Load Shedding & Security: Keeping Your System Running During Power Cuts
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When the Lights Go Out, Your Security Can't
Load shedding has become a fact of life in South Africa. While we've adapted to planning our lives around power schedules, there's one thing that absolutely cannot go offline: your security system.
Criminals know when load shedding hits your area. They know alarm systems fail, CCTV goes dark, and electric fences lose power. These scheduled blackouts have become prime time for break-ins across Johannesburg and Gauteng.
But with the right preparation and equipment, your security system can run seamlessly through Stage 6 load shedding and beyond. Here's your complete guide to keeping your property protected when Eskom lets you down.
Understanding Your Security System's Power Needs
Before you can protect against power failures, you need to understand what each component requires:
Alarm Systems
• Control panel: 12V DC, 1-2A (12-24W)
• Keypads: Minimal power draw from panel
• Sensors: Wireless sensors use batteries; wired sensors draw from panel
• Siren: 12V DC, 1-2A when active
• Backup requirement: 12-24 hours minimum
CCTV Systems
• Analog DVR (4-8 channels): 40-60W
• IP NVR (4-8 channels): 20-40W
• Analog cameras: 5-10W each
• IP cameras (PoE): 4-12W each
• Monitor: 20-40W (optional during load shedding)
• Backup requirement: 4-8 hours minimum (recording), 12+ hours ideal
Access Control
• Controller: 12V DC, 1-3A per door
• Electric strike: 12V DC, 0.5-1A when activated
• Magnetic lock: 12V DC, 0.5-0.8A continuous
• Backup requirement: 8-12 hours
Electric Fencing
• Energizer: 12V DC, 0.5-2A depending on fence length
• Backup requirement: 12-24 hours
Gate Motors
• Sliding gate motor: 24V DC, 3-5A when operating
• Swing gate motor: 24V DC, 2-4A when operating
• Backup requirement: 20-50 cycles (open/close operations)
Solution 1: Battery Backup Systems (UPS)
Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) are the most common and cost-effective solution for security systems.
How UPS Systems Work
A UPS contains a battery that's constantly charged when mains power is available. When power fails, it instantly switches to battery power—so fast that your equipment doesn't even notice (typically under 10 milliseconds).
Choosing the Right UPS
For Alarm Systems:
• Minimum 600VA / 360W UPS
• Provides 12-24 hours backup for typical alarm panel
• Cost: R800 - R1,500
• Recommended brands: Mecer, Ellies, RCT
For CCTV Systems (4-8 cameras):
• Minimum 1200VA / 720W UPS for DVR/NVR + cameras
• Provides 4-8 hours backup depending on camera count
• Cost: R2,000 - R4,500
• Recommended brands: Mecer, RCT, APC
For Complete Security System:
• 2000VA / 1200W+ UPS
• Covers alarm + CCTV + access control
• Provides 6-12 hours backup
• Cost: R4,000 - R8,000
UPS Limitations
• Battery lifespan: 2-4 years, then replacement needed (R600-R2,000)
• Runtime decreases as batteries age
• Not suitable for high-power devices like gate motors (use dedicated battery backup)
• Requires ventilated space (batteries produce heat)
Solution 2: Deep-Cycle Battery Systems
For longer backup times or higher power requirements, deep-cycle battery systems offer superior performance.
How Deep-Cycle Systems Work
Unlike UPS batteries (designed for short bursts), deep-cycle batteries are built for sustained discharge over many hours. They're charged by a separate charger and connected to your security equipment through an inverter (if AC power is needed) or directly (for 12V DC systems).
System Components
• Deep-cycle battery: 100Ah - 200Ah (R2,500 - R6,000)
• Battery charger: Smart charger with float mode (R800 - R2,000)
• Inverter (if needed): 1000W - 2000W pure sine wave (R2,500 - R6,000)
• Total cost: R5,800 - R14,000
Advantages
• Much longer runtime (24-48+ hours possible)
• Battery lifespan: 5-8 years with proper maintenance
• Can power gate motors and high-draw equipment
• Scalable (add more batteries for longer runtime)
Disadvantages
• Higher upfront cost
• Requires more space
• Needs proper ventilation (batteries produce hydrogen gas)
• More complex installation
Solution 3: Lithium Battery Systems (Premium Option)
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are the premium solution for security backup power.
Advantages Over Lead-Acid
• Lifespan: 10-15 years vs 3-5 years
• Depth of discharge: Can use 80-90% of capacity vs 50% for lead-acid
• Weight: 60% lighter than equivalent lead-acid
• Efficiency: 95%+ charge/discharge efficiency
• Maintenance: Zero maintenance required
• Temperature tolerance: Better performance in Johannesburg's temperature extremes
Cost
• 100Ah LiFePO4 battery: R8,000 - R12,000
• 200Ah LiFePO4 battery: R15,000 - R22,000
• Complete system with charger/inverter: R18,000 - R35,000
ROI consideration: While 3-4x more expensive upfront, lithium batteries last 3x longer and provide more usable capacity, making them cost-competitive over their lifetime.
