Are power outage detectors a clever investment?

3 weeks ago

General Knowledge

Power outage detectors, often also referred to as power monitors or network failure monitors, are used for continuous monitoring of the power supply. As soon as the device detects that no voltage is present—whether due to a general blackout or a blown fuse – it triggers an alarm. Depending on the model, the alert may be given acoustically, via SMS, phone call, or push notification on your smartphone. Importantly, many models come equipped with their own battery or rechargeable battery, ensuring they continue to function even if the entire power grid goes down.

Avoid freezer disasters:
Equipping yourself with the right technology to handle power outages

Perhaps you’ve experienced this yourself: You come home, open the freezer, and realize with horror that everything has thawed because the power went out. That happened to us, and nobody noticed. As a result, we had to throw out all the food, including everything we’d harvested from the garden that year.

Not only can perishable foods become unusable—power outages can also damage sensitive devices or disrupt important processes. This is precisely where power outage detectors come into play. These handy helpers detect when there is no longer any voltage flowing and notify you immediately, allowing you to take quick action. In what follows, you’ll learn about the benefits of a power outage detector, what exactly the term means, and the different types available.

What types of power outage detectors are there?

The devices can be divided into the following categories:

Devices with Acoustic Alarms
These simple models emit a loud signal as soon as the power goes out. The downside: If you are not in the immediate vicinity, you won't hear the alarm and may miss the issue.
Wi-Fi or App-Based Power Outage Detectors
These variants are connected to your Wi-Fi network and send a notification to your smartphone in the event of a power outage. However, the router and internet connection must remain active, which is not always guaranteed during a prolonged power outage.
GSM Power Outage Detectors
Models with their own SIM card are particularly reliable. They send a text message or call you via the mobile network, even if the Wi-Fi fails. Since cell towers often have backup power for a while, the alarm path remains stable in many cases. If you need absolute security or frequently travel, this is usually the best choice.

Benefits: Prevent damage and increase security

How you might benefit from such a device is something you must decide for yourself. It's best to weigh the costs against the risks. You certainly don't need such a device for every appliance in your home. However, for a freezer or an aquarium (with active aeration), it could definitely be worthwhile.

We have identified the following advantages:

Early Warning: A power outage detector immediately alerts you when the electricity goes out. This allows you to act quickly, before food in the freezer thaws or critical devices fail.
Increased Security: In many areas—such as medical devices or production—an uninterrupted power supply is vital. Automatic notifications enable faster implementation of emergency plans.
Peace of Mind: Whether you’re away from home or simply sleeping at night, a power outage detector ensures you always know if everything is okay.
Long-Term Monitoring: Some models record when the power fails and when it’s restored, giving you precise insights into the frequency and duration of outages.

Which specific models of power outage detectors are available?

We have selected three models:

Small USB Dongle that can, for example, be connected to the router. It’s more affordable but offers fewer features.
Standard Plug with Mobile Connectivity, typically in the mid-price range, providing notifications (for example via SMS). You can also receive these abroad.
Smart Model with App Connectivity: Personally, I generally avoid using such apps if possible. The classic SMS works better for me because I can store the sender’s number as an emergency contact. That way, I always hear a notification tone as soon as an SMS warning arrives, even if my iPhone is on silent mode.