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Your Security Systems During Flooding


Your alarm, camera, access control, or intercom system can all be affected when experiencing a flood. Loss of power can cause immediate problems for a camera or intercom system. While alarm and access control systems will generally have backup power, this will generally only keep your system running for up to a day. Finally, all of these systems are susceptible to water damage, and a loss of internet connection can cause other issues. We understand that this can be a stressful experience, and are available to assist with resolving any issues. Here are some common occurrences and what you can expect.

I have lost power, what is going to happen to my alarm system?

For an alarm system, you will have a backup battery installed to keep your system running. Depending on the health of the battery, and the size of your system, this can keep your system functioning for 4-24 hours. Your system will come up with a fault when you have lost power. If powered is not restored in time, you will also receive a low battery fault before your system completely fails. To acknowledge audible alerts you can press *2 on your keypad and scroll through the faults. If your system suffers any water damage while offline you may not know until you have power reconnected. When your system is back online, keep an eye out for any issues and contact us if you require a technician to attend.


I have monitoring with a security company will this continue?

If your system is monitored, it will have an internet / telephone module connected. This communicates using your internet connection and telephone line. If you lose power, internet and telephone service monitoring will not work. As well as seeing the faults come up on your alarm panel, you may also receive calls from the monitoring centre when you lose power, when the battery is low, and when connection is lost. If you know you are going to be without power for longer than a day, you can contact the monitoring centre and advise them to ignore these signals.. When your system is back online, keep an eye out for any issues and contact us if you require a technician to attend.


What about my camera system?

Unlike alarm systems, camera systems do not generally have in-built backup power. You can have a UPS connected to your camera system to keep it running in the event of a power outage. Unfortunately, once the system is down, it will stop recording.

If you still have power, but no internet, you won’t be able to view your camera system from your computer or phone. However, your system will still be storing footage on the hard drive, for you to be able to access later.

The cameras themselves, and outside cabling, are not likely to be damaged by water. However, internal cabling and the recorder is not made to survive in water and can be damaged. If you have any issues viewing your cameras when your internet and power is back on, please contact us to arrange for a technician to attend.


What about my intercom system?

Similar to a camera system, an intercom system will not generally have backup power. In the event of a power outage, these systems will stop functioning. If you have power, but no internet connection, wired systems will still continue to function. Any wireless systems will, unfortunately, stop working as they are reliant on a wi-fi connection. Any smartphone apps will also stop functioning.


My door lock or gate motor won't open or is stuck open, what do I do?

There are two types of locks that can be connected to a security system: a magnetic lock, or maglock, and a electronic strike. A maglock will generally automatically release the door in a power outage. To secure the premises, you may need to manually lock the door with a key. An electronic strike will do the opposite, and generally remain locked in a power outage. You can generally manually unlock this door/gate with a key to gain entry.

If your door/gate is still experiencing issues after power is restored, please contact us to arrange attendance by a technician.

Contact us at 491-3535 or email to info@e-fficientnetworks.com


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