How much does it cost to run a security camera system?
A security camera system operates continuously throughout the year to monitor your property 24/7, which means the cameras and their supporting equipment (power supplies, network switches, and sometimes local storage devices) are drawing electricity every single hour. While individual cameras consume very little power compared to heating, cooling, or kitchen appliances, that constant operation across multiple devices and 365 days adds up to a meaningful portion of household energy use.
Security Camera System running cost calculator
- Per day
- $0.24
- Per month
- $7.45
- Per year
- $89.35
- CO₂ / year
- 210.2 kg
Based on 525.6 kWh per year. Adjust the price per kWh to match your latest electricity bill for an exact figure.
At 60 watts used 24 hours a day, a security camera system costs about $0.24 per day, $7.45 per month and $89.35 per year on an average rate of 17¢ per kWh — roughly 525.6 kWh and 210.2 kg of CO₂ over a year. Enter your own electricity rate and usage in the calculator above for a figure matched to your bill.
The actual power draw of a modern security camera system depends entirely on your setup. A single wireless or PoE camera might pull 5-15 watts, while a complete system with 4-8 cameras, a network recorder or NVR, and supporting infrastructure can total 50-100+ watts running continuously. Most homeowners underestimate this because they compare cameras to seasonal devices rather than understanding that security systems never sleep. The type of camera matters significantly: older analog CCTV systems often consume more power per unit than modern IP cameras, and cameras with built-in storage, active cooling fans, or infrared illumination will draw more than basic passive models. Understanding your specific setup—counting cameras, checking their individual specifications, and accounting for any hub, recorder, or network equipment—gives you the real picture of what you're actually running.
Power supplies represent a hidden efficiency factor that many people overlook. A cheap, unregulated power supply can waste 10-20% of input energy as heat, while a quality supply operates at 85-95% efficiency. If you're powering four cameras at 8 watts each through a low-quality supply, you might be consuming 40+ watts just to deliver 32 watts to the cameras. Conversely, PoE (Power over Ethernet) systems that deliver power through the network cable are often more efficient because they reduce the number of separate power supplies needed. Infrared night vision capability also increases consumption—IR LEDs draw meaningful power when active, so a camera that switches IR on and off based on ambient light will consume less than one running IR continuously.
The real-world cost of your system depends on several behavioral choices beyond the equipment itself. Systems that stream continuously to cloud servers consume more internet bandwidth (which has energy costs elsewhere) than those recording locally to a hard drive or SD card. Motion-detection recording reduces storage and bandwidth but requires the camera processor to stay active and analyzing video at all hours. Positioning cameras to minimize reliance on artificial infrared by using passive lighting, or choosing cameras with better low-light sensitivity, can meaningfully reduce power draw. Many homeowners run their systems at full resolution and frame rate from day one without realizing that lower settings can significantly cut energy use while remaining perfectly adequate for deterrent or identification purposes.
When evaluating efficiency, look beyond the wattage of individual cameras. Check whether the system's software allows scheduling—the ability to reduce frame rates, disable recording, or power down certain cameras during daytime hours when you're home or during seasons when monitoring needs are lower. Some modern systems include smart power management that adjusts camera activity based on occupancy sensors or time of day. Battery backup and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) are common in security installations for continuity during outages, but they consume additional power for constant charging and maintenance, so factor that into your total load if you have one installed. Finally, wireless cameras often consume less overall system energy than wired alternatives because they eliminate the need for a central power distribution unit, though they may require periodic battery replacement—always compare the total energy footprint, not just direct electrical draw.
Frequently asked questions
- Why do security cameras use power 24/7 if they're just sitting there watching?
- Security cameras never truly idle. They're constantly powering their sensor, processor, and network interface, and often running motion detection algorithms or encoding video in real time. Many cameras also maintain active infrared illumination for night vision, even when nobody is looking at the footage. Unlike a TV or light switch that you turn on and off, the camera's job is to record continuously so you have evidence if something happens while you're asleep or away.
- Does video resolution or frame rate make a big difference in power consumption?
- Yes, significantly. Higher resolution (4K vs. 1080p) and faster frame rates (30fps vs. 15fps) require more processing and network bandwidth, which increases power draw at the camera and recorder. If your system allows you to record at lower resolution during night hours or outside peak monitoring times, you can reduce consumption substantially. Many homeowners don't realize they can dial back these settings once the system is installed without losing meaningful security coverage.
- Are wireless cameras more efficient than wired security cameras?
- It depends on the full picture. Wireless cameras powered by batteries require periodic battery replacement, which has its own energy and environmental cost. Wireless cameras powered by line voltage (plug-in) may use slightly less total energy than wired systems because they eliminate the need for a centralized power distribution unit. However, the difference is usually small—most of the energy goes into the cameras themselves, not the delivery mechanism. If you're already investing in a UPS or backup power supply for a wired system, a well-designed wireless setup might consume less overall.
- What's the difference between local recording and cloud storage when it comes to electricity use?
- Local recording (to an NVR or SD card in the camera) uses only the energy you directly supply to your equipment. Cloud storage requires constant internet upload, which uses your router and modem energy continuously and supports data centers running elsewhere. Over a year, local recording typically consumes less energy in your home, though the cloud provider's facilities use energy too. Cloud systems do eliminate the need for expensive on-site recording hardware, so the overall comparison is complex—but if energy efficiency is your priority, local storage with a small, efficient NVR is usually the better choice.
- Can I reduce the cost of running my security system without losing protection?
- Absolutely. Start by optimizing what you already have: reduce resolution and frame rates during hours when activity is unlikely, use motion-detection recording instead of continuous recording if your system allows it, and disable infrared illumination during daylight. Position cameras to avoid dark corners that require IR operation. If you're upgrading, choose cameras with better low-light sensitivity, which means you can run IR at lower power. Many people also find that monitoring specific high-value areas with fewer cameras is more practical than blanket coverage, which naturally lowers consumption.
- Does a power supply or UPS for my security system add significantly to the bill?
- The power supply itself is usually efficient (85-95%), so losses are minimal. However, if you have a UPS (battery backup), it's constantly drawing power to keep the battery charged and maintained, even during power-up times. This can add 5-10 watts to your total system draw depending on the UPS capacity. Over a year, that adds up. If you have a UPS, check whether you can adjust its charging parameters or consider a smaller capacity if your outage resilience requirements allow—you don't always need to run a large UPS to maintain security coverage.