Most ILLEGAL Outlet in the United States

[@SilverCymbal]

Thanks for watching be sure to are any tips or ideas you use to protect yoruself from these - Outlet (Do not buy) specs only: amzn.to/3ELHfK2 Flashlight: amzn.to/3VtIZym

[@iso-didact789]

@Silver Cymbal So technically the outlet and camera are perfectly legal, it's just misusing them that is.

[@LShortcuts]

Why is the outlet an affiliate link when you should not buy it?

[@natehoy6924]

Carry a short 20A extension cord in your travel bag and if you see any 20A outlets in your hotel room or a new apartment, simply test all the outlets to make sure they are in good repair and tight by inserting your extension cord into every 20A receptacle in turn. Be sure you make a reasonable attempt to seat the extension cord properly into the receptacle, which might involve some small amount of force. Unrelated fact: Did you know that the GLASS camera lens is located exactly where the METAL horizontal neutral blade of a 20A plug wants to be inserted into?

[@kraken767]

@@TheKingsComingAlefTav seams so. finally a nice spy cam, imma go buy a few.

[@bootburner4544]

@@LShortcuts It's called reverse psychology. When I want you to do something I tell you not to do it. 😂

[@Ryyi23]

I'm almost positive that you are allowed to have security cameras on and in your own house. This probably could be classified as a security camera if you are using it as such.

[@SilverCymbal]

Yes, on & in are two different things. As are the rooms you choose to put them in, who is recorded, if audio is recorded and many more. Refer to your local laws for exact details but the idea of my house, my rules may be fine to live by but it is not what the law is based on

[@cdoublejj]

@@SilverCymbal it kind of doesn't come off that way since it's implied. i'd just sticky this comment to the top if possible because humans are dumb, i'd know i am one.

[@hockeymikey]

@@cdoublejj Agreed, he made it sound like your house, not someone else's. Of course you can't install stuff in someone else's house, but he made it sound like this is illegal for your own house.

[@Sharky142]

I am pretty sure many high priced hotels probably use these. You can't blame people that put these in their homes especially with the way people, so called friends and this world is.

[@Ryyi23]

@@SilverCymbal I was pretty sure that's what you meant in the video. I just wanted to make sure I didn't miss something about this specific product itself being illegal.

[@winstonwright3613]

The big BLOW-IT for me (and it might help others) is when I saw the "TR" stamp in the middle of each outlet. It stands for "Tamper Resistant" and means that is one of those annoying receptacles with the shields that cover the slots and you have to push past them to insert a plug. This one had the shutters removed so it instantly looks wrong to anyone who knows.

[@jgleigh]

Or plug a 20A device into it and smash the camera.

[@soundspark]

@@jgleigh And set the house on fire drawing too much current.

[@larrystuder8543]

I REALLY don't like those Tamper Resistant outlets. We survived for almost a century without them.

[@Brees1986]

@@soundspark If only there was a device that would “trip” if too much amperage was pulled……

[@soundspark]

@@Brees1986 When the 20A neutral prong is gutted out to fit the camera there won't be enough contact with what's left to safely pass the current.

[@WardenWolf]

All the more reason to not rent an AirBnB. This type of thing doesn't even have to be installed by the owners. It's innocuous enough that a guest could swap out an outlet or two and the host would never notice, and spy on everyone who visited after them. That said, virtually anything plugged into that individual receptacle would obscure the camera.

[@SilverCymbal]

Wow, I never even thought of that possibility!

[@williamrucki9293]

I was thinking the exact same thing. Yikes.

[@the77eltigre]

couldn't someone do the same thing in a hotel if they so choose?

[@CheaddakerT.Snodgrass]

Good point for sure.

[@xjmg007]

Why would it matter if it was AirBnB? You think a hotel maid would notice one of these?

[@Rodelu-ql4wp]

I’m not worried anyone recording my house and hears my 7 kids fighting all day and my wife constantly yelling won’t last long. They will most like commit suicide after reviewing 5-6 hours of such footage just to finally find some peace.

[@SilverCymbal]

Years ago I worked with the cybercrime division of the state police, they told me that almost everyone ever recorded or wiretapped by another individual never thought they were at risk. I think the issue is that someone else *thinks* you are intertesting enough or maybe just crazy themselves

[@CheaddakerT.Snodgrass]

While I understand the humor in your comment; things that happen throughout a day in your private home can very easily come back to haunt you through extortion. You probably would not want any of your people to be viewed naked for various reasons.

[@youtubesucks-yx6kk]

Lmfao. People say that same nonsense about identity theft. "Oh I'm not interesting enough" "I'm not rich enough" "I don't have enough money for it to be worth it" Well... They don't care if you have $1 or $100,000 They still want it.

[@1djbecker]

@@Atlanta_Cyclist Aluminum foil doesn't work. You need a genuine tinfoil hat. Good luck trying to find actual tin foil, the government got rid of it because it blocks their mind control rays. You can't even find vintage hats because those people were taken away by the black helicopters.

[@frontiervirtcharter]

find something to plug in to the spot with the camera , then it can't see anything. And if you have an idea of who might be listening to it , figure out what sound would most annoy them .. Maybe 'Baby Shark' on loop 24x7 😆.. (Unrelated but relevant .. one time a neighbor for some reason was blasting 'Easy Like Sunday Morning repeatedly for over a day, loud enough to be heard hundreds of feet away - we assume there was a breakup or someone was caught cheating but we'll never know for sure)

[@ceisarsrepair7958]

Just buy the baby proof plastic plug covers, they will cover the camera, put them in all outlets. Costs about $5

[@Kori-nya-music]

Unfortunately still won't stop audio especially in cases where that could be used against you depending on certain situations.

[@MadLadCustoms]

Or just bring a flashlight and check all sources

[@ceisarsrepair7958]

@@Kori-nya-music that would require a court order to be permissible in any proceeding

[@soundspark]

@@ceisarsrepair7958 Would a court ever order the installation of an electrical outlet that doesn't meet code?

