bracket.Feed the wires from your home’s exterior wall through the hole until the mounting bracket is flush against the wall.Position the mounting bracket so that the two posts are level with the ground.Screw the mounting bracket to the wall with the provided screws.Use the provided hook to hang your Floodlight Cam on the bottom of the mounting bracket.Loop the copper wire from the Floodlight Cam around the green screw on the bracket. Tighten the green screw. Use an orange wire nut to secure the copper wire to the green or copper wire coming out of your wall.Connect the black wire on your Floodlight Cam to the black wire from the wall using another wire nut.Repeat this step with the white wires.Remove the hook and feed any extra wires back into the wall.Push the Floodlight Cam through the posts on the mounting bracket.Attach the screw cap nuts over the posts using the provided screwdriver.Turn the power back on using your breaker box.Add the Floodlight Cam in the Ring app by selecting “Set Up a Device” and following the on-screen prompts.

If you are more of a visual learner, check out this installation video.

Using Ring’s Floodlight Cam

Once your Floodlight Cam is installed, you can physically move the camera and lights around so that they are facing specific directions; this gives you control over what area of your yard the lights will illuminate.

Each light has an adjustment knob on the side and a lock collar at its base. Loosen the adjustment knob and the lock collar to position the light. Then, re-tighten the knob and the lock collar to hold it in the desired position. Each light moves independently of the other.

The camera on the Floodlight Cam also has a lock collar. Use it to angle the camera to fit your preferences.  

Floodlight Cam Settings

The Ring app gives you ultimate control over your Floodlight Cam. You can manually turn the floodlights and the siren on and off on the device’s main page.

You can also access the camera’s live view through this main page. In Live View mode, you can use the two-way talk feature. You can even take screenshots of your camera’s live stream if you have a Ring Protect plan.

The Floodlight Cam has two different motion detection systems, and each has its own settings.

  • The camera motion detection system allows you to create up to three customized motion zones of various shapes and sizes. You can redraw or disable the motion zones anytime.There is also a Motion Sensitivity Slider which allows you to decide if you want to receive motion alerts for all movement or only movement from people. If you have a Ring Protect plan, the camera will automatically record each time you receive a motion alert.

The floodlights have a much more extensive motion detection range than the camera: 270 degrees versus 140 degrees. The 270-degree range of the floodlights is divided into three 90-degree motion areas. The three areas can be turned on and off separately to control how often the lights turn on. You can also set how long the lights will stay on after motion is detected.

Keep in mind that the lights will only turn on with motion detection when it’s dark. If you want the lights on during the day, you can create a light schedule in the Ring app settings. You can also create a separate Motion Alert schedule for the camera’s motion detector.

Floodlight Cam Maintenance

The Floodlight Cam doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. It’s hardwired, so there is no need to change or charge any batteries. It uses long-life light bulbs that can last up to 20 years, depending on the frequency of use.

Some users have reported that the light bulbs in their Floodlight Cam burned out after one to two years. Unfortunately, the light bulbs cannot be replaced. If your floodlights burn out or are flickering, you will have to replace the whole device.

Consider purchasing a Ring Protect Plus plan when you buy your Floodlight Cam. This monthly subscription plan includes a warranty on all your Ring devices throughout the time that your subscription is active. If your Floodlight Cam’s light bulbs burn out, start flickering, or are less bright than they used to be, Ring will send you a replacement device at no cost.

Troubleshooting Your Floodlight Cam

Below are two common issues that users have with their Floodlight Cam and how to fix them:

  • Floodlight Cam is offline: To check if the device is receiving power, press the setup button on top of it. If the lights don’t come on, check your breaker box to see if you need to flip the breaker. If the lights turn on, the device may not be connected to the Internet. Unplug your Wi-Fi router for at least one minute to reset it.Floodlight Cam isn’t alerting me of approaching visitors: Your device may be mounted too low. Make sure it’s mounted at least nine feet off the ground. You can also adjust your motion zones and sensitivity as often as needed until you get the alerts you want. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the motion settings.

Final Thoughts

Ring’s Floodlight Cam has some impressive specs, including two adjustable floodlights with 1800 lumens of brightness. It also has many of the same great features that you would expect from Ring security cameras and video doorbells, such as two-way audio and customizable motion detection zones.

There are four different models of Ring floodlights to choose from. The original Floodlight Cam is the most popular option. The Floodlight Cam X is the same device but comes with extra features like professional installation and the Protect Basic plan for video recording. Ring Smart Floodlights are a great choice if you don’t need the camera and come in two versions: hardwired and battery-operated.