More and more of us are installing smart systems and devices in our homes. These systems are often integrated and work together seamlessly 24/7. However, what happens when the power goes out? You may not have given much thought about your smart system’s performance under a power outage. Don’t worry too much, though, as many of your devices will still operate if the power goes out.
The Smart System
Many smart homes are controlled through smart hubs that connect your devices together into one system. These hubs serve to let you control smart items that use disparate types of running systems via one control source. Will your smart hub still be able to function if your home loses power? If the system has an alternative source of power, then the answer is yes.
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Some hubs have alternate battery power sources, and some do not. For instance, the third generation SmartThings hub from Samsung does not possess a battery source. How will an out-of-commission smart hub affect your smart system? It mainly means a loss of convenience. The separate devices will still work, or not, according to their respective designs but will not work in tandem.
Battery Powered
Many smart devices have dual power sources. Smart objects with backup batteries will continue to run, while devices that run solely on electricity will not. The good news about smart device connectivity during a power outage is that common items such as smart thermostats, garage doors, and key locks usually have batteries and will remain operational. Smart security systems that are powered by phone lines will work during an electrical power outage, but ones that use the internet will not. And, of course, smart versions of items that will not work without electricity will still not work. Smart light bulbs, smart cooling systems and smart plugs will not function without electricity.
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Manual Operation
Some smart items also have power alternatives other than batteries. Most garage doors can be operated manually by being released from their power source. When setting the garage doors to a manual release, always ensure the garage door is fully closed before releasing the door.
Smart keyless door locks actually have a key component that you can use to unlock the door when necessary. You can also add battery packs to your routers and security cameras to keep them running. For convenient lighting in your home during an outage, you can use LED light bulbs that have internal batteries.
In most areas, power outages from sources provided by municipalities are inevitable at some point in time. Whether you have a smart system in your home or not, odds are that most of your home devices are operated by electricity. If you do not have an emergency generator, then having devices with secondary battery power or manual alternatives is a good way of providing power during these circumstances.
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