Power Protection FEATURED ARTICLE

The security systems that are in place to protect the places we work and live now more than ever rely on a dependable power source. Surveillance cameras, access controls, fire and smoke alarms, intrusion detection and communications systems are just some of the equipment that need this power. However, there is an underlying problem with power that continues to haunt every security expert and IT department head, it can go out at any moment without notice.

Everything from ordinary equipment failure to rodents chewing a power cable, to natural disasters can cause a power outage. Blackouts, brownouts and power fluctuations can also permanently damage the equipment. With that in mind, it is essential for administrators to deploy the necessary backup systems and protection to ensure critical security equipment will continue to get the power they need until services are restored.

According to Minuteman, provider of power protection products, electrical power outages, surges and spikes are responsible for more than $150 billion in annual damages to the U.S. economy. In addition to the monetary loss, issues of safety related to failed security systems can endanger the people they were designed to protect.

Installing an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is one of the best ways security firms can ensure the systems they have deployed will remain operational. This requires an understanding of the amount of protection a particular deployment needs.

The Minuteman UPS selection tool simplifies the process with a user interface that only requires the mouse on your computer. You can choose between UPS types, total load, input and output voltage, minimum and maximum runtime, and more.

Based on the information the selection tool provides, you can choose from the different UPS Minuteman offers. The solution can be a small intrusion and access control system or a large system loads and runtime applications for enterprises

The security power prep quiz from Minuteman also provides valuable insights on power protection for security applications. By asking if the power goes out, which security system components will require battery backup, or how much battery backup time is required for each security system are some of the questions that will help you determine in choosing the right system.

The technology to protect power supplies with UPS has been around for some time, but not all businesses use it. Whether it is a security system or the sensitive consumer electronics in our homes and businesses, power protection is mandatory.