PSIMay2019

PANEL
“With increased use,
as we have seen
across the security
portfolio, it is perhaps
inevitable that battery
operated surveillance
technology will
evolve. We are
already seeing camera
manufacturers claim
that battery life can be
up to two years”
26
(from previous page)
The increased popularity and attention
placed on surveillance products in the
residential market, especially with the smart
automation capability, follows significant
developments in commercial CCTV placement.
We are also seeing new opportunities
opening up to use of surveillance equipment,
whether it be to capture illegal dumping or antisocial
behaviour.
For motorists as well, uptake on surveillance
technology is increased to capture those using
mobile phones whilst driving or breaking red
lights. In these situations, battery / Bluetooth /
WiFi cameras will assist greatly.
So currently, battery operated surveillance
technology does not have the required
maintenance to allow for long term
‘professional’ programmes, relying heavily on
stretched personnel to change the batteries and
maintain longevity and quality. The issue is
compounded by the increased risk of tampering
and battery theft.
But with increased use, as we have seen
across the security portfolio, it is perhaps
inevitable that battery operated surveillance
technology will evolve. We are already seeing
camera manufacturers claim that battery life can
be up to two years.
After all, if you’d have asked if there would
ever be a battery powered car or motorbike that
could reach motorway speed, (or even get to the
motorway without running out of power,) the
answer would once upon a time have been ‘no.’
Now we have electric cars that can do 0-60 in
2.4secs and almost 200mph, and not even
mentioning Formula E!
Bill Hobbs – 3xLOGIC
Battery powered security
cameras are increasingly on
the radars of integrators and
end users – that said, their
suitability as part of an overall
surveillance system ultimately
depends on the application
they are being used for.
In domestic or small commercial premises
there’s no doubt battery powered devices could
be an appropriate solution, due to their low
initial cost and ease of installation. For
applications that involve life safety and/or
remote monitoring though, it’s likely that a
hardwired option would be required. When used
for alarm verification it is important that a
camera has ‘always on’ status and the
possibility of downtime due to a flat battery is a
risk not worth taking. That’s not to say that a
loss of mains power can’t affect hardwired
devices, although there are other ways to
mitigate that particular scenario.
Total cost of ownership is also an important
consideration, as replacing batteries can be
expensive and there is maintenance to consider
too. This includes regularly checking battery
status and the general condition of the device
itself. Over a short period of time this figure
might seem inconsequential but over the course
of many years it could negate any initial cost
savings against a hardwired system.
It is true that the trend for recurring revenue
makes the low initial purchase price of battery
powered cameras attractive to installers. It
means they can keep the time and costs
associated with deployment as low as possible,
and make profit more quickly.
Along with battery life, hardware security,
live view delays and video quality can be
significant issues, however, we must not dismiss
battery-based cameras out of hand, as they are
still relatively new. Many people had negative
opinions of wireless based internet protocol
systems when they first entered the market but
over the years they have improved and become
accepted – even by standards bodies. Battery
technology is advancing rapidly, led by the
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