One of the most common questions asked by homeowners thinking about installing a home security system is "will my security system work when the power is out?"
And the simple answer is, it depends on the security system that you have. So maybe the answer isn't always that simple. However, wanting a security system that works around the clock regardless of the circumstances is what every property wants, right?
So, if you're unsure on which security systems continue to work during a power outage, you can find out here with IDS Security Systems!
Usually, when there is a power outage, security cameras do tend to stop working. Whether they've been installed for recording purposes, motion-detecting or sending push notifications to an external device, if there is a loss of power, these will cease to operate. However, if your cameras are battery-powered and don't rely on power from the electric mains on your property, they will continue to work and carry out their intended purpose.
One more important point to remember is when security cameras stop working as a result of a power outage, the security system itself is not able to send data since the network is unavailable. This may mean you cannot access the camera remotely.
Despite this, options do exist that enable your security system to continue working throughout a loss of power. Here's what you can do:
- Install Battery-Powered Cameras - As we have mentioned above, utilising battery-powered cameras within your home security package will enable this part of your system to continue working. Remote access may still be unavailable as a result of other parts of the network being down, but the camera itself will continue to perform as it should.
- Use Solar-Powered Cameras - Working in the same way as battery-powered cameras, solar-powered cameras are also another option when it comes to security systems that work during a power outage. Instead of using a battery as a source of power, these cameras use power gathered from the sun's energy to continue working. This is a more modern and sustainable approach to security system power and has even inspired various homeowners to create their very own solar-powered security cameras.
- Using a UPS for Additional Power - An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) in a surge protector that gives homes emergency power during a power outage through pre-stored energy inside a backup battery. Simply connect the UPS to your multiple security devices, and if the power was to ever cut out, it will begin to supply your security system with backup power.
When it comes to other components of your security system such as alarms, these act differently than cameras as they connect with the system's monitoring centre differently. If your alarms use phone lines or cellular radio to communicate to your system's router, a power outage will have no effect. However, if your alarms use Voice over Internet Protocol to gather and send data, then a power outage will stop them from working as the internet network will be broken down.
If you're looking to install a high-quality home security system that will continue to work through a power outage, IDS Security Systems can help! We supply, install and maintain bespoke home security solutions to match your needs. Learn more about how we can help you below.
Our Home Security Systems >
