Can Security Cameras Work Without Electricity?

Picture this – you’ve had a power cut. Are your security cameras going to keep working while there is no power, or will they shut off and stop recording? In this article, I’m going to answer this question and more, because the answer is not quite as simple as it might seem at first. Let’s take a look at which security cameras work without electricity, and what this actually means.

The Technical Answer – Security Cameras Need Electricity To Work.

Security cameras need to have some kind of power source to run, meaning that (technically) all security cameras will not work without electricity. What the more appropriate question might be, is whether security cameras can work without power from the mains.

Some security cameras can actually run without mains power. I’ve covered two potential options, but there is also a third option. Firstly, a common option when it comes to installing surveillance in a home these days is to opt for wireless security cameras. These cameras actually run from battery power, which means that even in an instance where your home has no electricity for a period of time, your cameras can continue to work, since they have their own power banks built in.

If you’re looking for wireless security cameras which can work without being plugged into the mains, I highly recommend you check out my article here, which goes over the best wireless security cameras you can buy in the UK. It’s actually our most popular article, and countless people have bought and installed the cameras recommended in this post, for good reason.

Solar Powered Security Cameras Are Also An Option

If you have concerns about power in your home but also need to protect it with the help of security cameras, an extremely popular option is solar power. To install surveillance without the need to connect the cameras to the mains, you can get solar powered outdoor wireless security cameras without spending a huge amount of money these days.

Solar powered technology has had a bad wrap, and I would honestly say it’s well deserved. Up until the last couple of years, that is. Thankfully manufacturers have taken the often brutal feedback on board and have improved their designs and technology to the point where you really can run a security camera solely from solar power in the UK, without issue.

If you’re looking to secure an area with limited, or no power, then this is the perfect option for you. Although old school wired CCTV systems have their advantages, when it comes to a use case like this, solar power is a must. I’ve covered a handful of my personal favourite options in a list here, so check that out if you are looking to invest in some truly wireless equipment.

How Long Do Wireless Security Cameras Work Without Power?

Although it depends on the specific camera, generally in a normal setting most good security cameras can run for several weeks on a single charge, running purely from their inbuilt battery. A lot of factors go into how long a security camera can last from its battery though, so bear that in mind. For example, constant 24/7 monitoring is going to use up a lot more battery than just recording when motion is detected, which is a more common configuration.

Additionally, the amount of motion detected is important. Living in a rural village is going to have less motion triggered than in a busy town, for instance. As a general rule of thumb though, from experience I would say almost all cameras, such as the ieGeek 2k, in most places can last for around a month at least on a single battery charge.

How To Charge a Wireless Security Camera With No Mains Electricity

Luckily, even if you have no mains electricity for whatever reason, there are numerous options when it comes to charging your security cameras, solar panels being one of them. If you have a laptop with a USB port, you can charge the battery of your camera in the same way you would charge a phone – many cameras have a micro USB or USB-C port, making is fairly easy to plug them into a wide range of devices.

If you have a portable power bank, you can also charge security cameras using one of these. Finally, the rarest yet still doable methods would be to plug them into some kind of generator, or even the 12v power connection in a car. There really are a wide range of options when you are creative, haha.

Do Wireless Security Cameras Need Wi-Fi?

For the best overall experience and peace of mind, it’s recommended that you connect your cameras to your local network. Many cameras have companion apps which are really useful for monitoring and changing settings, as well as a ton of other really useful features. If you have Wi-Fi which is unreliable and have concerns though, opt for a camera which has an inbuilt SD card slot. This allows you to record footage straight onto the camera, so even if your Wi-Fi isn’t working you can still record.

It’s worth bearing in mind that many of these cameras do require an internet connection to set up, even if you are just planning on recording to local storage once they are installed. The cameras are typically configured using a companion smartphone app, which is also how you change most of the settings and configurations that the cameras offer.

Conclusion – It Is Possible to Run Security Cameras Without Mains Power

So there you have it – with the right equipment, it is actually possible to run security cameras without mains power. Whether you opt to use cameras which have a built in battery, or also supplement this power by installing solar panels, there are a wide range of options for monitoring your property using cameras which are not connected to the mains.

I hope this has been helpful and answers your queries, but if you have any other concerns please leave a comment below and one of our team members will get back to you.