Why Do Battery-powered Cameras Lose Charge Over Time

Battery-powered cameras are a convenient and flexible choice for enhancing security at home or in your business, eliminating the need for complex wiring and can be easily installed almost anywhere. However, one common concern with these devices is that their batteries tend to lose charge over time. While it might seem like a straightforward issue of battery life, there are several factors at play, ranging from environmental conditions to usage habits and even the camera’s settings. Understanding these factors can help you get the most out of your device and maintain reliable surveillance without frequent interruptions.

Understanding Why Batteries Lose Power

A 6,000mAH battery is estimated to have a lifespan of up to 2 or 3 years, with a shelf-life of about 1 to 2 years; however, its performance can start to degrade within months or less than a year. Built-in batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, experience degradation over time due to various factors

Self-discharge

Even when not in use, lithium-ion batteries slowly lose their charge over time. This natural process, known as self-discharge, can lead to a significant reduction in battery capacity if the camera is stored for extended periods without being used.

Temperature Extremes

Exposure to high or low temperatures can accelerate battery degradation. Extreme heat can cause the battery to overheat and degrade faster, while cold temperatures can reduce the battery's efficiency and capacity. Hot temperatures can cause overheating, reducing lifespan, while freezing temperatures can decrease capacity and runtime. Even though operating temperatures for such cameras may be low or high, fluctuating temperatures or greater exposure outdoors still affects batteries. 

Lack of Use

When batteries are not used regularly, they can enter a state of deep discharge, where the battery's voltage drops to a level where it cannot be recharged effectively. This can lead to irreversible damage and reduced battery life.

Chemical Reactions

Over time, the chemical components within the battery can break down, leading to a decrease in the battery's ability to hold a charge. This is a natural part of the aging process for all batteries.

Charge cycles

Each time a battery is charged and discharged, it goes through a cycle. Over time, the number of effective charge cycles decreases, meaning the battery won't hold as much charge as it did when it was new.

Camera-Specific Factors

Several camera-specific factors can impact battery life, from frequent app usage to network issues. Understanding how these elements affect performance can help you optimize your camera’s power efficiency.

1. Frequent Opening of the Swann Security App - Opening the app repeatedly wakes the camera from hibernation, consuming more battery as it activates and deactivates frequently.
2. Too Many Detections or Triggers - Frequent motion or sound detections cause the camera to wake up often to record or alert, draining the battery faster. As for doorbell units, frequent doorbell presses will also wake the device.
3. Poor Wi-Fi Signal - A weak Wi-Fi connection makes the camera work harder to stay connected, causing it to wake up more frequently and use more power. Repositioning the camera or your router so they can have a stronger signal will help the camera's battery last longer.

Battery-operated units conserve power by entering hibernation or sleep mode, only waking up when necessary to conserve battery life.

Maximise The Life Span Of Built-in Batteries

To mitigate these issues and maximise the lifespan of the camera's battery, it is recommended to:

1. Avoid Overcharging - Regularly charging to 100% can strain the battery over time, so aim to unplug once the charge is sufficient for your needs; if possible, only charge until 80%-90%.
2. Prevent Complete Drainage - Letting the battery drain completely can cause long-term damage; recharge before it gets too low to maintain its health. Learn more in Why You Should Recharge Your Battery Before It Hits 0%
3. Maintain Safe Temperatures - Keep the battery below 35°C and avoid exposure to extreme heat or cold, as temperature extremes can reduce battery performance and lifespan.
4. Store and Recharge Properly - Store the camera in a cool, dry place and recharge periodically when not in use to prevent the battery from deteriorating.
5. Use the Correct Charger - Only use chargers with 5V and 2.1A max output; avoid damaged cables, unknown chargers, or charging in wet conditions to prevent damage or risks.
6. Charging Safety - Charge in a well-ventilated area, away from heat sources, and stop immediately if the device overheats, smokes, or emits a burnt odor.
7. Battery Maintenance and Handling - Do not attempt to disassemble the battery; gradual battery degradation and longer charging times are normal with repeated use.
8. Long-term Battery Care - Charge the device every three months to avoid permanent damage from prolonged inactivity.