CCTV or Closed Circuit Television is a tool used to record the surrounding situation or environment. CCTV is usually installed in public places such as malls, supermarkets, offices, schools, traffic and project areas. Apart from that, CCTV is also used in private homes or apartments to increase security and monitor the activities of family members.
But what happens if the power goes out? Does the CCTV stay on and record video? The answer depends on what power source is used to power the CCTV. If the power source is electric, of course the CCTV will turn off. But if you use a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), a kind of battery as a backup power source which is usually placed in the DVR, the CCTV can remain on even when the lights go out.
What is UPS
UPS is a piece of hardware that has the function of providing electricity to electronic devices when the main voltage (PLN) experiences problems or is not functioning. In the UPS device there is a battery that stores electric current and can function to replace the main electric current from PLN.
UPS is usually used as a backup power source for various electronic devices with a short back-up time, but can only be used for a certain period of time. For CCTV, a UPS device is usually placed in a DVR or Digital Video Recorder to help the DVR device store and process recordings from CCTV cameras for some time while waiting for the power to return.
Is It Important to Use a UPS for CCTV
Because by using a UPS, you can prevent CCTV from turning off when the power goes out. This is very useful for maintaining security and monitoring the surrounding situation. If the CCTV is off, then you will not be able to see what is happening around you. You also won't be able to see whether there has been a crime, theft, fire or other dangerous things.
Apart from that, using a UPS can also prevent damage to CCTV devices. If CCTV suddenly turns off when the power goes out, it can cause damage to the camera, cables, connectors, DVR, or memory. This damage can result in CCTV not functioning properly or even being permanently damaged.
How to choose a UPS for CCTV
There are several things you need to pay attention to when choosing a UPS for CCTV, namely:
Power capacity
You need to know how much power the CCTV device requires. You can see it on the label or product specifications. Choose a UPS that has a power capacity that matches or is greater than the power required by your CCTV. If the UPS power capacity is too small, the UPS will not be able to turn on the CCTV. If the UPS power capacity is too large, then you will waste power and money.
Back up time
You need to know how long the UPS can provide electricity to the CCTV when the power goes out. This back-up time depends on the battery capacity and power required by your CCTV. The larger the battery capacity and the smaller the power required by the CCTV, the longer the back-up time the UPS will have. Choose a UPS that has sufficient back-up time to support your needs.
Additional features
You can also consider additional features offered by the UPS, such as LED indicators, sound alarms, overload protection, short circuit protection, high voltage protection, low voltage protection, etc. These features can help you monitor the condition of the UPS and CCTV devices. Choose a UPS that has additional features that suit your needs.
Other Alternatives Apart from Using UPS
There are several other alternatives besides using a UPS to prevent CCTV from turning off when the power goes out, namely:
Generator or genset as a backup electricity source
A generator is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy using fuel such as gasoline, diesel or gas. Generators can provide large and stable electrical power for CCTV and other electronic devices.
Excess
- Can provide large and stable electrical power for CCTV and other electronic devices.
- Can function for a long time as long as fuel is still available.
- Can be used in various places and weather conditions.
Lack
- Requires high operational costs to buy and fill fuel.
- Produces air and noise pollution that can disturb the surrounding environment.
- Requires routine maintenance to maintain generator performance and durability.
Solar Panels or solar panels as an alternative electricity source
Solar panels are devices that convert sunlight energy into electrical energy using photovoltaic cells. Solar panels can be an environmentally friendly, cost-effective and easy-to-install solution for CCTV and other electronic devices.
Excess
- It is an environmentally friendly, cost-effective and easy-to-install solution for CCTV and other electronic devices.
- Can produce clean and renewable electrical energy from sunlight.
- Can function for a long period of time without requiring battery or fuel replacement.
Lack
- It depends on the weather and the intensity of sunlight, so it cannot function optimally at night or when it is cloudy.
- Requires a large space for installing solar panels, as well as the right direction to face the sun. Requires additional batteries to store the electrical energy produced, as well as a controller device to regulate the voltage and electric current.
Power Bank or portable battery as a backup power source
A power bank is a device that can store and release electrical energy using lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries. Power banks can be a practical, cheap and easy to carry solution for CCTV and other electronic devices.
Excess
- It is a practical, cheap and easy to carry solution for CCTV and other electronic devices.
- Can store and release electrical energy using lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries which have a large enough capacity.
- It can be used in various places and weather conditions, and can be easily recharged using a charger or adapter.
Lack
- It has limited power capacity, so it cannot function for a long time.
- Susceptible to damage due to heat or impact, so requires good protection when used or stored. Requires frequent recharging, as well as a controlling device to regulate voltage and amperage.
In the face of the possibility of a power outage, the use of a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) is important to keep CCTV operational. UPS provides a backup power source so that CCTV remains on and recording video when the power goes out. Apart from UPS, other alternatives such as generators, solar panels and power banks can also be considered to ensure CCTV remains functional in emergency situations. In this way, security and environmental monitoring are maintained, so that CCTV remains useful and effective.
