When a power failure alarm comes to the rescue

Offices, commercial buildings and second homes, which are often left unattended over the weekend or during holidays, can benefit from the addition of a power failure alarm.

For some people, a power failure alarm serves little purpose because they are around most of the time and, if the power goes off, they will notice it as quickly as any device could.

• The advantage of an alarm that detects power outages becomes more obvious for a building not always occupied, like an outbuilding where items are stored, or a holiday home in a rural location.

One of the most important things about an alarm monitoring the power to a building is that it notifies you of a potential problem.

• If the power in an outbuilding or an unattended home goes off for a prolonged period, you may want to do something about the contents of the freezer, for example.

Equally, a simple notification message may mean you choose to do nothing immediately, other than to contact the utility company concerned to find out how long the power will remain out.

• In commercial buildings, notice of a power outage may mean that a business continuity plan is put into practice.
• It depends on the specific circumstance, but a notification means being informed, and being informed means being able to make the appropriate decisions.

These days, manufacturers of power outage alarms make multi-functional units that do more than monitor the electrical supply to a home or office building.

• Some devices can also keep a check on the water supply, as well as monitor the temperature.

In remote locations, keeping a watchful eye on the temperature can be just as important as monitoring the power.

• After all, burst pipes can have a devastating effect on a home if the temperature drops sufficiently.
• By keeping track of these things, it is possible to prevent problems and even lower your insurance premiums.

Some multi-function alarms require ongoing paid subscriptions, but others have no fees and can be set up without much technical know-how.

In order to create an alarm for an unoccupied building, you will need more than a typical battery-powered audio alert.

• Most modern alarm devices connect via the telephone network and some can dial up to 10 different numbers, if necessary.
• Others will notify you via an SMS message.

Some use Wi-Fi to connect, but bear in mind that alarms of this type will need a powered router nearby in order to work.

• For the most reassuring sort of power outage alarm, choose one that is able to connect to the outside world by more than one means.

*Not only is it dangerous, it may even be illegal in some provinces, such as Québec, to do your own electrical wiring. The solution: consider hiring a master electrician.