Why cameras fail during power cuts
Most security cameras run on mains power. When the electricity goes out, they go off โ right when you need them most. The solution depends on your setup and how long you need them to stay on.
Your options
Wired camera (most common)
Needs continuous power. If the power goes out, it goes off. Solution: connect to a UPS or power station with pass-through power.
Camera with built-in battery
Already has its own rechargeable battery. Stays on for months in motion detection mode. No power cut issue.
Solar camera
Self-charges with the sun. The most autonomous outdoor option. Immune to power cuts.
How much capacity do you need?
A typical IP camera uses 5โ15W. With that, you can calculate easily:
| Camera consumption | 100 Wh battery | 300 Wh battery | 500 Wh battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5W (basic WiFi camera) | 20 hours | 60 hours | 100 hours |
| 10W (outdoor PoE camera) | 10 hours | 30 hours | 50 hours |
| 3 cameras ร 10W = 30W | 3.3 hours | 10 hours | 16.5 hours |
Recommended solutions
Basic
UPS for 1โ2 cameras
โฌ40โ80
- Keeps cameras on 2โ6h
- Instant switchover
- Best for brief power cuts
- No configuration
โญ RecommendedComplete
300โ500 Wh station
โฌ200โ400
- 3โ4 cameras active 10โ50h
- Also powers router
- Rechargeable with solar panel
- Portable for farm use too
Ultimate
Solar or 4G solar cameras
โฌ90โ180 per camera
- No mains power dependency
- No possible outage
- Works anywhere outdoors
- Ideal for farms and rural
Frequently asked questions
A UPS has instant switchover (equipment never actually turns off) โ ideal for sensitive devices. A power station may have a small delay but offers much higher capacity and is more versatile. For cameras, both work well.
Yes. A domestic NVR uses 10โ30W. Add that to the cameras' consumption to calculate the total capacity you need.