Extreme Weather Poses Security Challenges For Technicians, System Suppliers And Security Managers.
Extreme Weather Poses Security Challenges – In the aftermath of Cyclone Alfred, it’s worth considering the importance of waterproofing your security applications.
Some locations are increasingly at risk of flooding. Many external security applications are exposed to extreme weather, including strong winds and heavy rainfall. It’s worse when systems are situated near rivers, or are installed in low-lying areas prone to flooding and storm surges.
When installing security electronics in such areas, elevation is your friend. Pay close attention to mounts and fixings, and consider the effects of wind vibration, moving water, and debris impact when selecting your focal length for surveillance coverage.
There are standards that apply to flood-prone environments – AS3004 clause 7.1 is relevant in Australia. This section covers wiring rules that apply to the delivery of mains power to exposed locations. These will serve as a guideline for general wiring in external security applications. These standards will also directly apply to any AC power supplied to enclosures housing electronic security components.
From a physical installation standpoint, thermoplastic-insulated copper cabling in non-metallic conduit should be used to prevent corrosion in wet conditions. Routing network cables requires careful planning, as water ingress can be a major issue. It may be easier to install more cameras on elevated, stable structures that provide coverage of flood-prone areas using longer focal lengths than to install more cameras in vulnerable locations.
Point-to-point wireless solutions are another option worth considering – think about 4G, microwave and Wi-Fi bearing in mind heavy rain will attenuate wireless signals. If there are going to be risks to comms, consider star configurations with wiring. You don’t want 1 drowned pit to cost a user total system coverage.
In wet areas, terminations and connections must be properly sealed and routinely inspected. Keep IPX4 ratings in mind when it comes to power. Housings should be weatherproof and shaded. If airflow is a feature, boards should be conformally coated to prevent moisture damage over time.
Overhead wiring and aluminium conductors may not be suitable for flood-prone areas, as exposure to water and humidity can lead to accelerated corrosion and electrical faults. Additionally, locations with heavy rainfall or periodic flooding may require flexible conduit sections to accommodate shifting ground levels or water movement. Ensuring sufficient slack in wiring to handle peak water levels will help prevent damage. Planning for articulating cable solutions in advance is crucial to maintaining system reliability.
Extreme Weather Poses Security Challenges
Other considerations in flood-prone installations include the maximum draw of shared power supplies, particularly in peak storm seasons when emergency services and temporary flood mitigation equipment may place additional demand on local power infrastructure. Flooded areas may experience voltage drops due to water damage or increased resistance in electrical systems. Ideally, voltage drop should not exceed 5 per cent between terminals and outlets. This applies directly to AC power but should also be considered for all low-voltage and CAT5/6 cabling.
Given the complexity of flood-prone environments, you will need to install junction boxes and manage distribution points from elevated or waterproof enclosures. If your installation involves sockets, ensure they are protected by circuit breakers. Certain regions require RCD protection to prevent electrical hazards in wet conditions. Any socket outlet in such environments should be 3-pin and rated at a minimum of 15A.
It’s important to recognize that power systems in flood-prone areas can be unpredictable. Underground conduits or cables may become submerged, leading to insulation failure, and stray electrical currents may increase corrosion risks. Proper grounding is essential, and isolating metal components will help prevent galvanic corrosion.
If using existing power infrastructure for your security system, evaluate its condition thoroughly before integrating it into your solution. While you’re at it, consider back up power for those times public utilities fail. This might mean solar with back up batteries. You need not install solar for every camera but if a percentage of your locations feature local generation and power supply, as well as independent comms paths, users be able to use a percentage of key camera views in the event of total power failure.
Throughout the design and installation process, always adhere to relevant standards and wiring rules to ensure compliance with legislated safety and performance requirements. You can find AS/NZS wiring rules here or read more SEN news here.
“Extreme Weather Poses Security Challenges For Technicians, System Suppliers And Security Managers.”
