How Power Problems Can Corrupt Your Security Solutions

By Scott Goldfine | October 25, 2011 | Comments (2) | Post a comment

Power loss can wreak havoc with any building system, including electronic security. Photo via Flickr (thewoodenshoes).

They say power corrupts but for security systems it's a lack of power that corrupts. All the latest and greatest products, systems and technology is fantastic, but it ain't worth a plug nickel without the electrical energy required to maintain operational integrity. Power loss is an omnipresent threat for any electronic device but one that is too often misunderstood or disregarded. In addition to major outages, other problems such as surges, voltage sags and momentary outages can wreak havoc with any building system, including security. Both naturally occuring and manmade, these issues jeopardize communications, IT systems and electronic components.

According to Frost & Sullivan, every year 72 percent of U.S. businesses are affected by power quality that interrupts critical operations. The Electric Power Research Institute pegs the annual cost to the U.S. economy due to power interruptions between $104 to $164 billion; plus another $24 billion lost due to poor power quality phenomena. And for various reasons the grid is being pushed to the limit more and more each year. As a security systems contractor, you need to make sure your clients are prepared for these challenges lest you look bad. In essence, you need to provide security for the security system.

Fortunately, there are many relatively easy and sensible solutions security providers can deploy for their customers with compelling return on investment (ROI) cases seal the deal. I recently hosted a Webcast with Bill Allen, director of marketing for Minuteman Power Technologies addressing this important topic in great detail. The session outlines the challenge and offers plenty of solutions. Again, it may not sound like the most sexy part about security but it is critical and so I urge you to give a listen here: Making Sense of Power Protection Solution in Security Applications.

Scott Goldfine

Read more about: Installation, Management, Project Management, Systems integration, Technology, Training

Review / Comment

The funny thing is most security technicians have no idea how to deal with this power quality issue. This problem is becoming more of a common problem than you think. Most technicians try to combat this problem using surge suppression. The thing is, surge suppression does on see this problem to react to this issue caused by a voltage drop and a current rise. Surge suppression only gets excited by over voltage not under voltage. What affects this issue on security systems might you ask? Back up Generators, brown outs, loss of phase, inductive loads, like a bunch of HVAC systems all coming on at the same time all cause voltage drop or black out as well as a current rise not to mention Utility issues. In South America it is mostly a Utility issue, but here in the U.S., more and more of these issues are caused in industrial and commercial settings and getting worse by the year as technology continues to evolves. Comment via SSI's LinkedIn page.

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John Pecore
October 26, 2011

You are so right Scott, but Minuteman is still a virgin in this area. Their UPS are great and can handle the issues (only with power), but the cost for them are a bit much for the technology they offer. Minuteman only address the issue using their AVR UPS, but that is all......Most of these areas are challenged in the CCTV and Access control plug in areas. They don't answer the call for power monitor plug-in for burg power supplies, or hard-wired units for assisted living facilities for fire that have their own backup, nor do they have the technical competence to provide trouble shooting for complete power quality and surge protection related issues. They have several years to catch up in that area usually making the same mistake as companies such as Dytek or Edco. They would have to hire someone like me that have met this challenge over ten (+) years ago. There is so much more that MinuteMan has not done yet. Also the mind set of technicians and competition, their prices are way out of line. If someone needed a product comparable to a Minute Man 1500VA Rack mount, I can offer one at $300.00 or a tower at $145.00, but I also offer coax protection, RJ31X protection, DSL attenuator, zones, bells, horns, extender, NAC, 420 mil amp, Wiegand, power monitors and so much more including a ground filter the prevents a feed back loop up case ground which I have also installed inside UPS per request. There is so much more.

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John E. Pecore
October 26, 2011

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Author Bios

Scott Goldfine

Scott joined SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION in October 1998 and has distinguished himself by producing award-winning, exemplary work. A Western Publisher Association's Maggie Award winner, his editorial achievements have included blockbuster articles featuring major industry executives. Since graduating in 1986 with honors from California State University, Northridge with a degree in Radio-Television- Film, his professional endeavors have encompassed magazines, radio, TV, film and more.

Rodney Bosch

Although Bosch’s name is quite familiar to those in the security industry, his previous experience has been in daily newspaper journalism. Prior to joining SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION in 2006, he spent 15 years with the Los Angeles Times, where he performed a wide assortment of editorial responsibilities, including feature and metro department assignments as well as content producing for latimes.com.