How to Calculate UPS for CCTV System
If you are looking for a guide on How to Calculate UPS for CCTV System, then you have come to the right place. This blog post will show you the step-by-step process on how to calculate the UPS for your CCTV system.
This guide will discuss how to properly size a UPS for a CCTV system. Electrical power systems and their associated loads, especially ones with critical applications, should always incorporate some form of backup power in case of an unexpected power outage. Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) are an essential part of many security systems, providing both battery backup power in the event of a mains electrical outage and also surge protection against sudden increases in voltage caused by lightning strikes or other power-related issues. The correct sizing and selection of the UPS is vital to ensure the system runs smoothly throughout its life cycle.
The amount of battery capacity required for any given CCTV system or any other load is influenced by several factors such as: operating temperature, total current drawn from the batteries, availability of battery charging outlets and UPS efficiency rating among others. This guide will provide information on how to calculate and size each individual component in order to come up with the best overall solution for your project.
What is UPS?
Uninterruptible power supply (UPS), also known as a battery backup, is a device that supplies electric power to connected equipment when mains power fails. In the case of a mains failure, a UPS takes over as the main source of electricity, providing protection to valuable equipment and ensuring the smooth running of critical operations.
The UPS provides three key functions – it can protect against brownouts or momentary voltage sags in the mains, it can provide surge protection for electrical spikes and transients, and it can provide backup energy in case of an extended outage. The longer the duration of the outage, the larger capacity battery is necessary for adequate backup power.
For CCTV systems to remain operational during any type of outage or interruption, a UPS typically needs to be able to support enough wattage hours for an average camera load running at 12V DC and 5A (which is roughly 60 watts). Calculating how much wattage hours you need from your UPS depends on two factors – the total number and type of CCTV cameras you are using plus their average amperage draw together with how long you expect your cameras will need to remain powered in case of an extended blackout.
To calculate wattage hours/battery capacity needed: multiply your camera’s total amperage draw (5A x 12V DC) by the number of cameras times how many hours you want them to stay powered (60 watts x 10 cameras x 8 hrs = 4.8 Kilowatt Hours). Depending on these factors, a basic CCTV system may require anywhere between several hundred watt-hours up hundreds kWHr of battery capacity.
Calculating UPS
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is a critical component of a CCTV system. The UPS is used to provide backup power for the cameras in case of a power outage. This can help ensure that the CCTV footage is not lost. Calculating the UPS for a CCTV system can be a difficult task. And it is important to get it right to ensure the safety and security of your premises. In this article, we’ll discuss the process of calculating UPS for CCTV systems.
Calculate the total wattage of the system
When considering the power requirements for a CCTV security system, the total wattage is one of the most important factors. This total wattage includes both the cameras and their accessories such as pan-tilt, motorized zoom and any other peripheral components. The total sum of all these loads is known as the Total System Wattage or UPS (uninterruptible power supply).
To measure the total system wattage, first determine how many power supplies are in use. Multiply the current rating of each one by its voltage rating to get an individual component’s wattage. Then add up all these component wattages to get your total system wattage. Some CCTV systems also use DC power supply instead of an AC-to-DC converter, so factor that into your calculation as needed. Also consider that a marginal level of excess capacity helps protect against overloads in case additional accessories are added.
To calculate your total estimated watts required for your CCTV security system you need both voltage and current information listed on each component datasheet or website specification page along with its operating temperature range taken into account for good measure. Many security camera systems today provide monitoring video streams over Cat 6 Ethernet networks so you need factor network related components such as switches and routers into your equation as well if applicable. Also be sure to take lighting fixtures into consideration when computing Watts requirements if that’s part of your set-up to best understand what type of UPS unit will fit your needs from both a voltage and amperage perspective.
Calculate the total current of the system
Knowing the power requirements of a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) system is crucial when calculating the necessary Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) needed to back up the system. In addition to providing emergency power when there is an interruption of utility power, UPS also protect equipment from data spikes and over voltages. The following steps will help you calculate the total current of your CCTV system and determine the correct UPS for your needs.
The total current of any CCTV system can be found by adding together all individual device currents, as well as any additional surge protective components that may be part of the setup. The first step is to list each camera’s current draw – this information can usually be found in the camera’s documentation or in its product specification sheet. The total current for each camera should then be multiplied by its operating voltage – typically 12 volts DC or 24 volts AC – to determine its wattage consumption.
Next, list any additional surge protection components that are part of your CCTV setup, such as an automatic voltage regulator (AVR). By combining these parts and their corresponding wattage ratings, you can arrive at a total figure for your entire CCTV system’s off-load current draw in Watts. This number must then be converted into Amps by dividing it by the standard operating voltage used in the project (either 12v or 24v).
By taking into account all components that make up a CCTV system’s power requirements, it is possible to calculate the necessary UPS that will adequately back up and properly protect this type of electronic equipment. To ensure uninterrupted operation during a power outage, it is important to select a UPS with enough capacity to handle both initial surge currents and long-term load requirements.
