Power’s Out, Security’s On: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing CCTV for Sri Lankan Power Cuts
The Unsettling Silence When the Lights Go Out
In Sri Lanka, power cuts are a part of daily life. When the lights go out, so does the hum of your appliances, the cool breeze from the fan, and—potentially—the eyes watching over your home.
Most homeowners instinctively look for a flashlight or check their phone battery during an outage. But in the background, a more serious issue arises: has your CCTV system also gone dark?
For many standard CCTV setups, the answer is yes. The cameras stop recording. The recorder powers down. The Wi-Fi router goes offline. Your home becomes vulnerable just when it’s most likely to be targeted.
Opportunistic criminals are aware of these weaknesses. Some even plan their break-ins during scheduled outages or sabotage power lines before entering a property.
At Penta Technology Solutions, we design security systems that remain active when everything else shuts down. Here’s how you can ensure your security system stays online—no matter the state of the national grid.
Why Standard CCTV Systems Fail During Power Cuts
To protect your home reliably, it’s essential to understand where traditional systems fall short. Most CCTV systems rely entirely on mains electricity. When the power cuts, three key components stop functioning:
1. The Cameras
Whether wired or wireless, CCTV cameras require power to operate their image sensors, process video, and transmit footage. Without electricity, they can’t see anything.
2. The Recorder (NVR/DVR)
This is the brain of your system. It receives video feeds, stores them, and manages playback. Without power, it cannot record or access any footage—leaving a critical gap in your evidence trail.
3. The Internet Router
Even if your cameras and recorder are powered, your router must be on to send alerts or stream footage to your phone. A power cut severs your connection to the outside world.
The result? A complete breakdown in surveillance just when it might be needed most.
The Professional Solution: Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
The most reliable way to ensure continuous surveillance is through an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). It acts as a battery backup system for your entire security setup.
What is a UPS?
A UPS is more than just a backup battery—it’s an intelligent system that sits between your devices and the power outlet. It:
- Provides clean, stable power during normal operation.
- Instantly switches to battery power during an outage.
- Prevents devices from rebooting or losing data.
When the mains power cuts, the UPS kicks in within milliseconds—so fast your cameras, NVR, and router keep running without a flicker.
Why a Professional UPS Setup Matters
Not all UPS devices are created equal. The right setup depends on:
- Load Calculation: Total power draw from all your cameras, recorder, and router.
- VA Rating: Determines how much power your UPS can supply and for how long.
- Runtime Requirements: Do you need your system to last through a 2-hour scheduled outage, or withstand longer, unpredictable cuts?
At Penta, we calculate your needs precisely and install a professionally sized UPS that covers every component—cameras, recorder, and internet router—to maintain full functionality.
Battery-Powered Cameras: Pros and Limitations
Battery-powered, wire-free cameras have gained popularity for their simplicity. These cameras contain their own rechargeable batteries and connect via Wi-Fi.
Pros
- Easy to Install: No wiring needed.
- Portable: Can be placed anywhere within Wi-Fi range.
- Can Work During Power Cuts: The camera continues to function if its battery is charged.
Cons
- Router Dependency: If your Wi-Fi router loses power, these cameras cannot send alerts or stream footage.
- No Continuous Recording: Most record only when motion is detected, which may miss crucial moments.
- Battery Maintenance: Frequent charging is required, especially in high-traffic areas.
- Lower Durability: These are often consumer-grade devices not suited for critical security use.
Verdict: Battery-powered cameras can serve as helpful secondary devices indoors. But they are not recommended as your primary security solution in Sri Lanka.
Building a Power-Proof CCTV System – The Penta Checklist
When designing a reliable security system for power-cut conditions, Penta follows a strict design philosophy that ensures total resilience.
✔️ Professionally Sized Central UPS
One UPS powers the entire system—cameras, recorder, and router—for seamless functionality during outages.
✔️ Energy-Efficient IP Cameras
We select high-performance, low-power cameras from leading brands like Hikvision and Dahua to maximize UPS runtime.
✔️ Centralized Power Distribution
All cameras draw power from a single source, simplifying UPS integration and eliminating vulnerable power adapters.
✔️ Hardwired Connections
We use Ethernet cables for NVR-to-camera connections to ensure stable performance, especially when Wi-Fi may be unstable.
✔️ System Health Notifications
Advanced NVRs can notify you immediately when the system switches to UPS power, so you always know your home is protected.
✔️ Solar Options for Remote Areas
For gates or outbuildings, we offer solar-powered camera systems with dedicated battery storage—ideal for areas far from the main power grid.
✔️ Large Local Storage
Even if the internet goes down, your NVR continues recording onto a surveillance-grade hard drive for later review.
From a Point of Weakness to a Position of Strength
In Sri Lanka, a power cut doesn’t have to mean vulnerability. With a professionally designed CCTV system, it can become a moment of confidence.
While your neighbors’ cameras go dark, yours remain on—watching, recording, and alerting you in real-time.
Don’t settle for temporary solutions. A correctly sized UPS-powered NVR system is the only reliable path to 24/7 surveillance in Sri Lanka’s power landscape.
Contact Penta Technology Solutions today for a free assessment. We’ll design a system that stays vigilant—day or night, rain or shine, with or without power.
