Do Commercial Security Systems Work When the Power is Out?

Mammoth Takeaways:

• Power Continuity: Commercial security systems can continue functioning during outages by switching to reliable backup power solutions like UPS, battery backups, or generators.
• Backup Power Necessity: Having a backup power system is critical to keeping essential components such as alarms, access control, and surveillance cameras operational during power loss.
• Maintenance and Testing: Regular maintenance and testing of backup systems are crucial to ensure they work effectively during power outages, preventing lapses in security.
• Tailored Backup Solutions: The right backup power solution should be chosen based on the business’s specific needs, factoring in coverage area, security infrastructure, and available resources.

Technology has helped countless businesses protect their assets by providing the ability to watch over their locations through security systems.

Did you know that CCTV cameras alone are shown to reduce crime in business districts by around 10%

But how reliable is a security system when the power goes out due to an emergency? And how can business owners protect against a possible loss of coverage?

Understanding Commercial Security Systems

Security systems are the physical and digital workings that protect businesses from threats. These threats could be trespassing, vandalism, theft, or more. These systems feature a customized blend of different technologies to create an all-encompassing network of protection.

Types of Commercial Security Systems

One of the main benefits of commercial security systems is the ability to customize coverage to fit the unique needs of every business. There are several security system types for businesses to choose from:

Control Panel: This part is the heart of any commercial security system, connecting alarms, cameras, and sensors. It allows security teams to arm or disarm the system, receive alerts, and monitor activity, often through touchscreens, keypads, or mobile apps for easy remote access. Many modern systems use cloud-based platforms. In larger setups, control panels can manage multiple locations and integrate with access control and fire alarms, offering detailed reports and a centralized response to events.

Alarm Systems: Commercial alarm systems protect businesses from unauthorized access and security breaches by using sensors like motion detectors, door contacts, and glass break detectors. When triggered, these systems send alerts, often sounding an audible alarm and notifying security personnel or a monitoring service. Features such as panic buttons, silent alarms, and environmental sensors can provide additional levels of security. Integrating access control with video surveillance creates a smooth, automated security solution.

Surveillance Cameras: Cameras are key to commercial security, providing real-time monitoring and recorded footage. Businesses use various camera types, such as dome camerasfor wide-angle views, bullet cameras for long-range outdoor monitoring, PTZ cameras for remote control and zoom, and thermal cameras for low-light or night-time perimeter security. Many modern systems use IP cameras, enabling remote viewing and advanced features like motion detection, night vision, and AI-based analytics for identifying faces or unusual behavior. Footage can be stored in the cloud or locally, with easy retrieval of specific clips.

Access Control: Access control systems regulate who can enter and exit different areas of a business using keycards, fobs, biometric scans, or mobile credentials. Unlike traditional keys, credentials can be issued and revoked electronically, offering enhanced flexibility and security. The modern systems include time-based access, audit trails to monitor activity, and integration with video surveillance. These systems go a long way in not only improving security but also helping to keep traffic under control, protecting sensitive areas, and scaling as the business expands.

How Security Systems Operate during Power Outages

Most substantial security systems are hardwired into a building electrical grid. The reason for this being that a hardwired connection offers reliable constant power, so long as the grid itself is receiving power. However, power outages and blackouts due to weather or accidents can occur and when this happens, these systems switch to a backup power source.

Importance of Backup Power Solutions

Backup power is a necessity when dealing with any safety-related equipment. Afterall, a system that can’t be powered and function can’t offer protection.

How Backup Power Solutions Function

In case of a power outage, these backup power solutions step in to provide an additional power source. These solutions are temporary as they function off of a finite amount of stored energy that is available during an event.

Types of Backup Power Solutions

There are a few different options when it comes to selecting a backup power source:

Built-in Battery Backup: Found in devices like cameras or control panels, this provides short-term power during outages. It’s convenient but only lasts for a few hours. These backups are not for long-term use and are more for possible temporary drops in coverage.

Solar-Powered Backup: Uses solar panels to recharge batteries, ensuring power sustainability. It’s an eco-friendly option but requires adequate sunlight and higher upfront costs. This is not the most reliable option because of its dependence on weather and location.

Backup Generator: This is a fuel-powered system that kicks in during extended power outages. It offers long-term reliability but requires regular maintenance and fuel supply. Systems can be set to automatically switch to generator power to reduce downtime.