Calculate the total VA of the system
To calculate the total VA of your CCTV system, you need to know the power requirements for each component. Most equipment will have the power requirements listed on its label. If not, you should contact the manufacturer for information. You also need to factor in any addition components such as illumination or a surge protector for lightning protection.
Once these power requirements are calculated and added together, this is your total VA (or Volts-Amps) requirement for your system. This is the key number used by UPS manufacturers with their other formulae to work out how much battery backup time you should need in an emergency.
If you’re unsure what size of UPS is appropriate for your system, it’s best to seek advice from a qualified Electrician/CCTV engineer who can offer professional guidance tailored to your specific installation needs.
Calculate the total battery capacity
In order to accurately calculate the total battery capacity for your UPS system, you need to understand how power output from a battery can vary. As a general rule of thumb, when calculating battery capacity, you should add one hour of run time for each amp-hour that your batteries can output. This means that the total capacity of your batteries will be determined by the amount of current and voltage that are stored by the batteries in a given hour.
Table of Contents
The power supply plays an instrumental role in the operation and functionality of a CCTV system. In essence, it provides the electricity needed for the cameras and other associated devices to operate, acting as the lifeblood of the system.
The main purpose of a power supply is to convert the high-voltage alternating current (AC) from the power grid into low-voltage direct current (DC) that most CCTV cameras require. This transformation of electrical energy is vital as it ensures that the CCTV cameras receive power that is suitable for their operation, thereby preventing potential damage caused by incompatible voltage or current levels.
Furthermore, power supplies play a significant role in maintaining the stability and quality of a CCTV system. A power supply that provides consistent and clean power can help minimize issues such as image distortion or signal interference, which could potentially affect the reliability of the CCTV system.
A high-quality power supply also contributes to the longevity of your CCTV system. By providing the right amount of power and protecting the cameras from power surges or fluctuations, the power supply can help extend the operational lifespan of the cameras, reducing the need for costly replacements or repairs.
In addition to providing power to the cameras, the power supply can also cater to other devices in the system, such as recorders or network switches, especially in cases where Power over Ethernet (PoE) is being utilized.
Understanding Voltage, Current, and Power in CCTV Systems
CCTV systems’ performance is highly influenced by three electrical properties: voltage, current, and power. Grasping these concepts is essential for anyone setting up or maintaining CCTV systems. Let’s delve into these critical elements and explain how they influence the functionality of your surveillance system.
Voltage
Voltage, often denoted by the letter ‘V’, is the electrical force that pushes electric current through a circuit. It’s akin to the water pressure in your plumbing system. In CCTV power supplies, the voltage level needs to match the voltage requirement of your CCTV camera for it to function properly.
Current
Current, denoted by ‘I’ or ‘A’ for amperes, is the rate at which electric charge flows past a point in a circuit. Simply put, it’s the volume of electricity flowing in the circuit. The current rating of your power supply should be equal to or greater than your camera’s current requirement to avoid overheating or damaging the camera.
Power
Power, denoted by ‘P’ or ‘W’ for watts, is the rate at which energy is transferred in an electric circuit. It’s calculated as the product of voltage and current (Power = Voltage x Current). The power rating of a CCTV power supply must be enough to cater to the power demands of your CCTV system.
Here’s a simple table summarizing these concepts:
Understanding voltage, current, and power is the first step towards calculating the power requirement of your CCTV system, which is crucial when choosing an appropriate power supply. These fundamentals can help prevent system failure and maximize the efficiency and lifespan of your CCTV system.
Calculating Power Requirements for a 20-Camera CCTV System
To calculate the power requirements for a CCTV system, we must consider two primary factors: the power requirement per camera and the total number of cameras. The power requirement of a CCTV camera is typically provided by the manufacturer, stated in watts (W).
Let’s consider a common scenario: each camera requires 12 volts (V) of DC power and draws 500 milliamps (mA), or 0.5 amps (A), of current.
Here’s how you’d calculate the power requirement:
- First, you need to calculate the power requirement for a single camera. As mentioned above, power (P) is the product of voltage (V) and current (I), which can be written as: P = V x I. For our example, the power requirement per camera would be: P = 12V x 0.5A = 6 watts.
- Next, multiply the power requirement per camera by the total number of cameras in your system to get the total power requirement. For a 20-camera system, this would be: Total Power = 20 (cameras) x 6W (per camera) = 120 watts.
So, in this scenario, you’d need a power supply or multiple power supplies that can provide at least 120 watts of power for your 20-camera CCTV system. Always consider a power supply with a bit more capacity than required to account for potential additions in the future or any inaccuracies in your calculations.
