Give Your Standby Power Practices a Jolt

It is critical for security systems integrators to map out power supply locations In large-scale deployments, as many are overlooked during a preventative maintenance visit.

In large-scale campus deployments, mapping out power supply locations – including the devices they support – is critical. Oftentimes, many are overlooked during a preventative maintenance visit, due to poor location planning or because they are installed in areas that may not be readily accessible to receive preventative updates. Make sure your customers are wary of plug-in, 120VAC transformers that may be used to power the power supply itself; these can be overtaxed easily. Always request a dedicated, 120V circuit – preferably with UPS or surge protection, when available – to support all the security-related hardware.

Networked Functionality Fuels Next-Gen Potential
Many commonly used “power supplies” are undergoing a transformation to become more like Internet reporting appliances, opening up a new world of possibilities. These include capabilities to report real-time, critical information via E-mail or text when issues arise. The next generation will incorporate remote diagnostics that can be used to more accurately anticipate when a device is starting to fail; or, when a locking mechanism is beginning to show signs of stress, end users can elect receive E-mail or SMS messages directly from the power supply warning issues like a charging circuit that may be failing.

Preventative maintenance will evolve, becoming a more virtual inspection. Real-time load testing will be achieved using advanced, remote diagnostics software, saving the need to roll trucks for every inspection. This will lower end-user operating expenses and create an archive of information that can be readily accessed for regulatory reporting.

RELATED: The Shocking Truth About Power

The industry will also see a consolidation of power supplies by category. Traditionally, supplies were and still are listed by use, often leading to multiple power supplies installations in a single closet. The next generation will likely be modular and cross-capable of supporting multiple system types, saving dramatically on hardware and wall space.

As the industry approaches this digital transformation from analog power, customers can receive real-time access to information to make better decisions in times of crises … and integrators will have yet another potential hosted service to offer.

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About the Author

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Bob Stockwell pens Security Sales & Integration’s “IT Intelligence” column, which covers network security. He is Chief Technology Officer for Stanley Security.

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