Integrate Systems against Power Problems

Integrate Systems against Power Problems

Security system installers must consider all the factors impacting success of a system to provide a more comprehensive value to clients.

Acompelling case can be made for how important security systems are in protecting facilities, assets, employees and customers, and few would disagree that investing in a comprehensive plan to secure a business is a wise decision.

Demand for home technology is growing, and homeowners might start with a trial DIY security experience. After challenging setup and maintenance, they’ll reach out to a security dealer, seeking service, support and expertise.

When problems with power, such as surges, spikes, blackouts, or brownouts occur, it is imperative that security systems go on unfazed. The prospect of protecting all of the systems involved can be daunting, but a granular approach can simplify the process greatly.

Power issues are growing, especially as homes with many large appliances and TVs, take on additional power draws like security cameras, sound systems, etc. These issues can be hard to detect, but could be noticed, for example in a TV room: When a mini fridge cycles on when an air conditioner is also running, you may notice that the lights flicker or dim. These fluctuations are damaging to equipment, as well as other issues such as electromagnetic and radio frequency interference, over/under voltage, ICE–inrush current, etc. that are also often present. Over time, they can damage equipment or lessen its lifespan.

There are seven critical areas that must be operational in the event of a power problem:

1.  Cameras & Recording Devices — Back up camera power supplies and recording hardware devices like: NVR or DVR with at least one hour of battery backup time from a uninterruptible power supply or UPS.

2.  Access Control — These systems typically have a low power requirement, meaning they can be inexpensively backed up with a small UPS that provides a significant amount of runtime. Once at least one hour of battery backup time from a UPS.

3.  Fire Alarm Systems — Power requirements for fire alarm and signaling systems are specified in the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code (NFPA). The code requires a system to have either two sources of power (primary and secondary) or a single Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). Where primary and secondary power supplies are used, the secondary supply can consist of batteries or batteries plus a standby generator. For a basic fire alarm system that uses primary power with batteries only as secondary power, the battery capacity must be sufficient "to operate the system under quiescent load (system operating in a non-alarm condition) for a minimum of 24 hours" and then still be able to operate "all alarm notification appliances" and all other connected loads for a period of five minutes. The code specifies that the net capacity be based on two different demand rates (quiescent and alarm) for two different durations (24 hours and 5 minutes). Your Fire Detection OEM can share battery calculation excels to ensure correct Voltage & AH.

4. Emergency Communications — Emergency communications systems (ECSs) used for mass notification or for in-building fire emergency voice/alarm communications service have the same 24-hour quiescent load requirement but require 15 minutes of full-load alarm capacity. This is because these systems are usually operated for longer periods during an emergency. They sometimes may be used for 30 - 60 minutes, but only under partial load as announcements are made to certain floors. They might then be called upon to operate under an increased or even full load for some period. The code requirement for 15 minutes of full load should be evaluated by the system designer in conjunction with a risk analysis to determine if a larger capacity should be provided.

5. Emergency Lighting — Functioning emergency lights with reliable backup power is required to comply with state building codes, fire codes, insurance standards, and OSHA standards. Emergency lights are standard in new commercial and high occupancy residential buildings.

A UPS battery provides power to the emergency lighting inverter to support the lighting load. Passive Standby static inverter emergency lighting systems are ideal for use with fluorescent and incandescent lighting.

6.   Intrusion Detection — The first line of defense against unauthorized access, these systems often include a small onboard battery; this can be effectively backed up with a small UPS for added protection.

7.   Telephone Systems — Communications in an emergency are critical, and backup of the telephone system is key to a complete security plan. This includes UPSs for both the main system, and workstations.

8.   Building Automation System — BMS is a computer-based environment that manages a building’s HVAC, ventilation, lighting, Fire Pumps, AHU, VRV and Plumbing etc. critical devices feeding the BMS including DDC should be supported by an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) that ensures continued operation in case of a power outage till two hours. Ideally, those UPS units should be remotely managed to ensure the best performance possible, but differing communication standards between systems have created some challenges for building system managers.

A complete security plan for any organization, whether it’s a business, school, or government entity, must focus on each area of the system’s requirements for power protection. With each piece working in harmony, the next power problem will not turn into a disaster.