Why Insurance Companies Require UPS For CCTV Cameras On Construction Sites

onstruction sites have all sorts of hazards. From being a dangerous work environment when active to being an easy target for thieves, vandals and trespassers when the site is closed, something can always go wrong. Installing security cameras to monitor the site can help deter crime, and prevent accidents. They however, come with a challenge: how to power the cameras and keep them functioning at all times.

Insurance companies necessitate UPS backup for security cameras to address this issue. This blog talks about UPS systems for CCTV cameras, why they are necessary, and how to get the right system for your construction site.

Construction sites are prone to accidents. With all the heavy machinery, fast-paced work environment, and health and safety hazards spread all across the site, it is important to manage risks, ensure compliance with safety standards, and cover your end in case of liability.

Here are a few things that can go wrong on a construction site which make insurance a necessity:

Construction sites can be dangerous because of the open layout and densely packed equipment, material and workers. They do not have a stable or permanent structure to mount cameras on, are always shifting and moving things around, and do not have stable power connections which make them a challenge to secure, leaving them vulnerable to accidents and theft.

Whether through the course of natural progression of work, or by thieves or vandals, construction equipment can get damaged or stolen. The extraordinarily high cost of construction material makes it lucrative for thieves because they fetch a high price when sold. Moreover, multiple access points and lack of proper security make it an ideal target.

Construction sites are dangerous because of the nature of the work that takes place. Working at heights, fast moving objects, under extreme weather conditions and dust is a tough ask and attention is bound to divert, with potential accidents waiting just around the corner. In addition to this, working with electricity and fire hazards necessitate stronger security measures.

Since construction sites are always changing as new structures are erected, they are a dynamic work environment. With so much going on with electricity and heavy machinery, there is always a risk of fire. Fire damages are common on construction sites. In addition to this, weather conditions can also cause problems for the crew as well as the site manager.

It is because of these hazards and potential fault-points that insurance is required. It lowers the liability on the construction site owner, and helps ensure health and safety standards on site. However, for an insurance company to insure such a hazardous site, they require certain measures to be put in place so as to safeguard their interest, as well as make the site less accident prone.

For an insurance company to be onboard, the business owner or contractor has to install security measures and to the best of their ability, secure the site as much as possible. This also includes security systems to monitor the site, ensure proper access control measures, and have alarm systems to warn in case of an incident.

Here are the possible stipulations that insurance companies may ask for to insure your site:

A UPS or Uninterrupted Power Source is a device that provides backup power to your security cameras and other connected equipment in case of a power outage. Since construction sites can have power outages, surges or spikes, rendering the CCTV cameras useless, insurance companies require UPS for security cameras.

In order for a UPS system to be compliant with insurance requirements, three key guidelines have to be followed:

Most insurance companies require UPS backup to last at least 8 hours after the power outage. This means that the entire camera system remains running even during prolonged outages so that there is no lost footage, no incident unrecorded, and no gap in coverage.

In case the power goes out for more than one hour, a security guard will be dispatched to the site. They should act as a watchman and patrol the site till the power comes back.

In addition to live video monitoring and surveillance, proper maintenance and repair also be done on the system to make sure it functions smoothly.

Having established the guidelines and protocols, comes the question of how to go about getting a UPS backed security camera system for your site.

Here is a rundown of the equipment needed for a UPS system:

In order to provide a reliable UPS backup for your system, these are the things to consider:

Before you start to think about getting a UPS system, think about the number of cameras you have that need backup. This would be the natural first step because it would determine the specifications of the system and the total cost of the system.

The total wattage of the system is the amount of electricity it would require to power your entire system. The wattage information for each camera can be found on the specifications label on the device or in the instruction manual. You can also look online for your camera models to see what wattage they operate at.

Important Consideration: Be sure to account for future expansion. Pick a UPS with larger than currently required output capacity so when your system expands, you do not have to upgrade your UPS as well.

Another important consideration is the duration of the backup you require. For construction sites specifically, insurance companies require at least 8 hours of continuous backup. This helps decide the battery capacity to install to get the desired backup.

See if your current wiring can accommodate the UPS, or if separate wiring has to be done. It not only complicates the installation process, but also adds into the cost of the entire system.

There are various inverters available at different price points, similar to the batteries and the rest of the components. Picking the right system can help you strike a balance between reliability and cost effectiveness.

It is your best bet to consult a security company before getting UPS cameras to help with installation. Prior to installation, they can also help you pick the right components, build the system as per insurance requirements, and make sure that it runs smoothly through proper maintenance and regular health checks.

Are you a construction site owner or contractor looking to install UPS for your security cameras? Spotter Security offers insurance-compliant UPS backup so that your construction site always has eyes on. With over 20 years of experience in providing security in the construction industry, Spotter Security knows the challenges and how to deal with them. During the consultation, see how you can get the best possible system that matches the requirements of your security system, is insurance-compliant, and fits within your stipulated budget.

Installing UPS for security cameras can be a challenge. Be sure to consult a security company to help you pick the system, install, maintain and monitor it so you can keep your equipment, materials and workers secure.