A security system protects your property against vandalism or theft. But what happens when a power outage takes shuts down your systems? An alarm system failure leaves your home or your business vulnerable to intruders.
Security systems require a lot of power. Cameras, alarms, communication devices, it all adds up! During a blackout, you need a contingency plan.
That’s exactly what a portable power station or solar generator can provide. There are plenty of options on the market capable of keeping your devices going short-term such as an Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS). But when the grid goes offline for an extended period, your security system will need more juice.
We’ve listed our top recommendations for the best backup power sources for security systems. Use the reviews to give you some idea of where you should invest your money.
It isn’t just power capacity that you need to look for in a backup power source, but other features and the portable power station as a whole. We have broken down our top 3 portable power stations below for you to review, listing their key features, specifications, pros, and cons!
The CloudEnergy LiFePO4 Battery 12V 300Ah 3.84kWh Deep Cycle is a powerful and reliable option for any security system. With a built-in 100A BMS and over 6000 cycles, this battery ensures a longer runtime and a 10-year lifetime, making it perfect for solar/energy storage systems, RVs, marine applications, and backup power. Its advanced technology and robust build make it a dependable choice for maintaining your security system during blackouts.
For those looking for a bit more voltage, the CloudEnergy 24V 150Ah 3.84kWh Deep Cycle LiFePO4 Battery is an excellent choice. This battery also features a built-in 100A BMS, over 6000 cycles, and a 10-year lifetime. It's perfect for solar/energy storage systems, RVs, marine applications, and backup power. The higher voltage makes it a versatile option for more demanding security systems.
The CloudEnergy 48V 100Ah Wall & Rack 2 in 1 Mounted LiFePO4 Lithium Battery is a highly versatile option, featuring a touchable smart display and mobile app for easy monitoring. With over 6000 life cycles and a 10-year lifetime, this battery is designed for various applications, including RVs, solar, marine, overland, and off-grid systems. Its wall and rack mounting options make it a convenient choice for both home and commercial security systems.
Now that we have taken you through our recommendations and why we think they’re so great, it’s time to walk you through our buyer’s guide. Listed below are some of the critical criteria we believe you should be looking out for when buying your portable power station so that you don’t make some avoidable mistakes.
It’s a big market, so it’s easy to get lost in terms you may not understand. We’re here to help!
The first thing to understand is the power rating or wattage, indicating how many devices your backup power source can handle. All appliances and systems have different wattages. You can’t power these systems with a portable power station unless its power output equals or exceeds the system’s wattage.
Systems like the CloudEnergy 48V 100Ah Wall & Rack Mounted LiFePO4 Battery also have expandable capacity, meaning you can purchase one portable power station but increase its power rating with additional batteries. It’s a great way to create a robust backup power system while saving money on buying multiple backup power units.
More often than not, it’s a good idea to purchase a portable power station that will provide you with more energy than you actually need. The additional capacity will serve as a safety net if you find you don’t have enough.
Portable power stations and fossil-fuel or solar generators vary enormously. Just because you see the word ‘portable’ in a product description doesn’t mean you’ll be able to carry it around without difficulty. Look at the CloudEnergy Portable Power Station and CloudEnergy 48V 100Ah—they are both portable but have a significant weight difference!
If you suspect you will need to move your backup power source around frequently, opt for a more lightweight design. A compact design will also make it easier to install in tight spaces or heights, like a home security system in the attic. It won’t pack the same power, but it may suit your needs better.
On the other hand, if you’re supplying backup power for a CCTV system for a business, school, government facility, or warehouse, you might need a more robust power backup source. Usually, size and capacity go hand in hand. Look for a larger capacity like the CloudEnergy 48V 100Ah Wall & Rack Mounted LiFePO4 Battery for commercial security systems.
All security systems operate differently, so make sure your chosen backup power source meets your specific needs.
The whole point of a backup power source is to provide you with energy when you need it most and, potentially, when you least expect it. A portable power station that needs extended periods to reach full charge isn’t practical for anyone — when it comes to your security systems, every second counts!
Look for portable power stations or generators that either recharge quickly or can supply your system with power while they charge simultaneously. You will have a far better experience and won’t need to worry about constant power maintenance when the backup power source isn’t in use.
When we say that you should be mindful of the price, we aren’t just inferring that you should stay within your budget. While that is the case, the more important thing is to not fall for subpar products just because they have an attractive price point.
You can find many backup power sources on the market that are priced lowly and promise to deliver enormous power, but there is always a catch, whether it’s a battery with a short life span or a poorly made body. It’s always better to invest in quality.
There you have it! Our complete guide to the best backup power sources for security systems. Protecting your property is of utmost importance, so you need a system you can rely on in any situation. Even the greatest security system is susceptible to blackouts, but the portable power stations we have recommended will keep your system running no matter what. Ready for an outage-proof security system? Shop CloudEnergy’s backup power stations today.