Don’t let load shedding compromise security

BLUE Security has had many queries from concerned clients wanting to know whether their alarms will be affected during load shedding.

According to Blue Security managing director Henk Van Bemmelen, clients are querying whether their alarms will be affected and have been asking how long they can expect their alarm system’s back up batteries to work.

“We have also had calls from people asking for advice on how to test their batteries to make sure that they do not run dry during load shedding. If battery life is good, homeowners should not be adversely affected by load shedding because most alarm system installations and electronic gates will automatically switch to battery power supplies that can last between six to ten hours. The lifespan of the battery will depend on the sophistication of the alarm system and on how many detectors are linked to the alarm,” he said.

Van Bemmelen said it is advisable for home owners who have a large property with layered security, such as dozens of detectors and infrared passives, external beams and an electric fence, to install a few back up batteries to the system for a seamless power supply. Power packs are also available for larger systems with multiple detectors.

“It’s also important to regularly check battery life to ensure reliable backup during load shedding hours. Batteries should usually be replaced every two to three years but with regular load shedding they should be replaced annually. It is important to ensure that the keypad and other detectors have backup power supplies,” he said.

Van Bemmelen said load shedding itself should not cause any damage to electronic security systems.

“Power surges can potentially result in damage to home alarm systems such as damage to electronic sensors, the alarm panel and batteries. We advise home owners to install surge protectors to their alarm systems,” he said.

He said load shedding had resulted in a spike in false alarms as the voltage drop results in devices going into alarm condition, especially zones with outdoor beams and passive infrared detectors.

“We have not done a crime statistics analysis to asses the impact of load shedding on crime trends and therefore can’t comment on whether scheduled blackouts have resulted in a spike in crime. However, overall, the number of crime incidents reported in recent weeks has on average remained constant compared to recent months before load shedding,” said Van Bemmelen.

Van Bemmelen said with the looming threat of rolling blackouts homeowners needed to make sure that their properties were adequately secured and that alarm systems were regularly checked for problems.

Blue Security’s top five tips to prepare for load shedding:

Battery Check

Give yourself enough time ahead of the scheduled load shedding to check that your alarm system’s battery is in good working order. An alarm battery should be able to provide back up power for between six to ten hours depending on the sophistication of the system and how many sensors have been fitted.

Alarm Test

Make sure that you test your alarm regularly because load shedding can cause power surges when the electricity supply is restored. These surges have the potential to damage an alarm system and other appliances.

Electronic Doors

If you don’t already keep them on your key ring make sure you know where the keys for your electronic garage doors are, especially if the system is not linked to a back-up battery.

Driveway Gates

Test your driveway gate battery especially if it’s been a few years since it was replaced because you don’t want to end up locked out or with a gate left open during load shedding.

Torches

Make sure your torch batteries are recharged as soon as the electricity supply is restored so that you don’t forget later and end up with insufficient battery power during the next rolling blackout.