What if burglar cut out the electricity first ? Should Smartthings still be used as security system?

[Scott_Barton (Scott)]

Here is how you can make sure your SmartThings is up and connected even if a robber cuts power and internet.

Keep ST up and connected to internet even in power loss

I’m trying to make ST as reliable as possible as a security system, and that includes getting intrusion, smoke, and leak notifications even when the power is out or internet is down. Most of the security devices are battery powered so they will at least report to ST Hub when there is an issue. Just need to make sure ST can send the notifications to you. For that you need internet and power for those devices 24/7 no matter what. You’ll need 4 things: UPS Battery backup Router with 4G Failover capability 4G USB Modem for the 4G Router Sim card with service for the 4G Modem 1) UPS. I am using a $40 APC battery backup UPS It’s designed for Modems/Routers with low power draw and should last a few hours. My Cable modem, WiFi Router, and ST hub get plugged into this. [image] 2) 4G…

Here is how you can get a notification if power is cut or goes down.

Cheap and easy Power Outage Notifications

Got the 1st Gen Aeon Labs whole house energy meter for $9.99. It reports total kWh used (increments) as well as current Wattage being used (fluctuates). Using Core setup 2 Pistons: Using Capability: Power Meter (not Energy Meter) Drops below 25W send Power Outage alert Raises Above 25W send Power Back Up alert Or Without Core, use Energy Alert SmartApp: Go into Marketplace → SmartApps → Energy Management → Energy Alerts Setup an Power Outage Alert for when it Reports Below 25W and when it Reports Above 25W. This meter can run on batteries or AC power. It will report every 5 minutes on AC power and every 10 minutes on battery power. It will transition to battery power if it loses AC power. The caveat is that once it transitions from AC power to battery power, it won’t go back to…