A security system protects your property against vandalism or theft. But what happens when a power outage takes shuts down your systems? An alarm system failure leaves your home or your business vulnerable to intruders.
Security systems require a lot of power. Cameras, alarms, communication devices, it all adds up! During a blackout, you need a contingency plan.
That’s exactly what a portable power station or solar generator can provide. There are plenty of options on the market capable of keeping your devices going short-term such as an Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS). But when the grid goes offline for an extended period, your security system will need more juice.
We’ve listed our top recommendations for the best backup power sources for security systems. Use the reviews to give you some idea of where you should invest your money.
4 Best Backup Power Sources for Security Systems
It isn’t just power capacity that you need to look for in a backup power source, but other features and the portable power station as a whole. We have broken down our top four portable power stations below for you to review, listing their key features, specifications, pros, and cons!
You’ll have become well acquainted with EcoFlow’s impressive DELTA range by the end.
1. EcoFlow DELTA Mini
Anything with ‘Mini’ in the title might not immediately sound appropriate to support your security system. However, the DELTA series is different. Even the Mini packs enough of a punch to keep your system going.
This compact device weighs in at 23.6lbs yet still holds its own, with a 1400W capacity power output and a surge of 2100W. The Mini is exactly what you’re looking for if you want something powerful but compact.
Specifications
- Capacity: 882Wh
- Dimensions: 14.9 × 7.2 × 9.4 in (37.8 ×18.4 × 24 cm)
- Weight: 23.6 lb (10.7 kg)
- Output AC: 1400W (Surge 2100W)
- Output Vehicle: 126W
- Input Solar: 300W Max
- Car Charger Input: 12V/24V DC
- Cell Type: Lithium-ion
- Life Cycle: 800 Cycles to 80% Capacity
Pros
- The compact size makes for easy installation and transportation
- Option to charge via attachable solar panels for maximum convenience
- Works while charging for reliable, continuous power
Cons
- Too small for most commercial security systems
2. EcoFlow DELTA
If you want more power than the Mini can offer, the original DELTA is the one for you.
Besides greater power capacity, you also have six 1800W AC outlets at your disposal to recharge multiple devices at once. Depending on the setup of your security system and how many components it consists of, this could come in handy.
The best part about the original DELTA is that, despite being larger and more powerful than the Mini, it’s still totally portable. It weighs in at just 30.9lbs. It’s an impressive portable power station that we are sure you will love.
Specifications
- Capacity: 1260Wh
- Dimensions: 15.7 x 8.3 x 10.6 in (40 x 21 x 27 cm)
- Weight: 30.9lbs (14kg)
- Output AC: 1800W (Surge 3300W)
- Output Vehicle: 108.8W
- Input Solar: 400W Max
- Car Charger Input: 12V/24V DC
- Cell Type: Lithium-ion
- Life Cycle: 800 to 80% Capacity
Pros
- 1260Wh will keep most security systems going
- Portable despite its larger size
- Powers up to thirteen devices at one time
Cons
- The noise of the built-in fan may not be suitable for a stealth security system
3. EcoFlow DELTA Max
The EcoFlow DELTA Max is a beast, clocking in a massive capacity of 2016Wh. With the addition of two DELTA Max Smart Extra Batteries, you can reach heights of 6048Wh.
This significant amount of energy should be enough to simultaneously power your security cameras and alarms for an extended period. The defining quality of the DELTA Max is reliability, which it achieves perfectly.
Specifications
- Capacity: 2016Wh (Expandable up to 6048Wh with 2 DELTA Max Smart Extra Battery)
- Dimensions: 9.6 x 9.5 x 12in (49.7 x 24.2 x 30.5 cm)
- Weight: 48 lbs (22.0kg)
- Output AC: 2400W (Surge 5000W)
- Output Vehicle: 126W Max
- Input Solar: 800W Max
- Car Charger Input: 12V/24V DC
- Cell Type: Lithium-ion
- Life Cycle: 800 Cycles to 80% Capacity
Pros
- Expandable capacity triples your power rating
- Reaches full capacity charge from zero in just two hours
- Capable of powering devices with 3400W thanks to the EcoFlow patented X-Boost technology
Cons
- High price point comparatively
4. EcoFlow DELTA Pro
We’ve saved the most powerful for last, and the DELTA Pro excels. With an astonishing 3600Wh base capacity, this portable power station can power just about anything and keep your security systems going when you need them most, no matter what.
