CCTV cameras have become an essential part of home and business security in Pakistan. They help you keep an eye on your property, record incidents, and provide evidence if something goes wrong. But one common question people ask is: does a CCTV camera record without electricity?
The short answer is no, regular CCTV cameras cannot work without power. Just like any other electronic device, they need electricity to run. However, there are ways to make sure your system keeps recording even when there is a power cut. Let’s break this down in simple terms.
Why CCTV Cameras Need Power
CCTV cameras are made up of electronic parts like lenses, sensors, night vision LEDs, and processors. All these parts need electricity to function. Without power:
- The camera lens won’t capture video.
- The recorder (DVR/NVR) won’t save footage.
- Mobile viewing through Wi-Fi or internet won’t work.
So, if your home or office faces frequent power outages, you need a backup solution to keep your system active.
How to Record CCTV During Power Cuts
Even though cameras need power, you can still make them work during load shedding or unexpected outages by using backup options.
1. UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)
A UPS is the most common way to keep CCTV running during electricity failure. It provides short-term backup (usually 30 minutes to a few hours), enough to cover short outages.
2. Battery Backup Systems
Some modern CCTV systems come with built-in battery backup. These are very handy for homes because they don’t need extra devices.
3. Solar Powered CCTV Cameras
If you live in an area with long power cuts, solar CCTV cameras are a good option. They use solar panels and batteries to stay active all day and night.
4. Generator Support
For larger businesses, generators are often used. Once the generator turns on, the CCTV cameras continue recording without interruption.
How Long Can CCTV Record Without Power?
The answer depends on the type of backup you’re using:
- UPS: 30 minutes to 3 hours.
- Battery Backup: 2 to 8 hours depending on battery size.
- Solar Powered: Can run continuously as long as the battery gets charged.
- Generator: Runs as long as fuel is available.
So, while the camera itself needs power, your choice of backup system decides how long it will keep recording.
Why Backup Power Is Important
- Security never stops – Crimes don’t wait for the lights to come back.
- Evidence protection – Even a few minutes without recording can cause you to miss an important event.
- Peace of mind – Knowing your cameras are always on makes you feel secure.
Final Words
So, does a CCTV camera record without electricity? The camera itself cannot, but with the right backup system like UPS, batteries, solar panels, or generators, you can make sure your cameras keep working no matter what.
If you live in Rawalpindi or Islamabad, the good news is you don’t have to figure this out on your own.
Secure Your Home with Guru Service
At Guru Service, we specialize in installing CCTV cameras with proper backup solutions so your home or office stays protected even during load shedding. Our experts can guide you on the best cameras and backup setups according to your budget.
Call Guru Service today for a free consultation and make your property safe 24/7.