Communication Methods for Monitoring

Many commercial security systems also have a monitoring system attached for an extra fee. This monitoring allows for properties to be watched and protected even when there is no one on site. This means in the event of an electrical fire overnight, for example, the security operations center can be alerted by the system and request emergency services.

Note: Monitoring is a service separate from a device that has a recurring monthly or yearly fee for coverage. The service can connect to installed equipment to provide remote surveillance monitoring.

Cellular

This communication method works by transmitting data over radio waves via towers, like a mobile device. Not requiring wires makes the setup for these systems a bit more flexible, but they can also be subject to lag and interference due to several factors. One benefit is that cellular communication doesn’t rely on local internet or power to work, which can be a fitting choice for businesses in areas where power outages are common.

Landline

An older method, landline connections transmit security system information via phone wire. A benefit of this type is the fact that it rarely encounters interference. However, if there is a power outage that affects phone lines, it will become unusable.

Impact on Electronic Access Control Systems

If there is no electricity, any access control devices will not work properly. This is why it’s so important to have a backup battery or generator. Programmed door locks and access fobs won’t be able to perform their duties, which can create a problem for people trying to enter and exit the building. These electronic locks have two options: Fail-Safe and fail-secure. The first refers to locks that, when power is cut, will unlock to provide exits or entry. Fail-secure does the opposite, locking all doors in the event of an outage.

Vulnerabilities during Power Outages

A system without backup power or cellular monitoring may go offline in the event of a power outage. This means that all protective functions connected to the security system will be unable to perform their duties, leaving the premises vulnerable. This lack of functionality can lead to unauthorized entry, loss of surveillance recordings, and more. Essentially, the system will be useless.

Preparing for Potential Power Loss

Don’t be caught off guard in an emergency, plan during the installation or as soon as you can, to have a contingency plan in place in the event of power failure.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Security systems can be an interesting mix of equipment, especially if it’s one that has been updated or expanded. This can mean that some components are hardwired while other aspects may be wireless. The best idea is to hire a security specialist to do an audit of the system to expose any possible vulnerabilities. These trained technicians can also offer solutions to make sure the systems will work properly in a variety of situations.

Creating a Power Outage Response Plan

Creating a power outage response plan is all about keeping your systems up and running. Start by identifying which critical components, like alarms, access control, and cameras, need to stay active. Make sure all necessary staff and connected monitoring centers know their roles. Employees should know safety steps, evacuation procedures, and how to stay in touch. Security personnel can focus on monitoring backup systems and securing entry points, while the monitoring center should switch to backup communication if needed. Regular practice drills can help confusion when an outage happens.

Essential Security Measures for Enhanced Safety

Integrating Backup Systems with Existing Security

In the event that an existing and installed system doesn’t already have a backup power unit in place, it is still possible to install one. There are few after market and standalone solutions that can be implemented into existing frameworks. It’s highly recommended to use a licensed electrician to complete the work to ensure that the system is connected properly and to reduce the likelihood of electrical dangers and malfunctions. A security installation professional can also recommend which type of backup option may be best suited for the job.

Regular Maintenance and Testing Protocols

Regular maintenance and testing is the best way to guarantee proper functioning of any part of a security system. Issues that go undetected and unfixed can result in damaging the unit or affected device. All components should be visually inspected weekly to ensure they are free of debris or damage. Annually, a professional should be hired to do a full diagnostic and inspection of the system. This includes checking that backup batteries or connected generators are working and not experiencing any wear.

Selecting the Right Backup Solution

Factors to Consider for Backup Power Based on Business Needs

It’s important to choose a backup solution that fits the needs of your specific business. There is not one standard fit that works for everyone. Look at the expanse of coverage, the number of units in the security system, as well as the level of monitoring. This information will help you determine the appropriate size or method of backup for your needs.

Mammoth Conclusion

In conclusion, having a solid power outage response plan for your commercial security system is key to keeping everything safe during unexpected disruptions. By incorporating backup power options like UPS systems, battery backups, or generators, businesses can maintain continuous protection. Planning, regular maintenance, and ensuring your staff is prepared are all important steps that help reduce risks and keep your systems running smoothly, no matter the situation. These proactive measures will not only protect your property but also give you peace of mind, knowing that your security is ready for anything.