Defending Your Systems Against Power Problems

Sponsored content by MINUTEMAN / PARA SYSTEMS, INC.

A compelling case can be made for how important security systems are in protecting facilities, staff, faculty and students, and few would disagree that investing in a comprehensive plan to secure a campus is a wise decision.

When problems with power, such as surges, spikes, blackouts or brownouts occur, security systems must go on unfazed. The prospect of protecting all of the systems involved can be daunting, but a granular approach can simplify the process greatly.

There are seven critical areas that must be operational in the event of a power problem:

  1. Cameras and recording devices — At least one hour of battery backup time from a UPS.
  2. Access control — Low power requirement, can be inexpensively backed up with a small UPS.
  3. Fire alarm systems — Most states require an online UPS solution providing 24 hours of capacity.
  4. Emergency communications — Also subject to state regulations, often up to 24 hours of backup required.
  5. Telephone Systems — Communications are critical; backup of these systems includes UPSes for both the main system and workstations.
  6. Intrusion detection — Small on-board battery usually included, but a small UPS should be included for added protection
  7. Loss prevention — Assure theft will not occur during a power anomaly.

A complete security plan for any campus must focus on each area of the system’s requirements for power protection. With each piece working in harmony, the next power problem will not turn into a disaster.

For more detailed information on power protection for security, visit www.minutemanups.com/collegeplanning.

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

Featured

  • Quattrocchi Kwok Architects Opens New Office in Denver

    Education planning and design firm Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) recently announced that it has opened a new office in Denver, Colo., the firm’s third overall. QKA is headquartered in Santa Rosa, Calif., and runs an East Bay Area office in Oakland.

  • Agricultural Sciences Complex

    Agricultural Sciences Complex

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. The College of Western Idaho's Agricultural Sciences Complex has been recognized with an EDS 2026 Grand Prize award in the category of New Construction.

  • Texas Recruitment

    Texas Recruitment

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. The University of Texas at Austin's Texas Recruitment has been recognized with an EDS 2026 Grand Prize award in the category of Renovation.

  • AAADM Announces Building Safety Month Initiatives

    The American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers (AAADM) recently announced its support of Building Safety Month as declared by the International Code Council (ICC), according to a news release.