Security cameras are an essential part of business security systems. For any business that wants to keep an eye on activity on their premises, protect their assets, employees, and customers, security cameras are the first step in ensuring a secure workplace. But, what happens if your site suddenly goes out of power?

While some security cameras come with built-in battery power backup, it is not enough to last a prolonged outage or potential sabotage. This blog talks about Uninterrupted Power Source (UPS) power backup systems that provide long-term backup for security cameras.

What Is An Uninterrupted Power Source (UPS)?

An Uninterrupted Power Source or UPS is a device that provides backup power to your security cameras and other connected equipment in the event of a power outage, surge, or spike. It can keep your security cameras running in case there is no power, usually enough to record any suspicious activity or allow you to safely shut down your system. A UPS power backup can also protect your security cameras from damage caused by power fluctuations, which can shorten their lifespan and affect their performance.

Why Get UPS power backup For CCTV Cameras?

UPS power backup systems offer reliable backup to your security system, ensuring that your security has no gaps or loopholes. UPS power backup systems can provide multiple benefits for your security, which are the following:

Uninterrupted Video Surveillance

UPS power backup makes sure that your security cameras keep running even when the power goes out, to protect important video footage and to make sure that you do not miss any incident. Be it a construction site or an office complex, gapless coverage makes sure that there are no loopholes in security. UPS power backup systems offer long-lasting backups depending on the setup you choose.

Surge and Spike Protection

UPS power backup systems also act as a voltage regulator to protect your security equipment from electricity surges or spikes. During a surge, the security system shifts to UPS power backup, preventing the high voltage from getting to your cameras and other equipment.

Sabotage Protection

UPS power backup systems also prevent security system sabotage. Thieves might attack your power supply causing an outage that takes out your security CCTV cameras as well. UPS power backup systems keep your cameras running in case an event like this happens, recording footage throughout the outage.

Legal and Insurance Compliance

UPS power backup systems can also be a legal, organizational or insurance requirement. For construction sites specifically, UPS backup of upwards of 8 hours is an insurance requirement. Getting a UPS power backup system can also help comply with these standards.

Prevent Loss of Video Footage

When power goes out, some systems might not shut down properly causing footage to be lost. UPS power backup systems make sure that systems remain online, or at least have time to safely store footage and shut down before the system goes offline.

How To Choose The Right UPS Power Backup For CCTV Cameras

There are many factors to consider when choosing a UPS for your security cameras, such as:

  • The size and number of CCTV cameras and other devices that you want to power with the UPS power backupand the additional wiring that would be required in this case.
  • The wattage and voltage requirements of your security cameras and other devices. Ensuring a higher wattage system makes it future-proof in case your system expands to accommodate more cameras
  • The backup runtime and battery capacity of the UPS power backup system which determines for how long you require backup
  • The features and functions of the UPS power backup, such as LCD display, alarm, surge protection, etc.

Determining UPS power backup System Wattage And Backup

To determine the size of the UPS that you need, you need to calculate the total wattage of your security cameras and other devices that you want to connect to the UPS. You can find the wattage information on the labels or manuals of your devices, or use online tools to estimate it. For example, a standard camera may consume about 10 watts, while a network video recorder (NVR) may consume about 40 watts.

To account for future expansion, you should choose a UPS with a larger output watt capacity than your total requirement. For example, if your total wattage requirement is 200 watts, you should choose a UPS with at least 250 watts of output capacity.

To determine the runtime and battery capacity of the UPS, you need to consider how long you want your security cameras to operate during a power outage. The longer the runtime, the larger the battery capacity you need. If you want a longer runtime, you need to choose a UPS with a higher battery capacity or add external battery packs.

Features To Look Out For When Buying UPS power backup For CCTV Cameras

To determine the features and functions of the UPS power backup, you need to consider your preferences and needs. Some of the common features and functions of a UPS power backup are:

  • LCD display: This shows the status and information of the UPS, such as input and output voltage, load level, battery level, runtime, etc.

  • Alarm: This alerts you when the UPS is on battery mode, low battery, overload, or fault.

  • Surge protection: This protects your security cameras and other devices from damage caused by power surges or spikes.

  • Automatic voltage regulation (AVR): This stabilizes the input voltage and prevents overvoltage or undervoltage, which can harm your security cameras and other devices.

  • Cold start: This allows you to turn on the UPS power backup without any input power, which can be useful in emergencies.

  • Data line protection: This protects your security cameras and other devices from damage caused by surges or spikes on the data lines, such as Ethernet, coaxial, or phone lines.

UPS Power Backup for Security Camera Systems

There are many brands and models of UPS available on the market, but not all of them are suitable for your security cameras. You need to choose a UPS that meets your size, runtime, and feature requirements, as well as your budget and quality standards. Here are some of the best UPS for your security cameras that you can consider:

  • APC Back-UPS Pro 1500VA: This is a high-performance UPS that can provide up to 1500VA/900W of output power, enough to support up to 8 standard cameras and an NVR. It has a LCD display, an alarm, surge protection, AVR, cold start, and data line protection. It also has 10 outlets, 5 of which are battery backup and surge protected, and 5 of which are only surge protected. It costs about $200.

  • CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD: This is another high-performance UPS that can provide up to 1500VA/900W of output power. It offers much of the same features as the model above, but offers 12 outlets instead.

  • Tripp Lite SMART1500LCDT: This is a budget-friendly UPS that can provide the same 1500VA/900W output. The backup you get depends on the batteries equipped with the system.

The best way to get UPS backup for your security cameras is by consulting a security company that specializes in security systems, knows the power requirements and how to install and set up the system for maximum reliability.

Looking To Get UPS CCTV Cameras In Canada?

If you are looking to get UPS power backup CCTV cameras in Canada for your construction sites, office complexes, or any other business, Spotter Security has your back. WIth over 20 years of experience in serving multiple industries and securing businesses all across Canada, Spotter Security has the expertise to know all your business needs, and how to fulfill them.

UPS power backup is a vital component of your security camera system, as it can keep your security cameras running and protected during a power outage or fluctuation. Remember, a UPS is not only a cost-effective investment, but also a peace of mind for your business security.

gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==
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.

Contact Us

Free Up Your Time To Get Back To Your Most Important Work