Stationary surveillance

Application

Stationary audio and video surveillance systems are used to protect and monitor infrastructures, for border control, for security during events and to watch animals and plants in the wild. They are often installed and operated covertly.

Output requirement	Between 25 and 50 W

The challenge

Semi-stationary and stationary surveillance systems are often used where there is no mains connection. Sometimes, surveillance systems must be used covertly. This poses a challenge to the self-sufficiency of a power supply.

More about surveillance

Mobile surveillance

Stationary Surveillance

Around the globe, stationary surveillance plays an essential part in security, law enforcement and investigative work. Below, we define what stationary surveillance is, describe some typical applications and discuss the benefits. In addition, we introduce an innovative off-grid solution to supply power for stationary surveillance hardware.

What is stationary surveillance?

Stationary surveillance involves monitoring individuals, buildings and areas such as borders, property boundaries, building exits and entrance ways. When linked to investigative work, stationary surveillance means that investigators stay in one place to gather information. Alternatively, the task might involve using stationary surveillance devices such as covert or miniature video cameras.

In contrast, mobile surveillance involves different locations, portable equipment or following the suspect or subject(s) under investigation to collect data on the go.

What are the applications of stationary surveillance?

Characteristically, the uses of stationary surveillance systems cover the protection of property and maintenance of security during major events. Frequent applications include:

• Business security and vigilance in the construction sector, utility installations, distribution centers, shopping malls and motor dealerships.
• Monitoring essential infrastructure such as oil refineries and gas pipelines.
• Industrial safety and security.
• Military operations and defense.
• Investigations and collecting court-quality evidence from a fixed location.

Other uses include observing animals, wildlife, roads, port traffic, office blocks and residential developments. Often, hardware installation and system operation are covert.

Stationary technical surveillance involves using audio surveillance equipment and cameras to record conversations and behavior. The technique is relatively common in employee sickness and absenteeism cases as well as proof of cohabitation.

What are the advantages of stationary surveillance?

High-resolution stationary cameras ensure effective monitoring, increase safety and deter crime. In this respect, image quality is crucial when selecting and installing a remote video monitoring system.

A significant benefit of stationary surveillance systems is the prevention of break-ins. According to US statistics, businesses are four times more likely to suffer burglary than residential properties. Around three in five burglaries involve forced entry; criminals might break windows, pick locks or kick in doors. The presence of visible stationary surveillance systems – in particular, security cameras – is an effective deterrent.

In addition, stationary surveillance guards against employee theft. Without security measures, some businesses lose up to five percent of their turnover due to fraud. Similarly, security cameras help to reduce shoplifting.

Stationary surveillance cameras also show customers that a business cares about safety and security. It can, therefore, improve the overall perception of a business.

Other advantages of stationary surveillance systems include:

• The prevention of theft in parking lots.
• A reduction in vandalism.
• Improvements in business productivity and financial returns.
• Easier tracking of customer footfall patterns, to support marketing and sales initiatives.
• Prevention of false claims.
• Monitoring of transactions.
• Support for law enforcement and regulatory compliance.
• Peace of mind for business owners.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, a single incident of vandalism costs more than $3,300 on average. ^[1] Also, security cameras reduce the need to hire extra security personnel, thus containing costs. IP-based streaming and remote surveillance enable authorized staff to monitor critical business areas in real-time from almost anywhere, around the clock.

With video resolutions up to 2,688 x 1,520 pixels at 30 frames per second, stationary surveillance cameras produce sharp, detailed images even at a distance. In addition, diffuse IR infrared technology provides excellent image quality in dark and low light environments, as favored by criminals.

What is the useful life of stationary surveillance devices?

Covert stationary surveillance tasks require minimum user intervention. However, remote outdoor surveillance cameras do not usually have straightforward access to mains electricity supplies. Depending on the task and location, the autonomy requirement could be up to twelve weeks.

Given the need for an independent power source, the frequency of maintenance or replenishment becomes a crucial issue in operation. Typically, covert stationary surveillance camera hardware requires a power supply of between 25 and 50 Watts although this consumption can rise to around 100 Watts for a more intricate video surveillance system. ^[2] Usually, audio surveillance hardware uses less power.

What else should you know about stationary surveillance?

According to a report published in May 2022 by Benzinga, an investment information service, the market for surveillance cameras will expand and could exceed $5.5 billion by 2026 ^[3]. Professional surveillance equipment suppliers include AV Costar, Canon and Cisco Systems. If you are searching for the best surveillance camera, various review sites list Arlo, Ring, Blink and Eufy among the top brands ^[4].

Similarly, wireless security camera equipment sales to protect residential property developments will likely rise to $25 billion by 2030 ^[5]. Global Market Insights Inc. attributes this market growth to increasing concerns for safety and protection.

What are the special features of EFOY monitoring devices?

When powered by off-grid EFOY Fuel Cells, stationary surveillance devices function reliably for weeks. These innovative power cells operate for long periods without any user intervention and do not generate heat. Moreover, their undetectable design makes them ideal for covert stationary surveillance operations.

Sited in discreet surroundings, integrated fuel cells are virtually unrecognizable. EFOY Fuel Cells come in a selection of performance classes, with output ratings from 40 Watts and upwards for small-scale power systems. EFOY Fuel Cells guarantee long term continuous operation, ideal for stationary surveillance.

In summary, the advantages of using EFOY

off-grid power cells to power video surveillance equipment are:

• Quiet operation.
• Long autonomy.
• Remote monitoring.
• Virtually maintenance-free.
• Total reliability and safety.
• Compact size and lightness.
• Minimal environmental impact.

Conclusion

Above, we have seen the uses and advantages of video surveillance equipment in the commerce, security and defense fields. Additionally, independent power cells provide a reliable electrical supply for stationary security and surveillance solutions, especially when covert operation and secrecy are crucial.

We invite you to browse the example stationary surveillance installations here. Alternatively, to discuss power units for stationary surveillance, please contact us today.