POWER SUPPLIES: Look to IT Standardization for Power Solutions
Virtually every wired camera, access control reader, intercom or other device we install for our clients requires some kind of power for the unit to operate. The powering of devices is always a concern for technicians and, as has been common in our industry for the past century, different vendors will use different methods to power their devices.
IP products are no different. Some vendors supply their cameras or encoders with plug-in AC transformers that usually provide 5 or 12 VDC to the camera. There are several problems when using this power option. First, there must be an AC outlet available near to where the device is to be mounted. If no AC outlet is nearby, the client must pay an electrician to install a separate outlet. Plug-in transformers can be easily unplugged, either intentionally or accidentally, killing the power to the security device. AC power failure also will stop the device from functioning, and it’s possible that a client may inadvertently flip a circuit breaker, again stopping the power to the device.