How to Set Up Alarm In/Out Function on Reolink Camera

Reolink cameras with I/O alarm ports are designed for smart integration with external alarm devices. With built-in alarm input and output interfaces, these cameras enable advanced automation, allowing your security system to respond to events in real time. This article will explore how to configure the I/O alarm ports and achieve seamless integration with your Reolink camera for smart, responsive alarm linkage.

Applies to: RP-PCB8MZ

What Is Alarm In/Out?

The Alarm In/Out function allows the camera to interact with external sensors and devices. These ports support various configurations for smarter alarm triggering and system integration.

• Alarm In (Input): Receives signals from external triggers (e.g., door contacts, PIR motion sensors, smoke detectors). For example, when a smoke detector senses smoke, it sends a signal to the camera via the Alarm In port to trigger recording or alerts.

• Alarm Out (Output): Sends signals to external alarm devices (e.g., sirens, flashing lights) when an alarm is triggered. For example, when the camera detects motion, it can activate a connected siren or strobe light through the Alarm Out port.

Use Cases for Reolink Camera Alarm In/Out

The I/O alarm interface on Reolink camera enables flexible integration with external devices. Typical use cases include:

• Small-scale projects that need simple, single-point alarm response without using an NVR.

• Integration with third-party systems like access control, lighting, or external sirens to build a unified security solution.

• Fast emergency response, such as triggering lights or sirens during intrusion or fire events.

• Smart linkage, e.g. triggering recording or notifications when a door opens unexpectedly.

This makes the Reolink camera a powerful choice for intelligent and responsive security setups.

How to Set Up Alarm Input/Output on Reolink Camera

• Alarm Input

  Step 1: Wiring the Alarm Input

  Connect your alarm input device (e.g., smoke detector or magnetic door sensor) to the IN and GND (G) ports on the camera. Use a screwdriver to loosen the silver screw on top of the green terminal block—this will lower the metal clamp inside the corresponding port. Insert the wire from your alarm input device into the port, then tighten the silver screw to securely fasten the wire in place.

  • Some Alarm Input devices require power, while others do not. If needed, use an external power supply.

  • The maximum supported voltage/current is 12V / 1A.

  • Polarity is not required, it doesn't matter if the wires connected to the IN and G terminals are reversed.
    

  Step 2: Configure Alarm Input on Reolink NVR

  On the Reolink NVR monitor (RP-PN8 / RP-PN16):

  Note: Currently supported only on professional series NVRs (RP-PN8, RP-PN16), with VMS Client support coming soon.

  1. Go to Settings > Camera > IO Configuration > IO Input

  2. Choose the Alarm Status:

     • Normally Open (NO): Default is open; triggers when closed.

     • Normally Closed (NC): Default is closed; triggers when opened.

  3. Optional: Enter an Alarm Name for easier identification.

  Example:

  • Smoke Detector: You want the camera alarm to trigger only when smoke is detected. Since smoke detectors usually keep the circuit open and close it upon detecting smoke, set the Alarm In to Normally Open so the alarm triggers when the circuit closes.

  • Door Sensor: You want the camera alarm to trigger when the door opens. Since door sensors usually stay closed when the door is shut and open when the door opens, set the Alarm In to Normally Closed so the alarm triggers when the door opens.

  Step 3: Set Surveillance Rules for Input Trigger

  1. Go to camera Surveillance Rules > add New Rule.

  2. Name the rule and define an alarm schedule: Set the active time period and choose whether to repeat it daily or on specific days of the week.

  3. Under When detecting, select I/O Input.

  4. Choose the desired actions under Perform the following actions:

     • Trigger Alarm Output (if available)

     • Activate Camera Siren

     
  5. To enable other alarm responses such as camera recording, push notifications, email alerts, or FTP uploads, enable the corresponding alarm and go to its Alarm Daily Schedule and make sure Input is selected.

  All configurations are now complete! When the Alarm Input is triggered, the camera will respond based on your settings — such as sounding the camera built-in siren, activating the Alarm Output device, recording to the NVR, or sending push notifications, emails, or FTP uploads.

• Alarm Output

  Step 1: Wiring the Alarm Output

  Connect your external alarm device (e.g., strobe light or siren) to the OUT and GND (G) ports. Use a screwdriver to loosen the silver screw on top of the green terminal block—this will lower the metal clamp inside the corresponding port. Insert the wire from your alarm output device into the port, then tighten the silver screw to securely fasten the wire in place.

  • Some Alarm Output devices require power, while others do not. If needed, use an external power supply.

  • The maximum supported voltage/current is 12V / 0.5A.
  • Alarm Output devices typically have polarity and must be connected with correct positive and negative terminals.
    

  Step 2: Configure Alarm Output on Reolink NVR

  Note: Currently supported only on professional series NVRs (RP-PN8, RP-PN16), with VMS Client support coming soon.

  1. Go to Settings > Camera > IO Configuration > IO Output

  2. Set the Alarm Output Channel:

     • Normally Open (NO): Default is open; triggers when closed.

     • Normally Closed (NC): Default is closed; triggers when opened.

  3. Optional: Name the alarm output.

  4. Set Continuous Alarm Duration (how long the device remains active).

  Example:

  • You want a warning light to remain off normally and only turn on during an intrusion.
    → Set Alarm Output to Normally Open.

  Step 3. Link Alarm Input/Camera with Alarm Output

  1. Go to camera Surveillance Rules >add New Rule.
  2. Name the rule and define an alarm schedule: Set the active time period and choose whether to repeat it daily or on specific days of the week.

  3. Under When detecting, check I/O Input (if available) and select any specific alarm conditions (e.g., person detection) to trigger the output device.

  4. Under Perform the following actions, select output.

  All configurations are now complete. Once the conditions set in the “When detecting” section are met—such as the camera detecting a person or vehicle, or the Alarm Input being triggered—the Alarm Output will activate accordingly.

Your Reolink camera is now ready for smart, responsive alarm integration with real-time external device interaction. If you have any questions, feel free to click "Submit a request" below to contact Reolink Support.