[@ceisarsrepair7958]

@@soundspark oh, sorry, was my message mistakenly addressed to you??? I'll fix that right away, thanks for the heads up! Have a Blessed Day! 👍

[@pianokeyjoe]

I WANT THIS!!! For use in my own house! Man I could have identified the thieves that broke into my former house with these and they would have never known there were cameras in the house! Yes, thieves will steal the cameras or disable them, so this is a very nice thing to have in your own home or storage place!

[@andrewsparks4112]

Have you found them yet. I could use 5 or 6, myself.

[@jamesslick4790]

@@andrewsparks4112 There's an Amazon like to them in the description of the video, He says "don't buy", BUT provides a link, LOL.

[@pianokeyjoe]

@@andrewsparks4112 Sadly I did find them, $210 or more each. I will not be buying more than one unless I take out a small home equity loan. Not cheap. I doubt there will be too many pervs just leaving these in hotels at random. too pricey even for pervs lol!

[@pianokeyjoe]

@@jamesslick4790 Yes the link does NOT show the price until you do some digging and then there it is.. $300 plus!

[@williamwade7059]

Most thieves wear hoodies

[@kinneyshoes1]

There's nothing "illegal" about having those installed in your house except in the bathroom or maybe someone else's bedroom like a roommate. That's where there's a reasonable expectation of privacy is and intruding on that is what's illegal. You can have them in the living room, kitchen, etc... where they are common areas shared by multiple people with zero expectation of privacy. Same rules as nanny cams, vent cams, fire alarm cams, etc... Different states have different laws about the audio. Where I'm at, only 1 person in the group has to know there's recording happening, and that 1 person can be you. No one else has to know. So, no. They're quite legal.

[@ryuukeisscifiproductions1818]

by current codes, no they are not legal in any location requiring a tamper resistant receptacle, as the Temper resistance part on this receptacle has been removed. And I also imagine that this camera violates the original UL listing of the receptacle, and if it hasn't been recertified in this configuration with the camera installed, that means it does not have a valid UL listing, and thus is not legal to install. This is on top of the fact that the general design of this thing just makes it a bad idea. Putting the camera in the Neutral T slot is bad enough, if you actually had a 20 amp appliance or cord and plugged it into the top, it destroy the camera and likely damage the outlet. And there is the fact that just having always on electron8ics inside your walls isn't such a great idea, because if that thing catches fire, its a fire inside the walls. There are also box fill requirements to think about as well.

[@dj-kq4fz]

I used to stay in a lot of hotels as part of my job. I always assumed I was on camera but didn't really worry about it much. Except for that one time. But I never heard from anyone, so I guess I'm ok. (This is a joke, but I did figure there was likely a camera in one of the rooms over the years). Thanks for the chilling, helpful vid! Dave J

[@2990rick]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤔🤔 wait !!! are you sure your joking 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫😉😉

[@FC-qe1wl]

If there are cameras in my hotel room, I would be charged with murder, because those watching will die from boredom...

[@orangie8426]

Oh no!! OMG!!! They saw me!!! That means... THEY KNOW!!! Oh gosh no... I took my clothes off... Ripped off the full body human skin mask in that one hotel!!! I mean... It was too hot in the room and they air conditioning wasn't working... So... you know how we're cold blooded and all... So you know how that works... got to maintain my body temp.... But damn it!!! That means... They saw my lizzard penis!! Both of them!!! That means they know!!! They know... I got two of them!!!!!!!!! I mean really... Seriously... I got nothing to hide.. They can watch all they want..

[@gracec1665]

I'm thinking, you must be a man, and therefore, don't really worry about cameras on you. As a woman, I can tell you, I don't like it, and I feel unsafe knowing there very well could be cameras in hotel rooms. I don't like people taking pictures or videos without asking me, so this situation would make me feel unprotected.

[@dustinf9901]

Reason, as soon as I get in the hotel room room and eat. I get naked and drink beer and do our primal instinct. Maybe even a sidecart.

[@JJ-nh8lv]

This is why I do all my own work. Every outlet, light, faucet, hvac, every nail and screw, I did myself.

[@LeviKleinschmidt]

If you put it in yourself in your own house, and if somebody breaks in, it’s far more discreet than a regular security camera.

[@balexan530]

If you have these cameras in your house and you are unaware of them, you have much bigger problems to deal with.

[@CourtneyW-jr6fx]

Not if its government sanctioned for protection

[@redman2751]

In case anyone wants to know. You can tell a 2 way mirror by sticking your finger against the glass. In a regular mirror there’s a slight gap between your finger and the reflected finger. In a 2 way mirror there won’t be a gap.

[@Zeaiclies]

Depending on how the two way mirror is made, that's not always true.

[@patrickday4206]

Some mirrors are so thin it's hard to tell

[@karlrovey]

There are some expensive mirrors where that doesn't apply.

[@Zeaiclies]

@@karlrovey I said that it depends on how it is manufactured.

[@karlrovey]

@@Zeaiclies And I was pointing out the same applies to legitimate 1-way mirrors.

[@Leonardokite]

Yet another good reason to pay attention to the Wi-Fi available near you. Know which ones are normal so when something new comes up you will go to investigation mode.

[@MrBonners]

can find better hides and easier to accomplish then this.

[@ILGuy2012]

I have several Wi-Fi options near my house. For most of them, I don't have a clue which neighbor or business they belong to. Would I just walk around the neighborhood with my tablet to watch the signal get strongest to know which one belongs to a particular neighbor or business?

[@HTown99]

​@@ILGuy2012 You could kill the main to your house and see how many WiFi signals drop off. If it's more than your known WiFi channel then you'll know that some unknown devices are powered up and transmitting from your house!

[@soundspark]

If I had to guess this outlet is not listed by a natioanlly recognized testing laboratory and as such installing it would be violating the National Electrical Code.

