Power Requirements for Physical Security Systems
Power requirements are an important consideration when designing and operating a physical security system. Security cameras and other connected devices can vary significantly in power consumption, affecting PoE switch capacity, deployment requirements, operating costs, and the overall total cost of ownership of a security solution.
Understanding security camera power consumption and PoE requirements can help organizations properly size network infrastructure, plan remote or solar-powered deployments, and evaluate long-term energy costs. Even small differences in device wattage can create significant cost differences when multiplied across dozens or hundreds of devices operating 24/7.
- TCO: Power consumption should be included in the calculation of a system’s total cost of ownership (TCO).
- System Requirements: When deploying a solution with a PoE (Power over Ethernet) switch, it’s important to evaluate the power requirements to ensure the upstream hardware can adequately support the device.
- Solution Footprint: For solutions utilizing alternative power sources, such as solar, selecting low-power devices is crucial to minimizing the solution’s environmental impact, particularly in remote or mobile deployments.
Device Requirements
Devices have varying power requirements, with some needing just a few watts, while others may require 20 watts or more, depending on their features. Axis Communications is recognized for offering power-efficient devices, whereas many other manufacturers may overlook this factor, resulting in inefficient solutions that can lead to substantial long-term costs. Below are two examples of how Axis Communications compares to other camera providers on the market.
Fixed 2MP Dome
| Axis Communications | Competitive Cloud Supplier | |
|---|---|---|
| Max Power Requirements | 7 | 20 |
| 1 kWh Cost | .1683 Cents | |
| Cost for 1 Year | $10.32 | $29.49 |
| Cost for 5 Years | $51.60 | $147.43 |
| 10 Cameras over 5 Years | $516.01 | $1,474.31 |
| Axis Communications | Competitive Cloud Supplier | |
|---|---|---|
| Max Power Requirements | 12.95 | 24 |
| 1 kWh Cost | .1683 Cents | |
| Cost for 1 Year | $19.09 | $35.38 |
| Cost for 5 Years | $95.46 | $176.92 |
| 10 Cameras over 5 Years | $954.61 | $1,769.17 |
Calculating and Comparing the Cost of Power
The total cost of power can be calculated using this equation:
Cost = (Power in watts / 1000) x Hours of operation x Cost per kWh
Below is how the cost stacks up for a 5-watt, 10-watt, and 20-watt device:
| 5 Watt Camera | 10 Watt Camera | 20 Watt Camera | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 kWh Cost | .1683 Cents | ||
| Cost for 1 Year | $7.37 | $14.74 | $29.49 |
| Cost for 5 Years | $36.86 | $73.72 | $147.43 |
| 10 Cameras over 5 Years | $3,685.77 | $7,371.54 | $14,743.08 |
PoE Classes
Power over Ethernet (PoE) classes categorize devices according to their power consumption needs when utilizing PoE technology. These classifications help determine the amount of power that can be delivered through the Ethernet cable from the PoE-enabled switch or injector to the powered device. Box, dome, and bullet form factor cameras from Axis Communications typically fall into class 1, 2, or 3. While devices such as multsensor, panoramic, or PTZ may require class 4 or “high PoE”.
| Class 1 | Class 2 | Class 3 | Class 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Available Power to Device | 3.84 | 6.49 | 12.95 | 25.5 |
“High PoE” refers to the enhanced power delivery capabilities of PoE++, which can supply up to 100 watts per port, making it ideal for powering more energy-intensive devices.
For precise device requirements, please consult the product datasheets provided by Axis Communications.