Light Current refers to all electronic systems operating at low voltage (under 50V). Unlike regular electrical current, this includes protection, monitoring, communication, and control systems.
Types of light current systems
1. CCTV
Most popular and important. Categories:
- IP Cameras: network-connected, high quality (4K), remote viewing.
- Analog Cameras: older, lower quality, cheaper.
- Wireless Cameras: no cables, limited range.
- PTZ Cameras: Pan-Tilt-Zoom, 360° movement.
- Dome Cameras: hidden, circular.
- Bullet Cameras: visible, for outdoors.
Components:
- Cameras.
- NVR or DVR.
- Hard disks.
- Cables (Cat6 for IP, Coax for analog).
- Power supply (PoE or separate).
- Monitor.
Modern features:
- AI Detection: distinguish people, vehicles, animals.
- Face Recognition.
- License Plate Recognition.
- Motion Detection.
- Night Vision.
- Mobile App.
2. Fire Alarm Systems
Mandatory for commercial and industrial buildings. Components:
- Smoke Detectors.
- Heat Detectors.
- Manual Call Points.
- Sounders/Strobes.
- Control Panel.
- Battery Backup.
Types:
- Conventional: zones, but not exact detector location.
- Addressable: each detector has address, exact location.
- Wireless: no cables, fast install.
3. Access Control
Control who enters where:
- Card Readers: RFID.
- Biometric: fingerprint, face, iris.
- Keypad: PIN.
- Mobile Credentials.
Features:
- Audit trail.
- Black/white lists.
- HR integration (attendance).
- Remote control.
- Alerts.
4. Burglar Alarm
For homes and shops:
- Motion Sensors: PIR, microwave.
- Door/Window Contacts.
- Glass Break Sensors.
- Shock Sensors.
- Siren.
- GSM Dialer.
5. Public Address
For public buildings:
- Speakers everywhere.
- Microphone for announcements.
- Fire alarm integration (auto evacuation).
6. Structured Cabling
Infrastructure for all communications:
- Cat6/Cat6a cables.
- Racks, patch panels.
- Switches.
- WiFi access points.
- Fiber optic.
7. Intercom
For homes and offices:
- Audio + video.
- Remote door unlock.
- Mobile integration.
Choosing the right system
For homes
- CCTV: 4-8 IP cameras.
- Access Control: intercom + smart lock.
- Burglar Alarm: 5-10 sensors.
- Fire Alarm: 2-3 smoke detectors.
For shops
- CCTV: 8-16 cameras.
- Access Control: card reader at main door.
- Fire Alarm: detectors everywhere.
- Burglar Alarm: sensors + siren.
For factories
- CCTV: 16-32 cameras + large NVR.
- Access Control: HR integration.
- Fire Alarm: addressable.
- Public Address.
For multi-story buildings
- CCTV: every floor + entrances.
- Access Control: elevator + doors.
- Fire Alarm: addressable + elevator integration.
- Public Address.
- Structured Cabling.
System integration
These systems must integrate:
- CCTV + Access Control: when someone enters, camera records.
- Fire Alarm + Access Control: in fire, all doors auto-open.
- Fire Alarm + Elevator: elevator goes to ground floor.
- Fire Alarm + HVAC: AC shuts off to prevent smoke spread.
- CCTV + Burglar Alarm: on alarm, camera records.
Approximate cost
| Item | Price (EGP) |
|---|---|
| IP Camera (4K) | 1,500-4,000 |
| NVR 16-channel | 4,000-8,000 |
| Hard disk 4TB | 1,500-2,500 |
| Smoke detector | 200-500 |
| Card reader | 500-1,500 |
| Motion sensor | 150-400 |
| Siren | 200-500 |
| Installation (per day) | 500-1,000 |
Maintenance
- Monthly: clean cameras, test detectors.
- Quarterly: full alarm test.
- Annually: comprehensive maintenance, firmware updates.
Case study: 6th of October factory
Client: factory, 5,000 m², 200 staff:
- 24 IP cameras.
- NVR 32-channel + 4TB.
- Access Control on 5 doors.
- Addressable Fire Alarm (30 detectors).
- Public Address.
Total cost: 180,000 EGP (including installation).
Results:
- Theft reduction 95%.
- Improved safety (fire alarm working).
- Employee entry/exit tracking.
- Remote mobile monitoring.
FAQ
Q: How many cameras do I need?
A: Per 25 m², one camera. Outdoors, one per 10m wall length.
Q: Can I view cameras from mobile?
A: Yes, all our systems support mobile app (iOS + Android).
Q: Do cameras work during power outage?
A: Yes, if UPS or battery backup installed.
Q: Does alarm connect to police?
A: Possible via GSM dialer. In Egypt, better to connect to private security.
Bottom line
Light current solutions aren't luxury, they're investment in safety and security. Right system + professional installation + periodic maintenance = effective protection.
Need light current solutions? We offer consultation + design + installation + maintenance.