[@central3425]

I called the cops and now I am in jail for annoying the police department. Thanks Silver Cymbal

[@Ethan7s]

Do not buy the camera. Drops an affiliated link, getting mixed messages here 🤣🤣

[@TwoFeatherChannel]

it dangles the bait (video) then offers the click (link)

[@Lilfarmrboy]

Okay just to clarify if you see an outlet like this it doesn’t mean it has a camera in it since 20 amp receptacles are a real thing. You can literally buy them at any home improvement store or hardware store. This might be an issue at a Airbnb or seedy motel. Also for an outside person to download the video over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth would require several minutes at which point you’d probably notice someone sitting outside your house. This would be a much bigger concern for apartments or shared living spaces. One easy way to see if there is a hidden camera in a room is to pull out your cellphone and open your camera app then slowly pan around the room (darkly lit or completely dark, not middle of the day) and your screen will show any camera that used infrared for night photos or videos. The OP of this video should have explained this more clearly before hundreds if not thousands of individuals think they got cameras in their outlets just because they got the 20 amp versions.

[@Rickmakes]

Hidden cameras often (but not always) have infrared illuminators. They might only illuminate in the dark. You could see this with another security camera or some night vision “goggles” that can see IR. You could also potentially detect a camera with a thermal camera like those that connect to a phone.

[@ZaifSenpai]

your ordinary phone camera can also detect it. You can easily test it on tv remote. Just open the phone camera, point remote control to it and click a button on remote control.

[@ohioplayer-bl9em]

your standard digital camera can detect those as well. In fact people use DSLR cameras with high zoom lens to check for outside night vision cameras while casing the joint for future criminal behavior. 🤔

[@solarsynapse]

@@ohioplayer-bl9em With DSLR, most have a built-in ir filter to improve image quality that would need to be removed. They also make dedicated ir DSLR cameras. Hunting night scopes can also see it.

[@greenman360]

I've used my Oculus Quest 2 for this before. Even if there's no visible light, it can see infrared very well in passthrough mode, and there you go. If there's infrared light where you don't suspect it: you have trouble.

[@adamb6646]

As someone who has deployed covert cameras more times then I can count, they're certainly not illegal. It's all about use case. Deploying a camera into someone's house without permission or a warrant is illegal; you're violating their right to privacy. Using this in an area where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy, on the other hand, is usually perfectly legal. If it's in your own house, the same general rules apply. You can record yourself however you like, but recording guests in an area they expect to be private (like a spare bedroom or bathroom) is illegal, even though you own the property.

[@soundspark]

Woudln't you be violating electrical code by installing unapproved devices?

[@butsukete1806]

@@soundspark The one linked in the description is UL/CUL listed. But to answer your question, probably yes, depends on local code.

[@soundspark]

@@butsukete1806 Might be a counterfeit label, kind of like when the dual T-slot outlets got busted by UL.

[@soundspark]

If the covert camera is integrated into an electrical device like a receptacle then don't you have to be a licensed electrician to install one in someone else's structure?

[@ILGuy2012]

@@soundspark If you're doing the work as a business, then you have to be licensed (or be an employee of a licensed electrician). In many areas, you don't have to be licensed, if you're doing the work for a family member or a friend.

[@steveregotti8542]

Wow this is unbelievable-- thanks for showing me this!!!!

[@SilverCymbal]

I never thought this would work so well. I could start blogging with it!

[@user-em6ie2be7x]

Glad I just replaced all the Outlets in my house. 👷🏿‍♂️

[@ultimatefishkeeping]

W. I am relieved for you. Well done.

[@tracerit]

How long have you been living in your house?

[@soundspark]

The way the camera is hooked to the outlet looks like a total code violation in itself.

[@chrisrichard298]

One way you can use your phone to detect a hidden camera works if the camera uses IR led's for it's night vision. Make the room as dark as you can and open the camera on your phone. Scan around the room slowly watching the image on your phone. IR led's will show up as a dull purpleish glow through your phone's camera.

[@SilverCymbal]

That is a great tip if they have the illuminator and is so easy, thanks for sharing this!

[@chrisrichard298]

@@nik_kot Must be a pretty new thing. My Iphone 11 can see them, its how I check if remote controls are working. In fact before I typed this response I just tested my phone looking at the camera in my workshop and the IR's were clear as day on my phone screen.

[@abhimaanmayadam5713]

Front cameras have no ir filter for high end phones. Older phones don't have the IR filter on the rear camera

[@toddt6730]

@@nik_kot I use my phone camera to test TV remotes and even photo sensors on equipment I work on and it works great

[@davidbeckenbaugh9598]

He said the detectors they sell on Amazon are useless. Mine is in with my luggage for trips abroad, so I cannot look at the brand, but we used it to find four cameras in a Korean hotel, and several in different Chinese hotels, and one in an American hotel (a franchise and the head office nearly went through the ceiling when we showed them the pics). Maybe most do not work, but some (obviously) do. Most common places for the hidden cameras were in smoke detectors and desk top clocks.

[@jimmytate7587]

i live in northern california and i called the sheriff's' department to ask about this. the desk officer started laughing then finally told me as long as i approved the installation or was aware of it and it did not get installed in someone's bedroom or a toilet it was fine to have it.

[@SilverCymbal]

Must be some comedians over that way. www.sacbee.com/news/california/article269811112.html Be careful, they left out about 10 other parts of the law, but primarily, indoors that you put in, sure. Thats why I said if you find one of these.

[@seanbuckley9697]

Tell me you're advertising to creeps without telling me you're advertising to creeps.

[@SilverCymbal]

More like helping a lot of ex-wives realize that electrical work their husband did on the day before they moved out, might not be what it seemed

[@jamesconway4821]

They have these in Vegas and they have them on cruise ships too. So just because you might not see the cameras or think that the cameras that are in the ceiling can't see you due to the angle think again. It really throws a lot of people off guard. However if you ever see one of these in your personal quarters like your hotel suite or bathroom you should call the police immediately.

[@sl4983]

And what will the police do immediately?

