In both commercial and home surveillance camera systems, it’s prudent to understand how much energy these systems use, whether they’re energy-efficient, and how their electric output affects other systems at your home or place of work.
CCTV vs. IP
The first distinction we can draw is between CCTV and IP security systems. How much power your system consumes differs between wired sources and wireless sources. Some systems provide specs so that you can make a purchase informed by a knowledge of energy costs, whereas you have to do the research for others.
CCTV
CCTV camera systems present negligible energy expenditure costs. They run for 24 hours, but their rating is usually between 4 and 15 watts, which is not a lot of electrical power.
IP
PoE/IP camera systems often have more features and slightly more complex setups. They may also contain a PoE switch injector, which bumps up the energy expenditure a bit. However, they’re not much more electricity-consuming than CCTV camera systems.
In general, CCTV and IP systems are not very electricity-costly so they are a great option for protecting your home while conserving energy.
*Light bulb security cameras, more information can be found here.
*Solar powered security cameras, more information can be found here.
Product Reviews
We tested some great energy-efficient security systems that still effectively protect your home.
TP-Link Tapo C310
This outdoor camera is jam-packed with features for a great price ($34.99 on Amazon – Paid Link with a $5 coupon). With a high weatherproof rating of IP66, 2K definition, remote access with notifications, 2-way audio with built-in sirens, and both secure local and cloud storage options, it’s an affordable all-in-one product.
Reviewers say that it’s one of the “best cameras on the market.” That’s not to say that it doesn’t have cons – it comes with ads, for one. It’s also quite bulky, and therefore the setup is somewhat cumbersome. All in all, however, we highly recommend it.
Ring Floodlight Cam
This is a CCTV, wired camera. It has many variants, including the Wired Plus, Echo Show, Plug-In, and Ring Video Doorbell. It has a superior resolution of 1080p, comes with motion-activated LED floodlights, remote access with notifications, customizable motion zones, and connects with Alexa Assistant.
For a self-sustaining system, at around $139.99 on Amazon – Paid Link, we recommend it if you’re looking for a wired camera option. Customers have complained about an unwieldy installation and some motion detection issues, but Ring Customer Service has a track record of being attentive to such issues and was able to solve the problem expeditiously.
Wyze Cam
The Wyze Cam v3, selling for around $32.38 on Amazon – Paid Link, has many features for a strikingly low price. With color night vision stemming from a Starlight Sensor, indoor and outdoor security camera functionalities, a high weatherproof rating of IP65, motion and sound detection, 24/7 continuous recording with a 32Gb micro-SD card, and more, it’s a great buy.
It doesn’t store to the cloud, and the SD card doesn’t come with the kit. It does have options for a 1-, 2- and 3-camera system. We recommend it.
Google Nest Cam IQ
The Nest Cam IQ, selling for around $137.04 on Amazon – Paid Link, is a highly-sought smart camera, one of the best indoor security cameras on the market. With high-def resolution and AI algorithms that can identify when someone is in your home, alert you, and zoom in on the face, it’s a revolution in the technology of home security cameras.
The Nest Cam IQ comes with full Google Assistant integration, a 4K sensor, and more. Some of its cons, however, include a limited view (130 degrees) and a required subscription. Still, the subscription starts at only $6/month, so it may be worth it. Definitely a keeper!
Conclusion
The verdict is in: neither IP nor CCTV security camera systems use much power. That said, they use enough for you to make energy-efficient choices while having the maximum security possible. When purchasing a surveillance camera system for your home or workplace, do your research so you can be cost-effective on your electricity bill and get the highest-quality and most efficient electrical output.
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