Home Products Electronics Electricity Power Supply Distribution Switching Power Supply
Shenzhen Anqishun Technology Co.,ltd
DC12V 20A 16Channel CCTV backup power supply TYPE:SIHD1220-16CBD
Details : Use of efficient, environmental protection switching power supply circuit frame Optimization of the shape and structure to facilitate the construction systems Small ripple noise.- video output signal more stable, clearly images Splitter output.- by-pass failure to protect other equipment to work Power protection.- Output over-voltage protection, over-current protection, short circuit protection
Battery over-charging protection,over-discharging protection,anodecathode wrong connect protection Battery low-voltage alarm,AC failure alarm,Overload buzzer
Individual power supply can be used for a single camera, we provide central power supply for multiple cameras. You can have from 4 to 16 power outputs for cameras. Installation with central power supply looks nicer.
The SIHD1220-16CBD is a CCTV power center engineered to manage remote camera and accessory power requirements. This distribution module is designed with 16 individually fused outputs for powering up to 16 CCTV cameras and accessories. It will provide 12volt DC via distribution to 16 fused outputs with a total of 20 Amps continuous supply current.
The SIHD1220-16CBD power center is housed in the premium lockable heavy gauge metal enclosure.
It has battery backup function when power off. (2pcs 12V 17AH Battery MAX)
Input voltage:AC 190-240V Frequency:50-60Hz output voltage:DC 12V output current:20A
ripplenoise less than 100mV
efficiency higher than 85%
battery undervoltage protection:10V
Weight : 6.2kg Dimensions : 395285165mm
Package : 3pcs/ ctn CTN SIZE/CBM : 530310440mm/0.07cbm NW : 17kg GW : 20kg
EXW PRICE:76-86USD Payment Terms: T/T,Western Union
Delivery Time: 15-20 days after advance/full payment
Step 10: CCTV Software
I am having real trouble finding some decent free CCTV software so this page will be updated when I do!
At the moment i am running iSpy Connect as a free trial. It only allows you to view cameras over the same network via their quite poor website. On the other hand it does support continuous time lapse recording with i think is a must-have feature.
ManyCam is a great utility that lets you use one video capture device with many applications. This way you can install as many software packages as you require to fit your needs.
For basic camera streaming WebcamXP is pretty good but does not on its own support recording. So using ManyCam will allow you to stream through webcamxp and record through iSpy Connect. Best of both worlds!
Video Patrol 5.0 is a package I am currently looking at testing.
If anyone has any software they would like to reccomend or think i should try out, please leave a comment!
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Комментарии и мнения владельцев
Very nice setup ! There’s just one slight improvement i’d suggest. When wiring such a battery bank in parallel, it’s better to run the negative and positive wires in opposite directions. This distributes load better across the batteries.Otherwise the front one tends to work more than any other and will eventually fail earlier. ( Although this might not bea a significant concern since your setup doesn’t power anything most of the time ).
Great work!
Thanks for the tip! Will bear that in mind if we ever need to rewire the battery bank. Have pleanty of spare SLA’s to drop in if one does fail though.
I did this, but with a very important Step.
As I Noticed, all cameras DVR itself runs over 12VDC. I ran Heavy gauge Automotive wires to cameras DVR directly off battery (With fuses of course). That way you skip the power hungry inverter as well as stupid AC-DC transformers rectifier. The Efficiency of system goes up good 50~60%. Try it!
Great post guys. I’m looking to build one of these in the next few weeks for a CCTV system. I would also like to back up an internal light in the house do you know if this is possible using your system? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
If you’ve used linux before try Zone Minder http://www.zoneminder.com/
a very powerful open source linux CCTV software.
With a extremely large range of features.
I am running Windows at the moment but i would like to give zoneminder a try, might set it up in a virtual machine and see what its like
Thanks for the interest Chris
Why not just try VLC player? as u r using a standard video device the EasyCap I think that should be a good enough software for your use.
Thanks for this, especially for the relay info.
Regarding your video software.
I use yaw cam, has quite a few nifty features like streaming, motion capture, etc. works with both USB and IP cameras. Have had issues though setting it up with DVR cards so not sure how easy it would be to use with EazyCap
Did your inverter have an auto low-voltage shutoff? I need to find one that doesn’t have that feature so I can get maximum output.
you could simplify this further and cut out the expense of a video capture card by simply using a USB webcam and an active USB extension if required tho webcams arnt usually waterproof but im sure you could quite easily make a waterproof enclosure. the video from either cam set up could also be encoded with adobe flash media live encoder or Windows media live encoder along with sound from a microphone if required and saved on your hard drive as well as being streamed online and viewed remotely via a website url, though for this you would need to purchace a domain and have some sort of server to service this which you could probably set up on your own pc and isp as the bandwidth draw for 1 viewer would only be small but if you paid for an external server you could also archive the stream remotely online so even if someone breaks in and steals your pc and all your survelance equipment you will still be able to recover the video evidence 😉 and you can check on your property anywhere in the world where you have an internet connection and with the correct set up you could even view it on your mobile phone. and of course anyone you give the url to could also check on your property and of course if you have multiple cams you could connect these to manycam and set the encoder up to stream from manycam and best of all all the software ive mentioned is free for personal use 😉 tho this does require some technical knowledge to set up but i could hook you up with a friend who could provide this service as well as a remote server and bandwidth 😉