[@jamesconway4821]

@@sl4983 I get your humor but they're supposed to investigate. Technically it's an invasion of privacy. But immediately I get your point

[@MrBonners]

As a electricians for decades, have installed lots of these and have never seen a camera or any other electronics on them. the electronics is hot melt glued on, it is definitely not a consumer production off the shelf unit. Placed there by others, nothing particularly special about this 'hide', there are easier hides in better locations. There is no reason for a 20 amp receptacle to be in a residence let alone in a hallway or living room etc. All electrical devices expected to be powered are consumer electrical devices and limited to 12 amps and rarely exceed 9 amps, a 20 amp receptacle would easily be noticed, not a good hide.

[@ProudDad1976]

With the modifications no matter what this is not UL or CE so it is not code-legal, you might be able to get around that by Not installing line voltage at all but that is questionable. Now to your point about the 20 amp receptacle, you are right in a home this type of receptacle is rare outside of the kitchen including the dining room and wet bars, garage, outdoors, bathrooms, and many unfinished basement locations. These are locations normally GFCI-protected (daisy chained to make every receptacle downstream also GFCI protected)(GFCI breaker) but not always.

[@MrBonners]

@@ProudDad1976 there is no reason for 20 amp receptacle in any residential kitchen, wet bars etc and certainly not in any bathrooms. A GFI has nothing to do with any of this. Garage wiring is often configured as the home owner desires. They can have anything they want. There is no standard maximum. Loads greater then 20 amps are supplied by a single use dedicated circuit and receptacle if not hardwired in. If there is no line voltage installed then it is of no electrical code concern. It is just a box installed in the wall. FYI: electrical code is not concerned with anything under 40 volts AC.

[@ProudDad1976]

@@MrBonners Only the national electrical code states what I said to be true, only that! I wanted to speak about where GFCI's and 20 amp circuits are required in a residential structure. Are you really an electrician?

[@MrBonners]

@@ProudDad1976 Electrical kitchen appliance loads are less the 15 amps. There is no need for 20 amp receptacles. Heavy loads like an ovens and dryers have dedicated receptacles and dedicated circuits. You can put whatever you want in garage. An empty electrical box in a wall is of no concern of the code. Also anything less then 40vac is of no concern. Such wiring is low voltage lighting, communications, alarm equipment etc. You want to go above code and install 20AWG cable and 20 amp receptacles in the kitchen you don't get any bang for your buck. none. zip. zero. But feel free to do so, going above code is fully allowed. GFIs requirements are about locations of receptacles like bathrooms, hot tubs, and other wet locations and a fault condition. Nothing to so with load current requirements in a residence. You can hot-melt glue anything to any receptacle. Doesn't have to be a 20 amp and you can't buy off the shelf such a configuration. This is a bs video. There are much better hidden and easier ways of placing monitoring devices. A 20 amp receptacle draws attention as being odd, out of place in a residence, not a good hiding space.

[@ProudDad1976]

@@MrBonners I agree this video is not that great but you cannot be an electrician within the United States with what you have told me, I have gone through a five-year apprenticeship for commercial industrial and an extra two years for residential with a fire alarm license as well. I am not a master electrician however I am a licensed journeyman electrician and have been since 2003. What I have told you comes right out of the National Electrical Code Book and other than the change of needing two ground rods for a single-family dwelling at least six feet apart this has been code since I started studying the 1996 code book. Anything 90 volts and below is considered low voltage with the low voltage ring he used is wrong as well, for line voltage 110 volts and above needs to be an enclosed box either old work or new work, will you agree to that?

[@Hubjeep]

Very interesting! Good use for that horizontal portion of the 20A receptacle that no one ever needs. Even my 120V welder doesn't use it.

[@SilverCymbal]

Thank you, yes the 15amp version places it in one of the ground ports

[@Jumbosock]

A month ago I actually used the horizontal portion for the first time in my life. It was for a freeze dryer.

[@waynegambrell7095]

I like this idea. I should put one in each room of my home and more. Just wonder if they are weather proof. A different alternative to other security cameras. Pretty cool idea.

[@ӶҬҴ]

Generally speaking, it's legal in the United States to record surveillance video with a hidden camera in your home without the consent of the person you're recording. So would it be illegal for personal use within my own home in my own room? 🤔

[@indeepjable]

i'd estimate no, as you are recording yourself and it might classify as a security camera in those instances

[@WardenWolf]

If you disclose to all lawful occupants and guests that you are recording, and in which areas, it is completely legal. However, undisclosed cameras in private places are _not_ legal as they may capture a person in a state of undress. This is doubly so in areas where privacy is inherently expected, like bedrooms and bathrooms, but even an undisclosed camera in common areas are illegal. In a private dwelling, privacy is legally expected unless otherwise explicitly stated via signs, contract, or acknowledged notification. If you record your own room in a single-party consent state, it is legal as long as you are in the room and the other person is not undressing, but the moment you leave the room it becomes illegal if the other person doesn't know they are being recorded because now no party that is being recorded is aware of the recording.

[@indeepjable]

so basically; would a sign notifying that there are/may be hidden cameras in each room be a good enough disclaimer?

[@TheOtherOne111]

@@WardenWolf It is legal in all states to make a video-only recording in your home without informing anyone. As long as your cameras aren't installed in a bathroom or a bedroom, you aren't committing any privacy violations. A quick Google search of nanny cam laws will confirm this.

[@rollotomassi4768]

@@TheOtherOne111 Makes sense in a living room/kitchen, etc you wouldn't have an expectation of privacy.

[@meagaindave2049]

Oh, okay. Record my life with my family. Sorry about your luck. Do NOT send me charges for your therapy. 🤣

[@EeekItsSnek]

The most dangerous thing about that receptacle is the plate screw that isn't vertical. But I guess the camera is sort of creepy too

[@gvjester]

That's an electrician talking! 😁

[@stevenosman1356]

​@Benjamin Burlos ... Are yours.... Not?

[@bryede]

@@sierra2500pk You mean slotted? It's probably because they have the simplest appearance.

[@jonbri4383]

you know somebody that installs an outlet like that with a horizontal plate screw has probably been drinking all night long

[@TerraFirmaX]

I know right?

