FAQ: Home Security Camera & Surveillance Power Backup
Last updated 2026-08-25
A security system that dies during a power cut is no security at all. This FAQ explains how a Lithium Battery UPS keeps cameras, door access, and NVR recorders working through an outage, how long it lasts, and how to avoid the “night-time blackout gap” that burglars rely on.
1. Why do my security cameras go offline when the power fails?
Cameras, the network video recorder (NVR), door-access controllers, and the network switch all run on mains power. When the power cuts, they stop recording, the camera feeds go dark, and your remote viewing app shows “offline” — exactly when you need them most. A UPS keeps this equipment powered, so recording and alerts continue through the outage.
2. What size UPS do I need for an NVR and cameras?
A typical home security setup — an NVR plus four to eight cameras — draws roughly 60–120 watts. The High Idea Power ET2K is rated at 2000 VA / 1600 W and carries a 48 V 20 Ah lithium battery, giving generous headroom for the recorder, cameras, a switch, and even a small access-control lock. Always check the actual wattage printed on your NVR and camera power adapters.
3. How long can it power my security system?
Because the ET2K’s battery stores about 960 watt-hours, a 100 W security setup can run for several hours on a full charge. That covers overnight outages and most grid failures. If you need a full day or more, a larger battery from the High Idea Power LD48 series can be added to extend runtime.
4. Why is lithium better than lead-acid for security?
Lithium batteries deliver more usable runtime for their size and weight, recharge faster, and do not need the topping-up that lead-acid batteries require. The LD48 packs are rated for about 1600 charge cycles, so a lithium-based security UPS keeps performing for years with no maintenance. For a system that must work every night without supervision, that reliability matters.
5. What is the “security gap” and how does a UPS close it?
The gap is the window during a power cut when lights, locks, and cameras are all off — the time burglars exploit. By keeping the NVR and cameras powered, a UPS closes that gap: recording continues, alarms still fire, and you can check live feeds from your phone. For extra peace of mind, pair the UPS with the SmartUPS cloud card so you get an alert on your phone the moment the power fails.
6. Can I get a remote alarm when the power goes out?
Yes. With the High Idea Power SmartUPS cloud card, the UPS pushes an alarm to your phone app or WeChat automatically when utility power fails, when the battery is low, and when the power returns. You will know about an outage even when you are away, so you can check your cameras and plan accordingly.
7. What should I watch during installation and wiring?
Place the UPS indoors, away from moisture and direct sunlight, in a spot with airflow. Plug the NVR, cameras, and switch into the UPS outlets, and keep cables tidy so they cannot be pulled out accidentally. Do not connect high-power devices such as heaters to the same UPS. Test once a month by switching off the mains and confirming the cameras keep recording until power returns.