Security camera systems are essential for protecting your property, assets, and people from intruders, theft, fire, and other threats. However, security systems are not immune to power outages, which can compromise their functionality and leave you vulnerable. That’s why you need a power backup plan for your security system, in case the main power source fails or is cut off.

This blog talks about the options you have when it comes to installing security systems to help you decide the right one for your business.

What is a Security System Power Backup?

A power backup system is a secondary power source that can keep your security system running when the main power source is unavailable. This power backup can provide power to your security system for a limited time to keep your cameras running, your access control functional and your alarms working. The time frame of the backup depends on the type of power backup installed and the capacity of the system.

Why Do Security Systems Require Backups

Power backup for security systems is required for several reasons, which involve technical issues as well as intentional sabotage. These are the possible reasons why getting a backup for your system is a good idea:

  • To prevent security breaches: If your security system loses power, it can no longer detect or deter intruders, who may take advantage of the situation and break into your property. A backup can keep your security system active and alert you of any suspicious activity.

  • To avoid false alarms: Security system power loss can trigger false alarms, which can annoy you and your neighbors, and waste the time and resources of the emergency responders. A backup can prevent false alarms by maintaining the stability of your security system.

  • To save money: Power loss can also damage your equipment and cause data loss, which can be costly to repair or replace. A backup can protect your equipment and data from power surges or fluctuations, and extend their lifespan.

  • To fulfill insurance requirements: Getting a backup for security systems can be an insurance requirement as well. Insurance companies can require UPS backup for CCTV cameras for up to 8 hours in case the power goes out.

Whatever the reason, it is a good idea to get a backup for your security system to make sure that your site always remains secure and protected.

What are different types of security system power backup?

There are four main types of security system backups:

  • Built-in Battery Backup
  • Solar Powered Backup
  • UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)
  • Backup Generator

Solar-Powered Backup

A solar powered backup is a backup that uses solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity, which can power your security system. A solar powered backup consists of:

  • Solar panels: These are devices that capture sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity.

  • Charge controller: This is a device that regulates the voltage and current from the solar panels, and prevents overcharging or undercharging of the battery.

  • Battery: This is a device that stores the DC electricity from the solar panels, and provides power to your security system when needed.

  • Inverter: This is a device that converts the DC electricity from the battery into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is compatible with most security systems.

Whatever the reason, it is a good idea to get a backup for your security system to make sure that your site always remains secure and protected.

Steps to install Solar-Powered backup on your site

To install a solar powered backup on your site, you need to:

  • Determine the power requirements of your security system, and choose the appropriate size and number of solar panels, battery, charge controller, and inverter.
  • Find a suitable location for your solar panels, where they can receive maximum sunlight exposure, and mount them securely on the roof, wall, or ground.
  • Connect the solar panels to the charge controller, and the charge controller to the battery, using wires and connectors.
  • Connect the battery to the inverter, and the inverter to your security system, using wires and connectors.
  • Test the solar powered backup, and monitor its performance and maintenance.

UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)

A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) is a power backup that uses a battery and an inverter to provide continuous power to your security system, even when the main power source is interrupted. A UPS consists of:

  • Battery: This is a device that stores AC electricity from the main power source, and provides power to your security system when the main power source fails.

  • Inverter: This is a device that converts the AC electricity from the battery into AC electricity that is compatible with your security system.

  • Transfer switch: This is a device that automatically switches the power supply from the main power source to the battery, and vice versa, when a power outage or restoration occurs.

Steps to install UPS on your site:

To install a UPS on your site, you need to:

  • Determine the power requirements of your security system, and choose the appropriate size and capacity of the battery, inverter, and transfer switch.
  • Find a suitable location for your UPS, where it can be easily accessed and maintained, and plug it into a wall outlet.
  • Connect your security system to the UPS, using wires and connectors.
  • Test the UPS, and monitor its performance and maintenance.

Power Backup Generator

A generator is a power backup that uses a fuel source, such as gasoline, diesel, propane, or natural gas, to generate electricity, which can power your security system. A generator consists of:

  • Engine: This is a device that burns the fuel and converts it into mechanical energy.
  • Alternator: This is a device that converts the mechanical energy from the engine into AC electricity.
  • Fuel tank: This is a device that stores the fuel for the engine.
  • Control panel: This is a device that controls the operation and output of the generator.

Steps to install Generator on your site

To install a generator on your site, you need to:

  • Determine the power requirements of your security system, and choose the appropriate size and type of the generator, fuel tank, and control panel.
  • Find a suitable location for your generator, where it can be safely and securely installed, and where it can receive adequate ventilation and exhaust.
  • Connect the generator to your security system, using wires and connectors, and to the fuel tank, using hoses and valves.
  • Test the generator, and monitor its performance and maintenance.

Built-in Battery Backup

A built-in battery power backup is a backup that is integrated into your security system, and provides power to your security system when the main power source fails. This includes the backup built in to your security cameras, alarm systems and more, that keep running when power goes out for a short while. This power backup however, depends on whether the batteries are charged, specifically for security cameras.

How to Choose the Right Backup for Your Business

Each backup system has their own pros and cons. Here is a comparison to help you decide. You can also consult your security company to see which one works best for you.

Factor Solar Powered Backup UPS Generator Built-in Battery Backup
Cost High initial cost, low operating cost Moderate initial cost, low operating cost Low initial cost, high operating cost Low initial cost, low operating cost
Capacity Depends on the size and number of solar panels and batteries Depends on the size and capacity of the battery, can be increased with larger/more batteries Depends on the size and type of the generator and fuel tank Fairly low, only for emergencies of a short duration
Durability Long-lasting, but sensitive to weather and damage Long-lasting, but has to be charged when power is available Short-lasting, but robust and reliable Long-lasting, but has to be maintained properly
Maintenance Requires regular cleaning and inspection of solar panels, battery, charge controller, and inverter Requires regular testing and replacement of battery, inverter, and transfer switch Requires regular refilling and servicing of fuel tank, engine, alternator, and control panel Requires regular testing and replacement of batteries when they go out
Environmental impact Eco-friendly, but requires disposal of battery and solar panels Eco-friendly, but requires disposal of battery and inverter Polluting, but requires disposal of fuel and generator Eco-friendly, requires no additional systems

To choose the right backup for your business, here are a few questions you have to ask yourself:

  • Your budget: How much are you willing to spend on the initial installation and the ongoing operation of the backup?
  • Your backup needs: How much power does your security system consume, and how long do you need the backup to last?
  • Your site conditions: How much space do you have for the backup, and what are the environmental factors that may affect the backup?
  • Your preferences: How important are the environmental impact, the reliability, and the convenience of the backup for you?

Based on these factors, you can select the backup that best suits your business needs and goals.

Looking For Security System Backup In Canada?

If you are looking to get a power backup system for security in Canada, Spotter Security has your back. With over 20 years of experience in the security industry, Spotter Security has helped businesses from various industries secure their site, protect their assets and safeguard their employees.

Spotter Security is your go-to security service provider to install UPS backups on your site to ensure that your system keeps running, complies with the stipulated requirements by insurance companies, and keeps you secure during an incident. Contact today to get a consultation on installing security systems backup for your business.

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Written by : Carlo Di Leo

At the age of 24, with no experience in the security industry or any money in the bank, Carlo quit his job and started Spotter Security from his parent's basement. Founded in 2004, Spotter grew from a single man operation into a multi-million dollar security system integrator that caters to businessess and construction sites across Canada.

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