Voltage Protectors for Security Cameras: Uninterrupted Surveillance

Security cameras are the feedback system of a security apparatus - watching out for doors and windows, patrolling the perimeters and providing evidence. And the eyes go dim when the voltage goes down. A brief dip will reboot the system, and lose some data. A sustained drop will damage the camera. For security, it's all about uptime. This piece highlights the need for voltage protectors in security cameras, and how to choose a product that will provide constant security.

Voltage fluctuations and variances are more critical to security cameras than many realise. Unlike industrial motors, IP and CCTV cameras are sensitive to voltage changes thanks to microcontrollers, image sensors and networking.

There are three power problems. Brownouts (under-voltage) reset or cause erratic performance from cameras, resulting in drops in video observation. Spikes (such as lightning), cause instant damage to power supplies and other components. Harmonic distortion and line noise distort the video and causes artifacts or degraded video. Outdoor cameras, subject to thermal stress, will fail faster with influence of spikes. A voltage protector is not a convenience; it's protection for your security investment.

Camera setups are different; and require different protection solutions. Understanding their benefits helps locate electrically-sized protectors.

Relay Voltage Regulators have electromechanical relays selecting transformer taps. They are fast (1-2 seconds) and medium power. Relay regulators are cheap for single (one) camera projects or small (up to 12) CCTV systems. But they create a "dead time" (or power outage) during the switching - acceptable for many types of cameras but not for recording equipment.

Servo Motor Voltage Regulators have a motorised auto-transformer. This produces continuous (rather than stepped) regulation that lacks discharge (there is no interruption of output), and is precise (typically ±3% or better). Servo regulators are ideal for video recording equipment in those security applications where video quality is of prime importance. But, they are a bit slower than electronic regulators.

The latest voltage regulators are SCR (Thyristor) Voltage Regulators. They are solid-state regulators that use silicon-controlled rectifiers and have millisecond response times. SCR regulators are maintenance free and silent. They are ideal where you are dealing with randomly high and low voltage spikes, like in industrial areas where you have a large amount of gear and/or where grids are unstable. In commercial, enterprise-scale CCTV systems with 10s-100s of cameras, the best protection is to use an SCR.

There are protectors for all types of cameras.

First is the power rating. Total the power consumption of all protected cameras, network video recorders (NVR) and switches. Add 25-30% for start up inrush and growth. IP cameras use 5-15 watts: 16 cameras and a network video recorder (NVR) require 200-300 watts.

Voltage regulation accuracy is the protector's regulation tolerance. Cameras can usually handle variations of ±10%, but ±3-5% will extend the cameras' life and prevent "resets". The most accurate voltage protectors are SCRs and servos.

Response time is critical. A slow response time of a serve voltage protector may lead to blocking of the circuits. It should be ≤ 50 milliseconds for relay protectors, ≤ 10 milliseconds for servo-return protectors and ≤ 1 millisecond for SCR protectors.

It's also possible to use Surge suppression capability as voltage protectors. Make sure you check the surge rating in joules (the higher the rating, the better). For outdoor cameras, a lightning-rated surge protector may be suitable.

For optimal voltage protection, consider voltage protector installation tips.

Location matters. Install the voltage protector as close to the power source as possible, but never in a dirty, wet or extreme temperature environment. For outdoor cameras with a distributed power system and a power source distribution panel, consider a protector for each connection, or a protected source in the power panel.

Match protector type to camera importance. For example, a perimeter camera overlooking a peaceful area may make do with a relay regulator. The high-end license plate camera at the gate requires SCR or servo.

Include the entire surveillance ecosystem. Power to cameras, network switches, video recorders and monitors should be through surge suppressors. All the power you want for a camera to a bad recorder does nothing.

Regular testing and maintenance. All voltage protectors have a short life. Measure the output voltage quarterly under load. Fuse protectors, if stressed or have suffered a large spike, should also be replaced.

We have over 20 years of expertise and 50,000㎡ manufacturing line to design and produce our own components including sheet metal and spray painting plants. Being the drafter of national industry standards and as well as a government "Industry Champion" - we incorporate latest software control in our voltage regulators - in order to offer local power consumption solutions. Our electrical products are the ideal counterpart to your security systems - for the SCR thyristor regulators for fast response, relay regulators for cost-effective protection or servo motor regulators for accurate and smooth voltage (including three phases for high-security large monitoring systems).

We need security cameras for the home, but we need security for our security cameras. Almost all power supplies are prone to voltage variations, but with the right protection, you can keep an eye on it. After all, understanding the threat, knowing what type of regulator to use, matching key specifications and following deployment guidelines will safeguard your cameras against any unexpected brownouts, power fluctuations and down times that can be brought on by surge, to view all the critical moments on camera. Call us today to find out which is the right voltage protector for you.