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.