How does a power outage affect the performance of video cameras? This is a question every user asks when they first start getting acquainted with video security and surveillance systems. Let's take a detailed look at this topic.

What Happens to Cameras When the Power Goes Out?

Let's start with the fact that all video cameras are electrically powered devices. Accordingly, they require a power source.

If a camera doesn't have an autonomous battery (built-in or add-on) and is connected to the mains, it will stop recording once the power goes out. If the camera is wireless, it may be able to keep working without electricity. Let's look at this in more detail.

Wired Cameras

Wired IP security cameras are typically mounted on a surface (a wall or ceiling) and connected to a power source. A second cable connects the recording device to a network unit, which also needs electricity to run.

A camera like this cannot function without power. That said, its firmware is often designed with power outages in mind. The solution is a small built-in backup battery. Thanks to this, the device can keep running for a short time (up to an hour) on stored power.

If the video archive is saved to a recorder (NVR/DVR), existing footage won't be lost during a power outage, but no new footage can be recorded.

If cloud storage is used, you also won't be able to access newly saved footage, since the “eye” of the surveillance system — the camera — has lost its power source.

Wireless Cameras

If a camera is powered by a battery pack, the device can operate without a connection to the mains. The ideal option is a battery that recharges via solar panels and includes a motion sensor. Cameras like these are worth using in locations with significant power issues or no electricity at all.

Cameras and Security Alarms

Will traditional alarm systems work without power?

Answer: A classic sensor-based security system will still function without electricity, but it's important to distinguish between the different ways it communicates with the monitoring center. These include:

•          Connection via phone lines, which don't depend on electrical power at all

•          Voice communication over an internet protocol connection, which does depend on power: no power means no connection, and ADT-style monitoring security is disabled as a result

•          Connection via cellular radio. Technology similar to that used in mobile phones lets the security system keep working regardless of a power outage. The only thing that matters is the capacity of the backup battery.

And how does a power outage affect integrated systems (video camera + security alarm)?

The answer depends on the type of camera used in the integrated system:

•          Yes, it will work, if the camera has a battery or a solar panel

•          No, it won't work, if the camera is plugged into an outlet via a cable

TOP 3 Solutions

How can you protect your home or business in the event of a power outage? There are several solutions for this, including a free one.

Solution 1: A Backup Power Source

The obvious solution is to buy a backup power source — a generator. Using a generator is what guarantees 100% camera uptime, even during a prolonged power outage.

This solution is especially relevant for private homes and public institutions, such as hospitals or clinics.

Solution 2: Battery and Solar Power

Battery-powered recording equipment can function both with and without electricity, providing round-the-clock protection for the property.

The best option is a camera with a battery that recharges using solar energy — for example, wireless cameras from iTech with a camera power unit and solar panel. That said, remote access and instant notifications aren't possible while the power is out.

Solution 3: Faceter

How can you get a video monitoring system that's minimally dependent on mains power?

Here's a solution: use two mobile devices (phones, smartphones, or tablets) together with the free Faceter mobile app. You can download the app from Google Play or the App Store, depending on your device's operating system.

For more on which phones work well for a mobile video system, see the article “Turning an Old Smartphone into a Surveillance Camera.”

How to set it up:

•          Install the Faceter app on both phones

•          Choose a plan — for example, the free “Basic” plan

•          Explore Faceter's smart features

•          Place one phone in the area you want to monitor, to act as the camera

•          Use the second phone as a monitor that's always on hand

The system is now ready to use. The only electricity you'll need is for charging the phones, which you can do using a standard 220V outlet, a power bank, or a car charger.

Conclusion

An IP camera powered by a battery can keep working during a power outage. Adding a solar-panel charger is another way to solve the problem. But the most cost-effective solution is to use two phones together with a dedicated mobile app and a free cloud storage plan. Take advantage of modern technology to protect your home and business — with Faceter.