[@Wegetsignal]

Oh jeez, a throwback to the smoke detectors that had spy cameras inside them!

[@SilverCymbal]

Thats good. This is a very scary story that just happened to a girl: local12.com/news/nation-world/report-landlord-installed-hidden-camera-12-year-old-tenants-bedroom-bathroom-child-sex-crimes-exploitation-video-voyeurism-spying-pedophile-bruce-grady-device-lens-lookcam-app-electrical-outlet-socket-renters-apartment-stuart-martin-county-florida

[@averyalexander2303]

Thanks for sharing, never seen these before. Definitely a neat product with many legitimate uses, but of course there's also the potential for misuse just like with any other camera or microphone. I don't see why using this camera would legally be any different than any other surveillance camera, but the way it's built and the potential for misuse is concerning to say the least.

[@rstumbaugh43]

I agree, a car is a useful thing, but can be used in a bank robbery…same with just about anything…but this, would be a great thing, in that if you go on vacation, and your house gets broken into, or you have the neighbors come feed the pets/plants, or to keep an eye on babysitter… I would just make sure and put it in an area where there is no reasonable, expectation of privacy, such as a bedroom or bathroom..

[@robloxianews7636]

This not real... look at the professional craftsmanship on the outlet back... Actually, nevermind, didn't catch that a company was custom making them out of actual 20A outlets. They are made quite poorly though.

[@sixtysix4842]

It’s not illegal at all. In some states it’s illegal to record the audio but anyone can hide a camera in there home. Hiding a camera and not telling renters is different that’s illegal. However as long as you don’t put the camera in a area where privacy is expected it’s legal. So a living room is legal. Kitchen legal. Bedroom or bathroom illegal. Common areas can have hidden cams and legally

[@AnomadAlaska]

Thanks. This will take my OPSEC up a notch.

[@jackuzi8252]

If you are concerned about this threat in particular, you can also buy a 20-amp male plug for about $5. It has one vertical prong, and one horizontal, which is why the 20-amp outlet has the T-shaped slot (to allow vertical and horizontal prongs). If the plug goes in, you know you've got nothing to worry about. If it won't, investigate.

[@ultimatefishkeeping]

I have never seen that here in the U.K. however it is a good to check whenever you move into a new property especially if it is a property you are renting. And I will be checking whenever I move to another property.

[@SoranoGuardias]

I have to tell you this, but that installation is illegal. Those orange frames are intended for LOW VOLTAGE non-AC power runs ONLY.

[@SilverCymbal]

2:30

[@kornbread435]

I live alone, and this is tempting as a pet/security camera. Though if I lived with other people I think I would have to pass. I currently have a pet camera that tosses treats, it's obviously a large device/camera, thinking this would be a nice for other angles without having large devices all over the place.

[@TheRealScooterGuy]

There are small and discrete cameras available for a lot less than specialized security cameras like this. (Another comment suggested these cost upwards of US$200.) I have a camera I bought at Walmart for about $20 that does everything this one does, except hide inside an outlet. The face of it is slightly larger than a quarter, and it sits on a stand that is, maybe, 3" tall. I have it inside the house, watching the driveway through a window, since we've had a few problems out there in the past.

[@DaveMiller2]

I see a lot of comments saying that various installation practices or wiring methods are ILLEGAL. That is not true at all. Code violations are not illegal and do not break any laws. The NEC is not law. No legislators are involved in this. If you wire something incorrectly, or you install an unlisted device, that is a CODE VIOLATION, not illegal. No one is going to court or to jail. The inspector would just flag it and tell you to fix it and you won't pass inspection until it is fixed. That's it. There is no law being broken. If you install one of these, just put it in after you pass inspection. If you are somewhere and you see one of these, you have choices to protect yourself. 1) Shut off the circuit breaker controlling that circuit. 2) Plug something into the camera receptacle. 3) Put tape over it. 4) Move furniture in front of it. 5) Go somewhere else. 6) Take the plate off, pull the receptacle out, and unhook the wires. Ot even just unhook the neutral. Problem solved.

[@jaymcclure8185]

Holy shit, I wish I had known this sooner. I was certain individuals in my building had been listening in and relaying audio and video to our landlord in an effort to get us kicked out. Despite several searches I never found any cameras but there were a couple of those T-pronged outlets. One of which in the bedroom where my wife and I discussed the problems with the building and what actions to take.

[@thomasmaughan4798]

"One of which in the bedroom" It would be unusual to have a 20 amp service in a bedroom. Kitchens usually.

[@johnmh7491]

@@thomasmaughan4798 20 amp outlets can be in other rooms for window AC units

[@smol_yote]

@@johnmh7491 it’s not a smoking gun but given the rather limited info, unless that outlet was near a wall where a window ac unit would plug into then it’s even more suspicious

[@user2C47]

Hidden cameras aren't exclusively associated with 20 amp outlets (which are somewhat common in newer buildingsl. Make sure you check everything.

[@jaymcclure8185]

@@smol_yote not even close to an appropriate location for plugging in window AC. The rooms layout, the only way to set up the room would put this particular outlet at the head of the bed. Was the second farthest outlet from the window. The room was simply too narrow to position a bed crossways and heater location made the other end of the room inappropriate for the bed. There were other behaviors of the people involved that were extremely suspicious and problematic that I don't want to get into online just now.

[@johnree6106]

This is a pretty old item hidden cameras have been commonly hidden in outlets, lights, power cords, and other electrical equipment. I will note that it isn't illegal for use on your own property. Recording in public is based on your own state and local laws, but in general it is usually follows the guidelines if you had reasonable expectations of privacy which is why you can film in public places except areas in public that state no Recording or places that you should expect reasonable expectations of privacy such as your home, rental be it vehicle or living place. For example public restrooms are public but be careful about filming in them as that could lead to you being arrested as people except a reasonable amount of privacy in the restrooms. You don't even have to be filming them just the act of recording. Unless of course you are recording them as part of the interaction meaning you are part of the conversation or interacting with the person.

