Most modern alarms installed in a home come with a very important feature: a battery backup.  A home alarm cannot do what it’s meant to do without a power supply.  If you’ve ever worried about the security of your home when the power goes out due to strong winds, a hurricane, or just a bad thunderstorm, rest easy but stay informed.

Backup batteries usually have a lifetime of 3 to 5 years but, of course, this can depend on how often they’re used.  When in use during a power outage, most systems are designed to last four to eight hours minimum but factors such as the age of the battery, how hot it is, how much power the panel is drawing, and more can affect this number.

Though most home security companies do not require you to have a landline phone, it is your best option to prolong the power to your alarm system.  A cordless phone won’t work when the power’s out and your cell phone will run out of juice eventually (assuming it has a signal allowing you to use it).  Even VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and internet based security will be useless during a blackout.

Although power outages for extended periods of time aren’t common, it’s always a good idea to check your backup battery and ensure it’s ready for use when it’s needed.  Check with your alarm monitoring company for instructions for your specific alarm panel and remember that if you need to change the battery, dispose of the old one properly.

Visit us and we will help you easily shop an electric provider who provides the best electric services and responds quickly in power outages.