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

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

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

• Best Home Security Systems
• Burglary Stats and Facts
• Home Safety and Security Checklist
• Best Wireless Security Systems
• Best Home Security Cameras
• Home Security for Renters: What You Need to Know

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