[@SilverCymbal]

You must be very careful with what happens on your property. This guy owned this building: www.ksat.com/news/local/2022/02/10/investigators-uncover-more-than-2100-images-in-growing-hill-country-hidden-camera-case/

[@Ryyi23]

It works perfectly until you have a plug with one of those horizontal parts on the prong.

[@LongIslandCityLayout]

Oh yeah you'll realize it's a camera once you try to jam the plug in and you smash the lens.

[@oneloveonebeing]

this is EXTREMELY creepy.

[@user.A9]

It doesn't appear to have the Tamper Resistant shutters, either.

[@averyalexander2303]

That was the first thing I noticed since it was labeled as TR (tamper resistant). Makes sense because a camera couldn't record through a shutter and it doesn't look like whoever made that thing cared much about safety.

[@jonathonshanecrawford1840]

You can have CCTV installed in your home, with visible notices stating *CCTV in operation* however, in someone else's home *not without their permission* as it is a *breach of their privacy* *The CCTV camera must be visible* *Not* in bathroom, toilets and bedrooms, *Only* general gathering areas such as living rooms, kitchens, out doors etc!

[@kargandarr]

Thank you for this video. As an eklectrician, I had no idea that those things even existed and I now know to look for those.

[@MrBonners]

they don't. just a camera unit hot melt stuck to the receptacle.

[@SteveWhiteDallas]

What's interesting about a 20 amp receptacle is that it really is illegal to install it on a 15 amp ckt. However, it's 100% NEC compliant to install a 15 amp outlet on a 20 amp circuit. Voyeurism is a crime. What's worse for the voyeur though is he/she never knows how many crimes will be committed or how serious they are until the video is already recorded. The manager might have been trying to catch a maid stealing from the guests, but instead, he inadvertently recorded a child changing clothes, taking a bath, etc.

[@TheTheo58]

I have seen a few 20A branch circuits where a single duplex or GFCI was installed. My friends recently sold their house which had an older sub panel upstairs, the newer 200A main in the basement. There was 20A GFCI outlet on the wall feeding the outlet/lights in the bathroom, there was no way that branch circuit was 20A/12ga. Their kitchen had 2 countertop outlets which were connected to the garbage disposal/dishwasher already creating an overload condition on a 15A circuit. I had suggested having a new line pulled for the D/W and disposal or multi-wired and two addition 20A's for the countertop outlets GFCI.

[@soundspark]

For that last part, when I found searches on the work computer for these kinds of voyeuristic devices, I warned the boss that the individual who was doing these searches could be unwittingly making child abuse material by operating one. That only got me in more trouble with the crooked employer.

[@44thala49]

It’s no more intrusive than the camera and microphone in our phones. We are being tracked and listened in on and to add insult to injury, we pay to have it done.

[@alanrkanter]

This reminds me of an O'Henry story where he said his old aunt always covered over all those new-fangled electricity sockets with a "plaster" (band-aid) so the "ether" did not leak out at night and suffocate her. If I found one of these in my home, I'd go out at find a 20 amp plug that would have the little L flange and push it in.

[@John-Smith02]

I honestly thought it was a joke when you said call the cops immediately. After watching the video, yeah, that makes sense now.

[@ILGuy2012]

Don't call the cops, if you're the one who installed it, though. LOL

[@larrystuder8543]

Just to clarify, the outlet style itself is not illegal, used on properly rated circuit. The spy device inside sudely should be.

[@soundspark]

Being a fake outlet, it can't be legal to wire into a house.

[@ryuukeisscifiproductions1818]

@@soundspark the camera in the outlet like this almost certainly violates the UL listing of the outlet, which makes it illegal to install. This is on top of the fact that it would definitely be illegal to install in any location requiring tamper resistant receptacles, which is most residential spaces.

[@RickLaBanca]

Well it was clickbait because it’s a bit misleading. Nanny cams/hidden security cams come in many forms so could have had a picture of a book or teddy bear!

[@samsanimationcorner3820]

The only things these are good for is collecting evidence if you're in an abusive relationship or for discreet home security.

[@tubeDude48]

Thanks for this info! It also looks very crudely built, and I can see the *UN-Safety Hazard !!*

[@SilverCymbal]

It is very strange, hot glue and stuff. I can only imagine the factory that makes them

[@101doreen]

Thinking the same.

[@tubeDude48]

@@101doreen -

[@2990rick]

@@SilverCymbal china

[@hinspect]

Easiest way to detect a night vision camera is to turn off all the lights then scan the room with your cell phone camera. The infrared light will show up on your screen as bright white, try it!

[@digitexstudios5634]

This is such a dangerous little spy camera that can be defeated simply by plugging something into it!

[@raterus]

True, the plug would cover up the camera. It wouldn't break it though, as homes just have 15amp style plugs.

[@natehoy6924]

@@raterus It's perfectly reasonable to carry a 20A extension cord and plug it into all of the 20A outlets in a hotel room or apartment to test them for looseness or wear. If you happen to unexpectedly encounter one of these cameras, there may be some additional resistance once the metal horizontal neutral blade of the 20A plug comes into contact with the glass lens of the camera and you may not be able to seat the plug properly even with a little force. Be sure to use a proper flashlight to make sure the camera lens has been properly impact-tested. Repeat as needed.

[@1djbecker]

@@natehoy6924 That addresses this particular device. Which is pretty easy to spot because 20 amp receptacles are extremely rare, and it's marked 'TR' without having tamper resistant shutters. I'm unlikely to spot a tiny camera hole in a more common GFCI or nightlight outlet, and smoke detectors have enough design differences that I wouldn't even notice a bigger lens.

[@norsefalconer]

Yeah, like a U shaped nail.

[@rogersmith7194]

Putting electrical tape over lens defeats this pretty easily, while you try and track down who installed it.

[@brianstraight9308]

Doesn't stop the audio.

[@Brian-Burke]

Unbelievable! Thanks for posting. I have a question about how you installed it. You used an orange low voltage box. Was that just for simplicity for the demo? Thanks again for the video.

