Using Wireless Internet CCTV to Detect Fire and Flood

Wireless internet CCTV cameras are more than just CCTV cameras. These cameras allow you to see your property from anywhere, over the internet.  More than this, they can be used to alert you not only to movement within the camera view, but also to emergencies like fire and flood as this article explains.

Most internet CCTV cameras have the ability to raise the alarm when motion is detected within the camera’s field of vision, giving you the chance to log in over the internet and see what’s going on.  However, many of the good quality cameras can raise the alarm when other events happen in the vicinity.  They do this by “listening” for signals that are sent from sensors when conditions change, for example in those extreme cases when there is a fire or flood, and by sending text messages or email alerts when such signals are received.

The type of sensor you use will depend on the type of event you want to protect against.  You could buy a heat sensor and set it to trigger when the temperature exceeds a certain level.  This could be used to detect a room becoming too hot, a freezer breaking down or a refrigerator getting too warm inside, for example.  You would use a moisture sensor to protect against flood.  This could be placed in a basement or near a washing machine.  Normal industry-standard sensors will work with all good makes of camera, but you should check the trigger voltage and wattage of each to make sure.  In all cases the sensor will send a change in voltage to the camera so that it can take action, as the next section explains.

To attach sensors to your camera, it needs to have a so-called digital input port.  Most of the reputable makes of internet CCTV camera have one.  Two wires are attached to connectors that make up the physical exterior of the port, and these wires run to the sensor.  The camera is programmed to recognize a change in voltage at its input port caused by a signal from the sensor, and to act upon it immediately.  Typically it will send you an email and also an instant SMS text message to your mobile phone or as many mobile phones as you choose.  You can then log in over the internet to see what is going on, and if necessary call the emergency services, all within seconds of your sensor detecting a problem.  Of course, it takes some technical work to get your camera working in this way, and you will need external service providers to handle things like sending SMS text messages.  If you don’t like the thought of setting this up yourself, I always advise getting a pre-configured camera and monitoring service from an internet CCTV provider.

Using wireless internet CCTV cameras in this way really broadens their role.  Seeing your home from wherever you are is just the start.  Attaching sensors and programming the cameras to act upon their alerts turns your camera into an all-round automated property monitoring system that keeps you informed about any problem in your property, within seconds of that problem arising.

Solar Powered Wireless CCTV (WCCTV)

We are seeing a boom in technology. New and intelligent gadgets are being made on a daily basis. One such invention is the wireless CCTV powered by solar energy. Wireless technology is the one the fastest growing technologies, it is very fast, easy and makes life a lot easier. And to combine this technology with solar power would be a great pairing.

Solar power is the need of the hour; with the environment’s future at stake, scientists are turning towards solar power as the next best option for clean energy. Solar energy is renewable and leaves no harmful by-products like carbon dioxide. It uses the power of the sun to generate electricity.

Practical Combination of Solar Powered Wireless CCTV

It makes a lot of sense to combine solar energy with wireless CCTV. Wireless cameras have to be running 24/7 to be able to give uninterrupted footage which is very essential for security. Running them constantly will give a very high electricity bill. Switching over to a solar-powered system will not only save costs, but it will actually pay for itself within a few years.

How Will It Work?

The cameras that are placed outside will be constantly charged by the sunlight. The cameras that are on the inside can be charged by a solar panel which is kept on the roof. A good battery back-up will ensure non-stop power supply, when the weather is cloudy or is raining and during night times. These batteries too will be charged by solar power.

Expenses

Granted, all of the things required for a good system are on the expensive side. But all of them are a one-time buy and money you save on the electric bill will pay for them. Not only will you be saving money, but you will also generate your own electricity.

Try It !

Best way would be trying the system. Place the solar-powered cameras that can be used outside, put them in places that give a good view of the property, and have direct sunlight. Run them for a month or so and then see the difference in the bill. If convinced, only then install the whole system, and start saving money and the planet together.

Wireless CCTV Technological Compatibility

Wireless security systems are high-tech and have all the latest functions that are required of a good security system. These systems are built to function using minimal electricity. Solar panels are large in size, but since not much power is required, the panels can be of practical size. Plus with more and more advancement, solar power generation has come forward in leaps and bounds.

Looking in Future

The future belongs to clean power. Governments are coming out with rules that support clean energies like solar power. They even offer tax breaks and credit points for such technologies. Having a solar power CCTV system will not only save money electricity wise but will also save your taxes.

Solar power and wireless systems are the thing of the future then why not have them now and be miles ahead of others.

Voltage & Amper Guide for your CCTV Camera

Voltage drop is a term that we hear about all the time in the surveillance industry. While many people talk about it and use the charts and calculators provided by different sources, I think a smaller amount of people fully understand the physics behind it. Today I want to give a quick review of the ideas behind voltage drop and then some practical tips for installing security cameras or any other equipment.
Equation

Here is the equation for Voltage Drop:

Voltage drop=( 2 * (length of run in ft.) * (resistance factor) *(current load in Amps))/1000

The length of the run is pretty simple; it is how long the cable is between the camera and the power supply.
The resistance factor is determined by the wire used and there is a chart in the NEC Chapter 9, Table 8 (rule of thumb, thinner wire will have higher resistance).
The current will be defined by the camera and will be found on the spec sheet.

