Home » Home Security » If the Power Goes Out, Does My Security System Still Work?

If the Power Goes Out, Does My Security System Still Work?

By Celeste Tholen

Managing Editor

Published on April 12, 2021

The type of home security system you have installed determines what happens when there is a power outage in your home.

Protect your property

By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Traditional Phone Lines: If your alarm system operates over traditional phone lines, it will continue to communicate with the monitoring center in the event of a power outage. The phone lines remain operational and the main security control panel in your home will likely continue to operate on backup power for a specified amount of time.

Cellular Radio: This type of wireless home security system continues to work during power outages, drawing their power from battery backup for several hours. Like a cellular phone, communication is unaffected by localized power outages.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP): These wireless home security systems are vulnerable to power outages, as they draw their power from home phone lines. While they do include battery backup, should a power outage also result in an Internet outage these types of systems can stop communicating with monitoring centers. Some home security companies have solutions for ViOP systems to maintain connectivity with their monitoring center in the event of a power/Internet outage.

Internet: These types of home security alarm systems are the most vulnerable in power outages as a loss of power usually results in an Internet outage as well. Without an Internet connection to a monitoring center, these types of systems stop communication until power is restored and the Internet is up and running.

There are a lot of security systems out there, so if you often fall victim to power outages, you’ll want to make sure you get one that will keep you protected during those times.

To discover your options, take a look at the SafeWise best home security systems page.

Related pages on SafeWise

Compare the best home security systems

	Top pick	Reader favorite	Whole-property pick	Pro monitoring pick	No-contract DIY pick
Brand	Vivint	SimpliSafe	Frontpoint	ADT	Blue by ADT
Lowest monitoring price	$29.99/mo.	$14.99/mo.	$49.99/mo.	$27.99/mo.	$19.99/mo.
Starter equipment price	$599.00	$229.00	$99.00	$0.00	$199.15
Contract required	No *	No	No	Yes	No
Installation	Pro	DIY	DIY	Pro	DIY
Smart home compatibility	Amazon, Google, Z-Wave	Amazon, Google	Amazon, Google, Z-Wave	Amazon, Google, Z-Wave	Amazon, Google, Z-Wave
Learn more	View Packages	View Packages	View Packages	View Packages	View Packages
Read review	Read review	Read review	Read review	Read review	Read review

Info current as of 04/12/21. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

*$0 due up-front with consumer financing.

†No-contract options available with outright equipment purchase.

‡Landline monitoring only. Some restrictions apply. (Full disclaimer)

**With $99 installation charge and new monitoring agreement. Early termination fee applies. See full disclaimer for full offer details, terms, and conditions.

Written by

Celeste Tholen

Celeste has dedicated her decade-long career to reporting and reviews that help people make well-informed decisions. She oversees editorial strategy and production for SafeWise, with a goal to help people find the information they need to make their homes and lives safer. Prior to SafeWise, she worked as an editor and reporter for KSL and Deseret News. She continues to report on local news as a volunteer with the community paper. For the last six years, she’s led a Girl Scout troop, teaching girls about safety and preparing for whatever life throws their way.