[@inlandbott]

you're right. I think this was the scariest part of the video. Even if he did it for simplicity, someone out there will use it to wire up 120 volts. Orange is only for low voltage stuff like cat 5

[@SillyPutty3700]

Master electrician here. If you ever see TR (Tamper Resistant) on the front of a receptacle it should have white shutters in it to prevent your kids (or husbands) from putting a knife in it. If it does not put piece of tape over it. Problem solved

[@dragonslayer7587]

Thank you! Many people just had their homes "remodeled" and all power upgraded with New Romex drops and outlets. {Tax write-offs have been used well} Most are 20amp or more. Especially in the bathrooms. Folks should check each one, as many larger Jobs, the GC uses bids to find the best prices.

[@richpayton7162]

Having the standard receptacle (without the horizontal slot on the neutral side) on a 20 amp circuit is approved in the NEC. That's why you never see the type shown here. I would however recommend that you use receptacles above the quality level of those (well, used to cost) 59 cent cheapies you see at wallyworld. Go with a residential spec grade type, well worth the small extra cost. Especially over the long haul.

[@soundspark]

@@richpayton7162 Now you need the $1.59 outlet due to the TR requirement.

[@sparkythebuilder]

If you see a outlet with a 20 amp configuration (looks like a "T") you may want to look at it closer. It is very rare to have a 20 amp outlet installed in a dwelling or guest room in the US. Even in locations that have 20 amp circuits it is typical to only have 15 amp outlets.

[@daCubanaqt]

I agree. You would only see a 20 amp circuit near an appliance like a washer or refrigerator.

[@donaldsmith5972]

It would only fit in a newer box unlike the shallower boxes used in the past. Very interesting. Anyway.

[@thecarman3693]

If you see a 20A outlet as shown, why not just try and inset a 20A plug into it? If there's a camera behind it, you'll know immediately as you'll hit the obstruction ... and if you're lucky you'll break it.

[@SilverCymbal]

You can, but as I mentioned they sell a 15amp too and the camera is in the ground plug, others are placed in a small hole. Sadly there is no one size fits all for these but the more you are aware the better. Air bnb are often the most suspect.

[@firedflesh5427]

I was expecting this to be a safety video on not putting 20 amp receptacles on 15 amp circuits and such. I was wrong lol

[@elultimo102]

@@nooneyouknowhere6148 IDK about that. My county code mandates 20A minimum circuits, but you can use 15A outlets, since they won't pull enough to trip the breaker. I think 15A circuits are illegal out here.

[@elultimo102]

@@nooneyouknowhere6148 That's news to me. I have an '80s house with (too few) 20A circuits, but 15A outlets and no GFCIs or smoke alarms. (I'm planning on correcting the last two).

[@mistervacation23]

I'm positive about the negative but I'm a little negative about the positive

[@haywoodyoudome]

I'm really just neutral and well grounded.

[@sirclarkmarz]

If someone is spying on me with a covert camera then I feel really sorry for them and I apologize for what they may have seen .

[@audguy]

Same here, hope you enjoy fat nekkid dude.

[@kirkhilles523]

Haha, I was assuming it was because it was a 20 amp outlet that is highly unusual for residential outlets and would likely be above the capacity of the likely 14 gauge wire and maybe a 15 amp fuse. That's pretty scary and amazing tech BUT the fact that it's a 20 amp outlet makes it highly noticeable. If they were to put it in a standard 15 amp outlet, nobody would have any clue. Crazy stuff.

[@ianmackenzie686]

But this particular outlet requires an abnormally deep box, no?

[@outlet6989]

As they say, "Size does manner." If you don't understand, I'll let my wife explain it.

[@justaguyonthefly]

WOW! What in the actual F**k did I just watch? Very disturbing! Thanks for sharing this.

[@SilverCymbal]

You're welcome One of the scariest products I have ever tested. This weirdo just got arrested using one: weartv.com/news/local/detectives-landlord-hides-cameras-in-outlets-to-spy-on-12-year-old-girl

[@outlet6989]

This video reminds me of a TV show I loved many years ago. It was called "Hi! Your on Candid Camera." Item #5 on buglers' to-do list: Check for hidden outlet cameras.

[@gunfisher4661]

That is an old show used to watch all the time.

[@jel0sh]

For everyone saying these aren't illegal. Try to keep in mind that I'm pretty sure he's is referring to them being installed without you knowing. Example in a hotel room, or an apartment you're renting, or in a new home you bought but didn't build or install them yourself.

[@dwarftoad]

Your insurance company would love to find one of these was the cause after it started a fire. And the building inspector/permitting authority. (They'd love to talk to any electrician you claim installed it too.)

[@mxbadboy263]

Illegal to install if not UL listed which it probably is not.

[@ShinTwoPointOh]

The existence of "most" illegal outlet implies the existence of an "illegal outlet tier list"

[@soundspark]

Another illegal outlet in the spectrum, can be found at your local "indoor gardening" store. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGHKh5qsqKxgjrs

[@kennethwallace4338]

I remember these from way back when some had it on right and left, never knew why. One house I plugged a fan in and it was spinning fast. Smoke screen later I realized it was on 220v but wasn't lable for it. Anyway those plugs seem rather evil. Makes me wonder where else cams are hiding.

[@superkidwindows]

give me that outlet, i can finally catch who steals my food every day

[@SilverCymbal]

You can even talk through it. That will end that problem!

[@superkidwindows]

​@SilverCymbal not bad, imma buy one!

[@funtimes9201]

What's illegal is that you installed a 120v outlet into a low voltage cut out that is a big code violation.

[@SilverCymbal]

Come on, I put some text to mention that

[@funtimes9201]

@@SilverCymbal didn't notice the text till now. Still should be changed. Good video tho.

