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Outdoor security cameras are a must-have for businesses and homeowners. These cameras can help to deter crime and help you keep an eye on your property while you’re away.
However, if you’re using an outdoor security camera, you’ll need to make sure it has a continuous power supply to stay operational. However, if the camera is not properly powered, it will not be able to capture footage or send alerts.
These cameras can be powered in a variety of ways, depending on the situation. Some are wired cameras that require an external power supply, while others are wireless cameras that can be powered through the camera’s own battery.
In this guide, we will be discussing different ways in which an outdoor security camera can be supplied power.
How to Power Wireless Security Cameras?
There are three main ways to power wireless security cameras i.e battery power, solar panels, and wireless transmitters.
Batteries
The most common method these days is using replaceable or rechargeable batteries.
These cameras are usually equipped with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that can last up to three years. They are ideal as the battery will never run out, and you can recharge the camera’s battery anytime.
However, there are some disadvantages to using these battery-powered cameras. They are more expensive than regular batteries, and they cost more to replace.
Most battery-operated security cameras wake up on motion detection
But it has a big advantage that you can install it anywhere without worrying about how far the power source is. They can easily be replaced or charged making them easy to install and maintain.
Power Cord
Using a cord to power a wireless camera may seem contradictory but the term wireless complies with the wireless transmission of data. There are advantages to installing a wireless camera that uses power cables.
They are a perfect solution for someone who is not comfortable with changing batteries or losing data in case of a low battery.
There are many people who still prefer a wired power supply if they have a constant power supply and good wifi range near to your installation point.
Solar Energy
Solar panel technology allows you to collect solar energy and store it in batteries for long-term usage. It is an ideal solution for places or spots where constant power or replacing batteries can be an issue.
It is a truly wireless solution where a solar panel is attached to the camera so that the batteries get recharged using solar energy. It provides uninterrupted video surveillance as they get charged by the sun.
Wireless Transmitter
Although it is not as popular as other methods, it is being adopted by manufacturers lately. A wireless transmitter device draws power from an electrical power source and transmits it via an electromagnetic field to the camera.
All you need to do is keep the transmitter within the range of the camera connected to an electric outlet. It will keep transmitting power to the camera.
How to Power Wired Security Cameras?
PoE or Power over Ethernet
Are wired security cameras a thing of the past?
Not really, one may assume that wired cameras use outdated technology but that is not true. In fact, they have a huge advantage in a scenario where you have a multi-camera setup.
In the case of wireless cameras, each one has to be individually powered and can be quite cumbersome to maintain. But the PoE security cameras can be powered using a single cable and a PoE switch.
An ethernet cable acts as a source of power and transmits data. Up to 8 PoE cameras can be attached to a PoE system.
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