Have you ever wondered how wireless security cameras are powered? If so, then keep reading to find out the answer.

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There are many different types of security cameras, all of them with different functions and specifications. In recent years, wireless security cameras have become more and more popular, because of their convenience. First of all, there is a common misconception with regards to wireless cameras that needs to be addressed. Many people think wireless cameras have no wires whatsoever, but this is not necessarily true. On the other hand, wired cameras don’t necessarily necessitate hard wiring. The term ‘wireless’ refers to the fact that data transmission from the camera to a receiver does not require a connection through a wire. This is why it is important to make sure to check the specifics of your security camera to find out whether it uses wiring or not. Now, when talking about wireless cameras, you might think that all wireless security cameras run on batteries. This is however not the case. Let’s take a look at the different ways a wireless security camera can be powered, and the advantages of a wireless security camera.

Three types of power sources for wireless security cameras:

1. Electrical outlet

These types of wireless security cameras need to be plugged into a power outlet in order to work. Because of this, it is important that you place your camera near to a power source, otherwise you’ll have to be struggling with extension cords, which isn’t ideal. The data transmission still happens wirelessly however, so that’s not something you have to worry about.

1. Battery powered

The second type of power source is batteries. The type of wireless security cameras that use batteries are truly wireless, in all senses of the term. You might be afraid that your battery runs out really quickly, and you’ll have to be replacing them constantly. Firstly, in general, battery life lasts relatively long as most cameras only activate when motion is detected, instead of being on constantly. Secondly, most batteries don’t actually have to be replaced, as rechargeable batteries are used. The most common battery that is used in such cameras is a lithium ion battery because of how long lasting it is.

An example of a battery powered wireless security camera is the Litmor Battery Cam.

As mentioned before, 5200 mAh rechargeable batteries are used. This means that, in 24/7 online mode, if daily average triggers are below 8 times, the camera can last for 4 months. In ECO, this duration can be extended to 12 months. You clearly don’t have to worry about charging this camera too often. Furthermore, because this device does not require any type of wiring, and because of its flexible mounting system, it can be placed just about anywhere in or outside your house.

1. Wireless transmitter

Wireless transmitters can be used to connect to a wireless camera. However, the wireless transmitter must be placed within a clear proximity of the camera to be in range. If the device is out of range, it will not be able to receive power from it.

2. Solar powered

The last type of power source for wireless security cameras might be a little unexpected: the sun. Some wireless security cameras with rechargeable batteries can store solar power, and use it to power the camera. In order to achieve this, a solar panel is necessary. Be careful, solar panels are often sold separately from the camera. All you need to do is connect the solar panel to the camera, and that’s it. Some solar panels can also charge wireless cameras remotely, using 4G/3G cellular data, meaning that the camera does not need to be connected to the solar panel by a wire.

Advantages of a wireless camera

Now you know how wireless cameras are powered, let’s take a look at the advantages of a wireless security camera, compared to a wired one.

1. Independent of power source

The wireless cameras that don’t need to be plugged in, such as those using batteries, solar panels or wireless transmitters, can function without a wired power source. This means that they will still work, even during a power outage.

2. Data transfer is wireless

Data transfer does not require wires, which means that the data is wirelessly transferred to a receiver, be it your mobile phone or any other device. This means accessing the data is also a lot more convenient.

3. Low cost and easy set-up

There are multiple wireless security camera at a relatively low price point. The Litmor Battery Cam is one of them, being one of the wireless security cameras with the most competitive pricing in the product category. Furthermore, these types of cameras are easy to set-up as you don’t have to worry about where the wires go. This also means that you can install most of these cameras yourself, and don’t need to look for professional help, which is often also quite expensive.

4. More flexible installation

Because there are limited or no wires connected to the device, the device is a lot more flexible in terms of installation. In case of truly wireless cameras, you can install them practically anywhere.