How much electricity do security alarms consume?

Spain is the fourth country in the world with the most alarm systems installed, at three million units. Their operation consumes energy, which is reflected in your monthly bill. But you may not know what this entails exactly. Keep reading to find out how electricity consumption for your alarm system works

What types of alarm systems are there?

Depending on the degree of cover offered by the alarm system and the type of power you need, there are different types of systems. Let's find out more.

The degree of cover

The companies marketing these services offer a wide variety of alarm systems and associated services, which try to adapt to different market needs. There are alarms for flats, for single-family homes with and without garden and for farms with large tracts of land.

There are also alarms for establishments: from small offices to shops, catering establishments and supermarkets. And there are also alarms for large infrastructures such as schools, sports facilities, public administrations...

These products are even able to adapt to store valuables or large amounts of money: for example, in spaces like museums, jewellers' or casinos.

So, there are a wide variety of alarm systems that in turn can offer different covers. Let's look at some of the most common with higher energy consumption:

• Alarm systems with motion sensors: they can be activated at all times, with higher energy consumption, or activated with movement, which reduces consumption. Their power is variable; the higher the power, the greater the range of sensitivity and cover.
• Alarm systems with video surveillance cameras: as with motion sensors, there are systems that cause motion detection to activate the camera, while, in other systems, the cameras operate continuously or begin operating at the command of a security guard or the customer. Like before, there are cameras with higher definition, greater capacity for movement, focus, etc. Therefore, the higher the benefits, the higher their consumption.
• Closed Circuit Camera System (CCTV): with a signal sent to a guard or a control centre.
• Earthquake detection systems.
• Smoke detection system.
• Deterrent light system: that light up when motion is detected.
• Siren system or deterrent alarm.
• Systems with associated home automation: some products offer home automation services, to be able to remotely control various parameters of the property. For example, light, blind, or thermostat control can be offered. They can also have a telecare system for dependent persons.

Battery or grid

Depending on the power required by the alarm system, they can be:

• Wireless alarm: powered by a battery, easy to install and has the advantage that if the power supply fails (if there is a blackout or someone cuts the supply on purpose), the alarm will continue to work. However, the alarm must be periodically tested to ensure that the battery still has power to ensure its operation and if not, replace it.
• Wired alarm: installation involves some adaptation work. The aim is that wiring cannot be identified to prevent tampering, disabling the alarm by cutting the power supply. Some models even have rechargeable batteries as substitutes so that, if the power supply fails, the alarm can remain operational.

Tips to keep in mind when installing an alarm system

When you choose an alarm system for your home or business, you must take into account your needs: the type of property, its area, its access points and windows, its layout, the use given to the property, its location, its environment and the valuables you want to protect and how.

But you must also bear in mind that, as you increase the degree of protection with new functionalities, you are adding more power to the system, which means greater consumption. Therefore, we advise you to find out your system's power before you install it, thus avoiding shocks every time you get a new bill.

It is also important to know when the alarm will be on. There is a difference between activating it only when you leave home on weekends and keeping it on all day. Its operating time is the biggest indicator to know how much electricity your alarm system uses. This will make it easier to estimate the consumption, calculating the power by the time of use.

The type of power supply is also another important factor, since it may require work done to your property, with modifications in your electrical installation. As always, we recommend that these actions are planned and executed by a qualified expert, taking all the necessary security measures.

How much electricity does an alarm system consume?

If we rely on an alarm system with basic features, such as simple motion detection and standby function that is only activated when it detects activity, it can consume about 35 kWh per year.

If we add some other cover, consumption will increase. For example, an alarm with three surveillance cameras arranged in different parts of the home and that detect movement generates an approximate consumption of 45 kWh per year.

Finally, if we install an alarm that includes more complex functionalities, such as home automation, telecare and a dozen cameras with CCTV, it will mean a consumption of 200 kWh per year.

The best protection for your pocket

It is important that you make sure what your real needs are before choosing a surveillance service. With regard to electricity consumption, Endesa offers you a wide variety of tariffs to avoid more than one scare, and you will be able to protect your pocket with the best security.