Security cameras can be a great part of an overall home security system, offering surveillance and crime deterrence. But if you ever need to unplug your security camera, you may wonder what happens then.
Don’t worry; in this blog post, I’m here to share the pros and cons of disconnecting a security camera and some tips to help minimize any risks.
Plus, I’ll suggest some solutions which work even when the power is out.
What Happens When You Unplug a Camera?
When you unplug a security camera, the camera will stop working regardless of the current operational mode. The camera’s internal power supply will be disconnected, and the LCD or viewfinder will go blank.
Depending on the type of camera, it may or may not store its settings and run again when the power is back.
Low-level cameras usually stop working until the cable or internet connection is plugged back in. In comparison, higher-end cameras may have a backup battery and onboard storage to continue recording even when there’s no electricity.
I have talked, and when the power goes out, most security cameras will stop recording. However, once the power is back on and the camera is synced back up, it’ll start recording again.
Read Related: Why Do My Security Cameras Keep Going Offline? [Reasons & Solution]
Note: Ensure that any photos taken with the camera have been saved to a memory card or transferred to a computer before unplugging the camera.
Unplugging Security Cameras: The Dark Side of Disconnection
- Disconnecting your security camera can leave your property vulnerable to intruders.
- It could disrupt the motion detection capabilities of your camera, making it difficult to spot any activity on your property.
- If your camera is connected to an NVR or network switch, disconnecting it could also disrupt the signal, making it more difficult to access footage in the future.
- Loose cable connections or a faulty PoE injector could also lead to video loss if a security camera is disconnected.
- Mounting security cameras to a metal or conductive surface can also cause them to lose power if disconnected.
- A lack of power supply could also result in data corruption, meaning footage or recordings will be lost forever!
Keep Your Property Secure: Security Camera Solutions for Power Outages
When the power goes out, your security cameras won’t be able to keep an eye on your property. Fortunately, some solutions can help you maintain surveillance even during a power outage.
Solution 1: Use Battery Powered Cameras
One of the best solutions to ensure your security camera continues to work even when the power is out is to use battery powered cameras.
You can even set up motion detection, so if something triggers the motion sensor, your camera will start recording without plugging into a power source.
Somehow if the camera gets unplugged, it’ll switch to battery mode and continue recording. However, battery life becomes an important factor here.
So battery operated cameras are a great way to ensure that your home or business remains safe and secure even when the power is out.
With its wireless HD camera, motion detection, and two-way audio, you can rest assured that your home is safe and secure. With its long battery life and easy setup, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that you’re always in the know.
Solution 2: DIY Solar-Powered Security Cameras
DIY solar-powered security cameras can provide an excellent solution when the power is out. These cameras require no external power and can take energy from the sun.
This makes them ideal for remote locations or places that experience frequent power outages. They are relatively easy to install, and you can use them to keep an eye on your property even when there’s no electricity.
In addition, these cameras capture footage in real-time, so you can monitor activity as it happens. Plus, since they are wireless, you don’t have to worry about unplugging them when the power is out.
Solution 3: Use UPS Battery Backup During Power Failure
Another best solution is to use an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). These battery-powered devices provide a short-term power supply when your primary power source fails.
This means that your connected equipment won’t be affected if there is an unexpected power outage. So that your security camera will continue to run. Also, some UPS offers surge or over-voltage protection, so your system will remain safe.
Keep in mind that UPS batteries are usually not designed for long-term power outages and should only be used as a temporary solution.
APC UPS Battery Backup and Surge Protector
With a 600VA Backup Battery Power Supply and a USB Charger Port, you can rest easy knowing that your electronic devices are protected from power outages.
Solution 4: Use Backup Generator When Power Is Out
You can consider investing in a backup generator to run your security camera continually. This will provide your home, office, or business with a reliable source of electricity when the power goes out.
While it may be more expensive than other solutions, it’ll give you peace of mind that your security cameras will always be running.
So a backup generator will be an excellent solution for you if you want to keep the security system running during power outages. This will ensure maximum safety and protection at all times.
In conclusion, sometimes it can be easy to forget to keep your security cameras plugged in. That’s why I’ve shared with you some tips on how to keep your home secure.
I suggest using a fully wireless security system or any power backup system, which will allow you to have a worry-free and secure home.
Although there are some cons to wire-free surveillance cams, the pros can outweigh the cons if appropriately used. So don’t take the matter lightly, and ensure you keep your home protected!
FAQs
If you unplug your Xfinity Camera, it’ll lose power and may need to be restarted. To safely shut down, you should unplug the power adapter from the wall outlet, wait 10 seconds, and then plug it back in. The camera will then automatically reconnect to WiFi.
If you unplug a Blink camera, it’ll enter a low-power sleep mode to conserve battery power. This will put the camera into “standby” mode. Depending on the device, you may receive an alert when the camera is unplugged.
If you unplug the power plug for your alarm system, it’ll power down. So that the system will no longer be able to detect any intrusions or send out alerts. To ensure the system is completely off, you should disconnect its backup battery if it has your device.
Unplugging a Ring camera will cause it to lose power and stop working. You will still be able to access stored footage from the cloud. Note that some cameras may need to be reconnected in the Ring app before they can start recording or streaming again.
