Loadshedding has become a common issue that we all need to get used to. It has dire consequences that affect businesses’ operations, but the effects can also be felt for home security systems. There are, however, ways that you can maintain your home’s security even when there is loadshedding.
What is a home security system?
Home security systems are all the physical components required to ensure that a home is protected. The average home security system includes:
- A control panel
- Security camera
- Motion sensor
- An alarm or siren
Home security systems can secure entry points within the home, making it harder for a criminal to gain entry into your home forcibly.
How loadshedding affects home security systems
Many people assume that whenever they have loadshedding, then their home security system will be deactivated immediately. However, this is nothing but a myth. Though loadshedding is a disruption, it does not mean that loadshedding will disrupt your security system immediately by being deactivated. Whenever there is loadshedding, the alarm system will use its battery which is merely a back-up, to power the system. The battery can power the security system for a couple of hours if it is in good condition. Failure to do so might indicate that there is something wrong with the battery or the battery power is too low.
When you experience loadshedding, and the power comes back on, you should test your security system or battery to ensure that no damage has occurred. It would help if you did so because the sudden surge of electricity received when the power comes back on could result in the security system experiencing technical issues.
How to Keep Home Security System active during loadshedding
With loadshedding becoming our new reality, it is vital that we all take the necessary steps to ensure that we prepare our home security systems for loadshedding. Some of the tips that you can follow include.
- Conduct battery checks
It is important that you have ample time to prepare. Therefore, you must ensure that your home security system’s battery is in good working condition way ahead of your scheduled loadshedding time. Home security systems differ significantly, ensure that its alarm battery can provide you with six to twelve hours of back-up power. Still, it all depends on how many sensors the system has fitted and how sophisticated it is.
- Plan ahead for lengthy blackouts
People who live in areas that tend to experience lengthy blackouts should take measures to ensure that their security system is running even though there is no power. One of the ways that they can do this is by having spare batteries in stock. Having extra batteries in stock might seem like an expensive option, but batteries can be affordable, and it will also become easier to change them once you have the hang of it. Having another battery pack on hand ensures that you can even power up your intrusive LED lights for up to 40 hours during lengthy power outages without draining your alarm’s battery.
- Understand your security provider’s blackout rules
If you use armed response services, you should ask your security company if they have measures to prepare for power outages. This is because The South African Intruder Detection Services Association (SAIDSA) has regulations in place that relate to power outages that companies must comply with, so it is better to find out sooner so that you can prepare in accordance with this.
- Conduct alarm tests regularly
Testing your alarm system regularly is one of the most important things that you can do to prepare for loadshedding adequately. There could be potential issues that could arise due to frequent power surges. Alarm systems were not designed to be able to function when there is loadshedding for long periods. Loadshedding can also strain your battery which also affects its condition.
- Have enough light options
Light plays an essential role in protecting your home because loadshedding means that the lights will be off. It is necessary to have back-up lighting to reduce the chances of burglars breaking into your home. Candles are a popular lighting option, but they pose some risks like causing fires. Therefore, you can make use of battery-operated lights or solar-powered lights.
- Consider entrances
Whenever there is loadshedding, we might be unable to gain access into our homes. You should ensure that you have manual locks on electric gates as they can be opened easily when there is a power outage. It is recommended that you test your electric gate and doors regularly to ensure that there are no vulnerable areas that can be used to gain access by criminals.
- Secure surrounding areas
To ensure that your home security system is adequately prepared for loadshedding, you should implement some measures that will not fail. It would be best if you consider installing battery-powered motion sensor lights in your home’s front garden.
Conclusion
Taking the precautionary steps offered above will ensure that your home security system can provide you with the level of protection that you require from it even when you experience loadshedding.
Additionally, see Loadshedding Survival Guide – Alternative Energy Solutions for Your Home & Office.
