An anti-theft or video surveillance system is only useful if it remains operational even when the power goes out. That is why the choice of backup power should never be left to improvisation.
Why a blackout must never shut down the system
A large portion of break-in attempts occur specifically by taking advantage of a power outage, whether real or intentionally caused by cutting the line. For this reason, industry standards (such as EN 50131 for intruder alarm systems) require a minimum autonomy guaranteed by the backup battery, which varies based on the security grade of the system and whether or not there is a connection to an alarm receiving center.
Internal batteries vs external power supplies
Modern alarm control panels and hubs generally integrate an internal rechargeable battery, sized to guarantee anywhere from a few hours to several months of autonomy in power-saving mode, depending on the model and the number of connected devices. For systems with greater autonomy requirements, or for peripheral sites such as empty houses and construction sites, control panels with dedicated battery power and dual SIM connectivity are used, designed to operate for months without a connection to the power grid.
How long a backup battery really lasts
The autonomy declared by a manufacturer must always be read in conjunction with the number of connected devices and the chosen operating mode. A control panel in "battery saving" mode can guarantee several months of autonomy, while the same panel at full power, with multiple sirens and detectors active, can reduce the autonomy to just a few weeks. For this reason, during the design phase, it is important to estimate the actual consumption of the system and not rely solely on the maximum declared value.
UPS: when an additional level of protection is needed
For systems that also include routers, PoE switches, and NVRs, a dedicated uninterruptible power supply (UPS) ensures that the entire network infrastructure remains operational during a blackout, not just the anti-theft control panel. This is particularly important for video surveillance systems connected to an alarm receiving center, where the continuity of real-time video transmission can make the difference in the event of an intervention.
Maintenance: a battery that isn't checked is a battery at risk
Rechargeable batteries degrade over time, progressively losing capacity. The most modern systems perform periodic automatic tests and provide timely notification when replacement is necessary, but it remains good practice to schedule a manual check at least once a year, especially for systems that have been installed for several years.
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