Solution 4: Solar + Battery Hybrid Systems
For properties experiencing frequent or extended load shedding, solar panels combined with battery storage provide the ultimate solution.
System Components
• Solar panels: 2-4 x 300W panels (R3,000 - R6,000)
• Solar charge controller: MPPT controller (R2,000 - R4,000)
• Battery bank: 200-400Ah lithium or deep-cycle (R6,000 - R25,000)
• Inverter: Hybrid inverter with solar input (R8,000 - R18,000)
• Total cost: R25,000 - R60,000
Advantages
• Batteries recharge during the day even during load shedding
• Can run security systems indefinitely
• Reduces electricity costs even when power is available
• Can expand to power other essential loads (Wi-Fi, lights, etc.)
Best For
• Properties experiencing Stage 4-6 load shedding regularly
• Remote properties with unreliable grid power
• High-value properties requiring 24/7 security
• Properties planning broader solar installation
Specific Solutions for Each Security Component
Alarm Systems
Built-in backup: Most modern alarm panels include a 7Ah or 12Ah backup battery that provides 12-24 hours of runtime. Ensure this battery is:
• Less than 3 years old
• Tested monthly
• Replaced when runtime drops below 8 hours
Extended backup: For longer runtime, connect panel to a dedicated 12V deep-cycle battery (50-100Ah) for 48-72 hours of backup.
CCTV Systems
Option 1: UPS for DVR/NVR
• 1200VA UPS powers recorder + 4-8 cameras
• 4-8 hours runtime
• Cost: R2,000 - R4,000
Option 2: PoE Switch with Battery Backup
• Managed PoE switch with 12V DC input
• Connected to deep-cycle battery
• Powers IP cameras + NVR
• 12-24 hours runtime
• Cost: R5,000 - R9,000
Option 3: Individual Camera Batteries
• Battery-powered IP cameras (built-in rechargeable batteries)
• 4-6 months runtime on motion-activated recording
• Solar panel option for continuous charging
• Cost: R2,500 - R4,500 per camera
Electric Fencing
Most electric fence energizers include a backup battery input. Ensure:
• Backup battery is connected (many installations skip this)
• Battery is 12V 7Ah minimum (12Ah recommended)
• Battery is replaced every 3-4 years
• Fence voltage is tested monthly
Upgrade option: Connect energizer to 50-100Ah deep-cycle battery for 48-72 hours of backup.
Gate Motors
Built-in backup: Most gate motors include a 7-12Ah battery providing 20-40 open/close cycles.
Extended backup: Install a 100Ah deep-cycle battery for 100-200 cycles (sufficient for weeks of load shedding).
Solar option: Add a 50-100W solar panel to keep gate motor battery charged indefinitely.
Load Shedding Best Practices
Before Load Shedding
• Ensure all backup batteries are fully charged
• Test alarm system and verify battery runtime
• Check CCTV recording is working
• Verify electric fence voltage is correct
• Confirm gate motor battery is functional
During Load Shedding
• Reduce non-essential power draw (disconnect monitors, disable continuous recording if needed)
• Avoid unnecessary gate operations to conserve battery
• Monitor security system status via mobile app
• Be extra vigilant—criminals target load shedding periods
After Load Shedding
• Verify all systems are back online and charging
• Check for any alerts or events that occurred during outage
• Review CCTV footage if backup recording was active
• Test alarm system to ensure full functionality restored
Maintenance Schedule
Monthly:
• Test all backup batteries under load
• Check battery voltage (12.6V+ for fully charged lead-acid)
• Verify UPS runtime hasn't degraded significantly
Every 6 Months:
• Clean battery terminals and check for corrosion
• Inspect battery cases for swelling or leaks
• Test full system during simulated power outage
Annually:
• Professional battery load testing
• Replace batteries older than 3 years (UPS) or 5 years (deep-cycle)
• Verify all backup systems meet runtime requirements
Budget-Friendly Phased Approach
Can't afford a complete backup solution immediately? Prioritize in this order:
Phase 1 (R800-R1,500): UPS for alarm system
Phase 2 (R2,000-R4,000): UPS for CCTV or upgrade to larger UPS for both
Phase 3 (R1,500-R3,000): Deep-cycle battery for gate motor
Phase 4 (R5,000-R10,000): Upgrade to deep-cycle battery system for extended runtime
Phase 5 (R15,000-R30,000): Add solar panels for indefinite backup
The Bottom Line
Load shedding isn't going away anytime soon. Your security system is only as reliable as its backup power solution.
At minimum, ensure your alarm system has 12-24 hours of backup and your CCTV has 4-8 hours. For comprehensive protection during extended outages, invest in deep-cycle or lithium battery systems.
The cost of backup power (R2,000-R10,000 for most homes) is insignificant compared to the cost of a single burglary. Don't let Eskom's failures become a criminal's opportunity.
Need help designing a load shedding-proof security system? We provide free power audits and can recommend the right backup solution for your specific security setup and budget. Contact us for a consultation and keep your property protected 24/7, regardless of Eskom's schedule.