The DELTA Pro comes outfitted with the LiFePO4 battery. It has a long cycle life and incredible stability.
Four fans at the back keep it cool no matter how much you ask of it, with a battery management system capable of handling any climate. If you’re looking for the best of the best, you’ve found it with the Pro.
Specifications
- Capacity: 3600Wh (Expandable to 10.8kWh with 2 DELTA Pro Smart Extra Battery)
- Dimensions: 25 x 11.2 x 16.4in (63.5 x 28.5 x 41.6 cm)
- Weight: 99 lbs (45.0kg)
- Output AC: 3600W (Surge 7200W)
- Output Vehicle: 126W Max
- Input Solar: 1200W Max
- Car Charger Input: 12V/24V DC
- Cell Type: Lithium-ion
- Life Cycle: 3500 Cycles to 80% Capacity
Pros
- Exceptionally powerful, with 10.8kWh available with the extra batteries
- Highly durable thanks to the sturdy plastic and metal body
- Making use of EcoFlow’s patented X-Boost technology, this portable power station can power 4500W devices
Cons
- Significantly large, so it’s better to leave it stored next to your system
How to Choose the Right Backup Power Source for You
Now that we have taken you through our recommendations and why we think they’re so great, it’s time to walk you through our buyer’s guide. Listed below are some of the critical criteria we believe you should be looking out for when buying your portable power station so that you don’t make some avoidable mistakes.
It’s a big market, so it’s easy to get lost in terms you may not understand. We’re here to help!
Power Rating
The first thing to understand is the power rating or wattage, indicating how many devices your backup power source can handle. All appliances and systems have different wattages. You can’t power these systems with a portable power station unless its power output equals or exceeds the system’s wattage.
Systems like the DELTA Max and DELTA Pro also have expandable capacity, meaning you can purchase one portable power station but increase its power rating with additional batteries. It’s a great way to create a robust backup power system while saving money on buying multiple backup power units.
More often than not, it’s a good idea to purchase a portable power station that will provide you with more energy than you actually need. The additional capacity will serve as a safety net if you find you don’t have enough.
Size and Portability
Portable power stations and fossil-fuel or solar generators vary enormously. Just because you see the word ‘portable’ in a product description doesn’t mean you’ll be able to carry it around without difficulty. Look at the DELTA Mini and DELTA Pro—they are both portable but have a 76lbs weight difference!
If you suspect you will need to move your backup power source around frequently, opt for a more lightweight design. A compact design will also make it easier to install in tight spaces or heights, like a home security system in the attic. It won’t pack the same power, but it may suit your needs better.
On the other hand, if you’re supplying backup power for a CCTV system for a business, school, government facility, or warehouse, you might need a more robust power backup source. Usually, size and capacity go hand in hand. Look for a larger capacity like the DELTA Max or DELTA Pro for commercial security systems.
All security systems operate differently, so make sure your chosen backup power source meets your specific needs.
Recharge Rate
The whole point of a backup power source is to provide you with energy when you need it most and, potentially, when you least expect it. A portable power station that needs extended periods to reach full charge isn’t practical for anyone — when it comes to your security systems, every second counts!
Look for portable power stations or generators that either recharge quickly or can supply your system with power while they charge simultaneously. You will have a far better experience and won’t need to worry about constant power maintenance when the backup power source isn’t in use.
Price
When we say that you should be mindful of the price, we aren’t just inferring that you should stay within your budget. While that is the case, the more important thing is to not fall for subpar products just because they have an attractive price point.
You can find many backup power sources on the market that are priced lowly and promise to deliver enormous power, but there is always a catch, whether it’s a battery with a short life span or a poorly made body. It’s always better to invest in quality.
Conclusion
There you have it! Our complete guide to the best backup power sources for security systems. Protecting your property is of utmost importance, so you need a system you can rely on in any situation. Even the best on-grid security system is susceptible to blackouts, but the recommended portable power stations will keep your system running no matter what. Ready for an outage-proof security system? Shop EcoFlow’s backup power stations today.