[@calebbigelow7556]

I didn't notice the text either 🤣. Just thought "oh man, that's a big no no"

[@jamesreno3321]

"911, what's your emergency?" "Hi, yes, there's an illegal outlet in my house" "Ok, I'm dispatching officers as we speak right now"

[@SilverCymbal]

These folks called the police when they discovered them: www.muscalaw.com/blog/electrician-arrested-for-allegedly-installing-bathroom-spy-camera

[@J3rs3y_G1rl]

There's a LOT of false information in this video. Smoke detectors and alarm clocks do NOT have cameras in them. Plus, it is NOT illegal to use cameras in your own home.

[@soundspark]

Maybe not illegal if you live by yourself (because it records audio) and your locality doesn't enforce electrical code (because it has a fake symbol for current code requirements).

[@DromaticGnome]

I've seen both smoke detectors and alarm clocks with cameras in them. What are you talking about?

[@TwoFeatherChannel]

2 way glass? isn't that ordinary clear glass? you can see on both sides as in 2 ways I think you mean 1 way glass, that is mirrored on one side and clear viewed on the other side but if the visible side is lit up and the mirrored side is dark, you can see through the mirrored side

[@johnyoung5820]

Dude, I generally like your content, but this was ridiculously click-baity and you're factually incorrect. On a federal level, only one-party consent is required to record video and/or audio; i.e. the homeowner. As for state law, ~15 states have laws regarding hidden video surveillance via home security cameras, so there may be some restrictions using a product like this. However, the remaining 35 states have no laws prohibiting hidden video surveillance in private or public spaces. I guess all engagement is good engagement, but it's a big thumbs down.

[@ryanreedgibson]

If you are worried about security use a camera sensing device. You can buy them on B&H. And yes they work. They are not the type you showed.

[@SilverCymbal]

I decided to check what you said and they don't sell a single device with more than a 2.5 star review. 1 with 2 reviews had 4 stars. Detectors can pick up some cameras some of the time very unreliable not to mention if they record to micro SD and require a trigger to reply, they will never be dected by any of these. Most sweeping teams use 6 or more different tools to pick them up.

[@DaveMiller2]

As an electrician, I would be wondering why a 20 amp receptacle was installed in a living space. Kitchen, maybe. Bathroom, maybe. Anywhere else besides a garage or shop would be weird, and a potential problem (from a wiring standpoint, not suspecting a camera). Also, understand that less than 1% of 20 amp receptacles will be these cameras. Just because you see a 20 amp receptacle doesn't mean it's a camera.

[@Peter_Yachymczyk]

So what happens if someone plugs in a NEMA 5-20P into the top receptacle? Also it says TR Tamper Resistant but is missing the plastic shutters LoL!

[@natehoy6924]

Looks like the horizontal neutral blade might encounter some resistance. Might have to apply a little extra force to attempt to seat it properly.

[@piercebales9546]

Actually this receptacle configuration means that it is a 30 amp,120 volt device and can be found in any hardware store without a camera.

[@MichaelSuperbacker]

Wow

[@kode3]

Dangerous and illegal, sounds great. Where can we find them?

[@SilverCymbal]

Noooooo!

[@faustinpippin9208]

lol I thought the same, dude wanted to warn us but just made many people aware and gave us ideas lol

[@darilekron4590]

Just a note that the orange outlet box that you used in the example of installing the outlet isn't to code for 110 volt, it is used for low voltage only.

[@tobyhaley2309]

🤔

[@marcberm]

Try to stick an actual 5-20P in there though and it's toast! 😂

[@soundspark]

And possibly the whole house.

[@nuclearknight8543]

Yeah, my cop buddy actually recommended these to me to catch my wife cheating on the inside and the outside of the house. Every single receptacle is going to have one in it. I have a electrician coming out this Tuesday while she’s at work to replace every single one of them. I just happen to stumble upon this video because I wanted to learn more about it. .

[@ProudDad1976]

Please be careful if the court finds you have done that it will make you look really bad and if you have children it could get much worse for you. AND Please do NOT install in any place where a person would expect a reasonable amount of privacy like a bedroom or bathroom. Actually, I urge you not to do this for your own best interest just do what the rest of us do, find a way into her phone, still not great but much better than this.

[@dansanger5340]

The most dangerous thing about this is that it was it was installed with a low voltage mounting bracket instead of a full high voltage junction box.

[@janetmerner3731]

What makes this illegal is there is no electrical box to contain sparks or arcing. You can't install this because the depth would prevent it from fitting in an electrical box.

[@ouzeir8439]

Wouldn't work in my home. We always keep an outlet cover on all empty outlets because I've got a bunch of younger siblings who'd hurt themselves without them.

[@RealSimpleThings]

It isn't illegal in your own home, except for rooms where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy (i.e. bedrooms, and bathrooms, typically). In most states you don't even have to inform people they're being recorded - in your own home. In these states all that is required is "single party consent." That means that so long as one person is aware there are recording devices, it's perfectly legal. These laws protect you from an unknown third party from recording you on your own property. In other states there are two-party or multi-party consent laws. In those states, you simply have to disclose, in an apparent place, that recording devices are in use. The smart thing to do is check your local laws and regulations before you purchase and install surveillance cameras. Beyond that, don't be an idiot; don't put cameras in bathrooms, or bedrooms, or any room where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy (i.e. places where most people dress/undress). I think what isn't clear in this video are the circumstances under which this is highly illegal. Primarily hotels, rented rooms, and other property that doesn't belong to you - installed by a third party who hasn't informed you you're being recorded.

[@jeremywhittington7605]

These hidden cameras are perfectly legal, and can even be installed in your workplace or other public location. The only reason they wouldn’t be allowed in a public place, is if that place is designated to provide a reasonable belief in personal privacy… like bathrooms, changing rooms and such.

[@BigDaddyJinx]

To be fair, these would be ideal in home security situations where crooks are looking for visible standard camera looking devices. If this were installed instead of a traditional camera, crooks wouldn't have the first notion to think that an outlet is recording them. However, if they are being used surreptitiously like as a genuine spying apparatus or in an Air BNB for example and no disclosure was made, then yeah this is a huge issue.