A security system is only as reliable as its backup power. Most sites have no way of knowing whether their batteries are healthy, how long they’ll last, or how many cycles they’ve been through, until something fails. The SmartArx Energy Monitor changes that. Below are the common questions we receive.
What does the SmartArx Energy Monitor actually do?
It monitors your backup batteries, your site’s energy consumption, and your UPS, continuously, automatically, and in real time. Rather than waiting for a failure to tell you something is wrong, it tells you what’s happening before anything fails.
How many batteries can it monitor?
Two, independently. Each battery is tracked separately, so if one is healthy and the other is not, you’ll know which is which.
What information does it give me about each battery?
For each battery, the Energy Monitor tracks:
- Estimated run time: how long the battery will last if the power were to drop right now
- Cycles completed: a count of full charge and discharge cycles, which tells you how old the battery is in real terms
- Charge current
- Discharge current
- Voltage
Why does cycle count matter?
Batteries age based on cycle count, not calendar years. A heavily cycled battery (one that has been used to 100% capacity multiple times) is functionally older than a barely used one, regardless of the installation date. Cycle count accurately reflects the battery’s real age.
What notifications does it send?
The Energy Monitor sends notifications when discharge starts, when the battery is low, when charging starts, and when charging ends. You are kept informed through each stage of the battery’s cycle without having to check manually.
Can it monitor my whole site's power consumption?
Yes, via an interface with a low-cost energy meter. Once connected, the Energy Monitor tracks energy usage over time in kWh and live energy draw in Watts. This lets you see how much power the site is consuming and spot loads you may not have accounted for.
Does it work with a UPS?
Yes. The Energy Monitor connects to an on-site UPS via the RS-232 port and gives you visibility of:
- Mains input voltage and frequency
- Output voltage
- Battery voltage
- Load percentage
- Battery low status
What is a scheduled UPS test?
The Energy Monitor can run scheduled tests on your UPS battery. The test either runs the UPS on battery power for a few seconds to check whether it responds, or runs it until the battery reaches a low state, which indicates how much runtime you realistically have. This is done under controlled conditions rather than during an actual outage.
How does it communicate?
Via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. It also supports over-the-air firmware updates, so the device updates itself without any physical intervention.
Who is this for?
Anyone running a security system with backup power (including alarm panels, cameras, and access control) who needs to know that the backup is working. This covers homes with inverters, businesses with UPS units, commercial sites, and security installers who manage systems on behalf of clients.
What happens if I don't monitor my batteries?
A dead battery and a fully charged one appear identical until the power goes out. Without proper monitoring, you might discover the battery has failed only when you need it most. The Energy Monitor eliminates that risk.