More Power to the Integrator

Find out how smarter power supplies are exceeding traditional devices as connected components that provide system diagnostics and alerts.

A good example of versatility in power management is LifeSafety Power’s Flexpower iSCAN “smart” power management system. It received a 2014 New Product Showcase award in the Tools and Hardware category from the Security Industry Association (SIA) at this year’s ISC West.

Don’t Blow It by Forgetting the Fuse

Sometimes, old and proven technology may be a better fit than newer solid-state electronic technology. When one looks at selecting power supplies, manufacturers will promote that their power supply has either a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) or fuses for overcurrent protection. In making this selection it is important to understand the pros and cons.

A PTC is actually a type of resistor that can act as a circuit breaker. When excessive current passes through it the resistance dramatically increases, which in turn opens the circuit. When the excessive load is removed the PTC declines and so does the protective resistance. Power supply experts suggest that the PTC may be better suited for battery, motor and heater protection. The circuit protection response time of the PTC could be as slow as 30 seconds. It may not respond fast enough to protect delicate electronic devices such as cameras.

A fuse, on the other hand, can open a circuit in a second, and has a more accurate load limit. This may be the better choice for protecting those delicate electronic devices. True, the fuse does have to be replaced when the problem is found. However, a service tech may still have to be dispatched in the case of a resettable PTC, as the problem circuit load would have to be removed and corrected for the PTC to auto reset.

Many manufacturers, such as Altronix, are now offering an alternative to the fuse versus PTC dilemma. These designs include electronically resettable current limiting, which can be superior to fuses or PTCs. This is a feature worth taking a serious look at implementing in your next project.

This category recognizes innovative products that support the installation and execution of a security product or system. That includes power conditioning, power supplies and battery products. It appears such smart power systems may set the trend for future solutions.

“As security installations rapidly transition to an IP framework, iSCAN offers Web-managed configurations that self-monitor and report the status and health of power supplies, batteries, and individual outputs through E-mail or SNMP,” says John Oliver, senior vice president of business development, LifeSafety Power. “These innovative and cost-effective power systems are agency listed and offer dealers new remote managed services through smart power communication and reporting, battery testing, IP communication, and more.”

Don’t Pardon Interruptions

Power failures can strike at any time and for many reasons. Research shows that electrical power outages, surges and spikes bring more than $150 billion in annual damages to the U.S. economy. Sags and brownouts account for 88% of all power problems. Every year, up to $164 billion is lost due to power interruptions and another $15 billion to $24 billion on account of poor power quality. Even though UPS technology has been around for some time, up to 60% of small businesses don’t utilize any power protection. Every piece of electronic equipment in your systems needs reliable power protection.

One popular UPS product choice is the Minuteman Power Technologies brand from Para Systems Inc. The supplier recently released Minuteman’s Enterprise LCD line of “interactive” UPSs. The new lineup meets Energy Star standards for efficiency, which allows custo
mers to see decreased utility costs.

Bill Allen, director of marketing for Minuteman, comments, “With savings up to 13% and the same great protection, it’s a win-win for standard runtime users whose applications do not require long battery backup times.” System features include line interactive automatic voltage regulation (AVR) and an SNMP communications slot for optional network management of the UPS.

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About the Author

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Bob is currently a Security Sales & Integration "Tech Talk" columnist and a contributing technical writer. Bob installed his first DIY home intercom system at the age of 13, and formally started his technology career as a Navy communication electronics technician during the Vietnam War. He then attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering and went on to complete a Security Management program at Milwaukee Area Technical College. Since 1976, Bob has served in a variety of technical, training and project management positions with organizations such ADT, Rollins, National Guardian, Lockheed Martin, American Alarm Supply, Sonitrol and Ingersoll Rand. Early in his career, Bob started and operated his own alarm dealership. He has also served as treasurer of the Wisconsin Burglar and Fire Alarm Association and on Security Industry Association (SIA) standards committees. Bob also provides media and training consulting to the security industry.

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