Efficient Security Systems are Top of Mind for all Households and Businesses in South Africa

Efficient Security Systems are Top of Mind for all Households and Businesses in South Africa

by: Dean Janse Van Vuuren
October 2021
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In this day and age, security remains a key concern for both households and businesses alike. There are still multiple instances of theft all around the world and South Africa is no different. It is estimated that hundreds of house break-ins take place in South Africa daily. A good option for mitigating the risk of theft and also helping law enforcement agencies to apprehend criminals, is the effective use of security systems. They offer options like alarms, advanced locks and CCTV recording which can offer greater protection to the users. These systems require batteries, and it is important to understand their role in the grand scheme of things. Battery Powerzone offers a wide range of security system batteries which include wet AGM, gel, and lithium ion. For the benefit of our customers, the battery details will be explored below.

The lifespan of a Security System Battery

The requirement of a security system is to have a reliable battery that can last a reasonable duration without failing, given the critical nature of the application. Since the system requires a stable supply of current over an extended period of time (usually 24/7), it is best to use a deep cycle battery. This is because it will perform better in frequent discharge/recharge cycles which may result in permanent damage to the battery. On average, with proper maintenance and care, a deep cycle battery used in a security system can last 2-3 years and longer if the higher end batteries are considered.

When there is an expected lifespan of a battery, it is best to be proactive in one’s before making a choice. That is why it is good practice to be aware of the signs which may indicate that a battery is reaching the end of its lifespan. One common sign is that the back -up time of the battery may be drastically reduced implying a loss of storage capacity.

A possible way to evaluate the current health of a battery and check its capacity is to conduct a discharge test. It essentially puts the battery through its paces under certain conditions of temperature and time. It can be performed at different load profiles which can simulate different real-world scenarios. Ultimately, this gives an accurate estimation of the battery’s capacity and helps in deciding whether a replacement is needed or not.

Solar Security Light Battery

A popular part of security systems are solar security lights. They can operate as stand alone units with no connection with the mains power supply. During the day, they charge the battery through solar energy and provide light once it becomes dark. They often possess the added functionality of motion detectors which automatically turns the light on when there is movement. It is important to make sure that the solar panel is positioned correctly to ensure that the battery is charged properly. Otherwise, the battery can be damaged due to frequent undercharging. This problem can also be addressed by using good quality lithium-ion batteries with the solar lights.

Types of Security System Batteries

There are different types of batteries that can be used and integrated in a security system. From cameras to remotes, every piece of equipment needs a battery. Some of them are listed below:

Alkaline Batteries

Alkaline batteries are the most common batteries used in most household electronics. They are generally non-rechargeable in nature which means that once they run out, they need to be replaced. In security systems, they might be used to power a remote which can be used to control a part of the system like electronic locks. It can also be used for small components like bells and alarms.

AGM Batteries

AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries are a type of sealed maintenance-free battery. They consist of an absorbent glass mat which is saturated in an electrolyte and compressed between plates. They perform a similar role to most lead-acid batteries but they offer some additional benefits. They are less prone to leakages and can work in lower temperatures. They have lesser self-discharge and charge faster than a lead-acid battery.

Gel Batteries

Gel batteries are similar to AGM batteries in the sense that they do not have a liquid electrolyte. Instead, the electrolyte is mixed with silica fume to create an immobile gel that acts as the electrolyte. This again minimises the risk of leakages and allows the battery to be used in any position. ( some capacity up to 15% may be lost when these batteries are used in an inverted position). They are more resistant to vibrations. Although they are more expensive compared to lead-acid batteries, gel batteries offer better value for money in the long run.

Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries should be considered a good choice for modern security systems. They are light and portable which makes it easier to conceal the battery within the security system. Furthermore, they offer greater energy density and depth of discharge for a longer duration of time. The initial investment may be higher than lead-acid but when one considers the features and benefits, the return on investment and the total cost of ownership soon becomes obvious. Features include but are not exclusive to lighter and more compact, Full capacity from start voltage to end voltage, incomplete charging ( partial state of charge ) does not damage lithium-ion, very quick recharge capability if the charge current is available, far greater cycle life and overall life when compared to lead-acid batteries.

View our wide range of Security Batteries, available at Battery Powerzone. For more information on Security Batteries and the range of applications, Contact Us today.

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