FAQs - CCTV UPS
Common questions about UPS systems for CCTV applications including how to choose the best UPS technology and backup time.
Most CCTV cameras do not have their own power source or battery backup. They are powered by a DC (direct current) source supplied by a cental power supply (AC/DC) unit. The AC power supply is powered from the mains power supply and will simply cut-out if there is a power outage. By plugging the AC power supply into a suitable uninterruptible power supply, along with any associated security equipment such as an DVR/NVR camera recording system, a CCTV system can be kept running during a power outage, mains power failure or abnormal mains power event.
In most CCTV applications, the UPS simply provides emergency backup power to the CCTV cameras and recording device during a power outage. A Standby or line interactive UPS is typically used to provide short duration mains power cover lasting 5-30 minutes. This is generally enough runtime to protect from most power outage events. If a longer runtime is required, lasting several hours, the UPS must be oversized for the total load or a UPS installed with additional battery backup modules.
Most CCTV camera and security systems have low power requirements and a UPS sized from 500VA to 2000VA (2kVA) is commonly installed to protect the system. To work out the size of uninterruptible power supply required, list the Amps or Watts required by each of the devices in the system, typically the AC/DC power supply for the CCTV cameras and the DVR/NVR recording device.