In the words of Batman “Atomic batteries to power! Turbines to speed!”. Batteries in your security devices and fire equipment are as important as the Batmobile’s batteries. In this blog we look at WHY.
Why do you need batteries in your security systems?
There’s several reasons why every security system, from intruder alarms to door access control systems require batteries in them. This includes:
- Backup power: In the event of a power outage, your intruder alarm will still be able to operate if it has backup batteries. This means that your business will remain protected even if there is no electricity for a short while or even a longer outage.
- Tamper resistance: Some systems, particularly intruder alarms, are designed to alert you if they have been tampered with. If the power to the alarm is cut, it may trigger an alert. Having backup batteries ensures that the alarm will continue to operate even if the power is cut on purpose or due to an outage.
- Portability: If you have a wireless intruder alarm system it will need batteries to operate. This is because it does not rely on a fixed power source, and can be easily moved from one location to another.
Does my intruder alarm have batteries?
In short YES!
It’s essential to have batteries in your intruder alarm system to ensure its effectiveness and reliability. They’ll keep your property secure, even in the event of power outages or tampering.
Has my CCTV got batteries?
This is interesting, there’s two types of CCTV systems: wired and wireless.
Wired CCTV systems do not typically require batteries because they are powered through a wired connection to an electrical outlet or power source. These systems may have backup batteries that provide power in the event of a power outage, but they generally do not require routine battery maintenance.
Wireless CCTV systems, on the other hand, require batteries to operate because they are not connected to a power source. If you have a wireless CCTV system, you can check if it needs batteries by looking for an indicator light on the cameras or receiver. If the indicator light is dim or not lit at all, it could be a sign that the batteries are low or depleted and need to be replaced. Additionally, some wireless CCTV systems may have a battery status indicator on the receiver or mobile app that displays the battery life of each camera. This allows you to monitor the battery life of each camera and replace the batteries when necessary.
If your CCTV has got a battery, whether it’s a wired system or wireless, and our team undertakes the routine maintenance checks for it we’ll always make sure batteries are checked and dated in the same way as we work with all systems.
Will my access control system use batteries?
Only in a power outage is the answer, it’s super important to ensure the best battery maintenance is in place for door access otherwise you’re going to be locked in or out of your building! Here’s why:
- Backup power: Like with intruder alarms, door access control systems need backup power in the event of a power outage. Batteries provide this backup power, ensuring that the system remains operational even if there is no electricity.
- Portability: Door access control systems are often wireless, and they require batteries to function. This means that they can be installed in a wide variety of locations, without the need for hardwiring.
- Easy maintenance: Door access control systems with batteries are typically easier to maintain than wired systems. You don’t need to worry about running wires or installing electrical outlets, making them a more convenient option for many businesses.
- Tamper resistance: Door access control systems can also alert you if they have been tampered with. If the power to the system is cut, it may trigger an alert. Having backup batteries ensures that the system will continue to operate even if the power is cut so your doors can still be exited from or entered through.
In summary, batteries are an essential component of door access control systems, providing backup power, portability, and easy maintenance. They are crucial to ensuring that your security system remains operational in the event of a power outage and maintains optimal performance.
How long do batteries typically last in security systems?
The lifespan of batteries in business security systems will depend on a number of factors, including the type of batteries used, the frequency of use, and the power demands of the security system.
In general, batteries used in all types of security systems can last anywhere from several months to several years. For example, backup batteries in intruder alarm systems may last between 2 to 5 years, while batteries in wireless door access control systems may need to be replaced every 6 to 12 months.
To get the most out of your batteries, it’s important to use high-quality batteries and to properly maintain them. This includes regularly checking the battery status and replacing them before they fail. Some security systems may also have features that alert you when the batteries are running low, allowing you to replace them before they fail.
It’s also worth noting that extreme temperatures can impact battery life. Batteries can drain more quickly in very hot or very cold environments, so it’s important to consider the operating conditions of your security system when estimating battery life. If our team are maintaining your systems then we’ll have a good understanding of the operating conditions and note that down in our system so we can do more regular checks than usual if the placement is in fluctuating or non-ambient areas.
In summary, the lifespan of batteries in business security systems can vary widely depending on a number of factors. It’s important to use high-quality batteries and properly maintain them to ensure optimal performance and reliability. JKE will never install anything other than the highest quality batteries in every security device, and if you take out a monitoring and maintenance contract with us you’ll never need to worry about your batteries because we’ll have it covered, a bit like Robin always has Batman covered.
Why do we date your batteries?
Our engineers will write the date of the battery installation just before connecting it up within your security system. Dating the batteries in your intruder alarm is important for several reasons:
- Monitoring battery life: Dating your batteries means we can track how long they have been in use. This is important because most batteries have a limited lifespan, and they will eventually need to be replaced. By dating your batteries, we (or you) can monitor how long they have been in use and replace them before they fail.
- Maintaining optimal performance: As batteries age, their performance may degrade, and they may not provide the same level of power as when they were new. By dating your batteries, you can ensure that you replace them before they start to affect the performance of your security system.
- Ensuring system reliability: Your security systems are a critical component of your business security system, and you want it to be reliable at all times. By dating your batteries and replacing them before they fail, you can ensure that your alarm system remains functional and dependable.
As you can probably tell JKE takes battery power very seriously, they are a key part of the functioning of many, if not all, of your security systems on your business premises and so it’s essential that:
- High quality fit for purpose batteries are installed
- They are dated when they are installed
- The date they are installed is recorded in a system
- Regular checks are conduction on the batteries in the system
- Batteries are swapped out before they fail and effect system performance
When was the last time you completed a battery check?
If you’re looking for a security company who takes battery power seriously for the security devices they install at business premises then drop us a message at marketing@jkesecurity.co.uk or call us on 0800 2545645