Voltage Drop Example (300mA Security Camera)

Here is a quick example:  200 ft. run, 18 Gauge wire, 300mA camera
VD=2 *(200)*7.7 Ω *.3A/1000
VD=.924 V

Voltage Range

Cameras need a certain amount of voltage.  There is normally a range of ±10% of the rated voltage, so for this example we will say that a 12v camera can work in a range of 10.8v up to 13.2v (±10% of 12v is 1.2v). If a CCTV camera gets too much voltage, it will fry, and too little will not power it on.  So if the power supply is exactly 12V at the source, then it will drop .924V in 200ft and supply the camera with 11.076V, which is in the range of operation.

Voltage Drop

 One thing to remember is that the number for the voltage drop is not dependent on the supplied voltage.  So if a 12V camera loses 2 volts, it wouldn’t power on because that is a 17% loss, but if a 24V camera loses 2 volts, it will work because that is only an 8% loss.  So 24V cameras can run farther.

So the final test in for your setup is determining the Voltage percentage drop:

VD%=( VD/Source Voltage)*100

From our example above:
VD%=(.924/12)*100
VD%=7.7% (which is in the range)

If the proper power is not supplied to your CCTV equipment, it can cause it to lose signal or in some cases cause your camera(s) to fry!  Two essential things to consider include Voltage and Amperage.

Most of the below data concerning voltage and amperage can be considered for 99% of systems.  Cameras will usually use either a 24VAC or 12VDC current.

Basic voltage & amperage reference guide for proper power supply to your CCTV equipment.

Wiring Tips

All of this stuff is neat and I hope that is explains the science behind it all little more. Just remember:

Longer Run = more Voltage Drop
Thinner wire (higher gauge) = more Voltage Drop
Larger Amps (more powerful camera) = more Voltage Drop
Higher source voltage = Less Voltage Percentage Drop

For Installers

Final point, there are times in which installers have called in because a camera is not working and they claim that the wire is supplying enough volts. The problem with that is that they unplug the camera and connect a Voltmeter to the two wires. The Voltmeter has a very low amp draw, and will show less voltage drop because of that. Once the camera is reintroduced in the circuit, the voltage drop will change, making the measurement ineffective. So we need to run the numbers on paper to determine the drop.

Quick instructions on selecting a power supply:-

The only information you need to have in order to find the correct power supply for your device is the Voltage / Volts (V) and Amperage / Amps (A).

Voltage has to be an exact match. A 12V DC device needs a 12V DC adapter (10% toll).

Amperage is the amount of power your device uses. The adapter you order has to be able to supply AT LEAST the amount of Amps your device draws. If your device states it is 12V 3A, a 3A adapter can handle that load, but so can a 4A and 5A. The higher amperage (amp) power supply will not have to work as hard to handle a smaller load, and will run cooler and more stable. 

If the Amperage of your device is uneven, such as 3.13A or 4.16A, always round up. 3.13A rounds up to a 3.5A adapter, a 4.16A device will round up to a 4.5A or a 5A. 

If you match these two specification (V and A), the power supply will work for your device. 

Detailed Instructions:

In order to find the correct power supply for your device, you will need two pieces of information. These are Voltage (measured in Volts or V) and Amperage (measured in Amps or A). You can find this information off the back of the old power supply, or off the back of the device itself. If you do not find it on the device, you can check the manufacturer's website, or in the device's manual under "specifications".

Voltage:
All of the power supplies we sell are 12V DC. They take any input from 100V up to 220V AC, which is what comes out of your wall socket, and output 12V DC. This is what most digital devices such as LCD screens, DVD players, Hard Drives, Audio Gear, and most other digital devices use. We only carry 12V DC power supplies, so if your unit is not 12 Volt, you will not find the correct adapter here.

Amperage:
Once you have confirmed that you need a 12 Volt power supply, you will need to find out how much power your device draws. This is called amperage. Next to the 12V in the specifications there will be another number followed by a capital "A" for Amps. You will need a power supply that can supply enough power for your device. If your device says it draws 3 Amp (3A), you need to use a power supply that can put out at least that many Amps. If your device states it needs 3A, then you can use a 3A, or 4A, or 5A unit. All will work. 

If the Amperage of your device is uneven, such as 3.13A or 4.16A, always round up. 3.13A rounds up to a 3.5A adapter, a 4.16A device will round up to a 4.5A or a 5A. 

Connector:
All our power supplies have a connector that is standard for a 12V DC device. Most 12V DC devices use the standard tip. This tip is 5.5mm (outer barrel) by 2.5mm (inner barrel) and is center positive. It is a simple round barrel connector. To repeat, if you match the voltage and amperage, then you should not have to worry about the connector type accept in the rare occasion when your device has an unusual connector such as a double barrel, or a 4-pin, but these are easy to spot as the jack where the adapter plugs in will not be a simple circular barrel with a pin inside. 

Also Visit: http://arindamcctvaccesscontrol.blogspot.in/2013/01/camera-power-considerations.html