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Security lights are an important element of outdoor lighting. They offer residents peace of mind about the safety of their home and can be used to surveil and navigate the property easily at night. Here, we’ll take a look at the importance of outside security lights and how to incorporate them into your home.
Why is Security Lighting Important?
Outdoor security lights are the first line of defence against certain safety concerns at the home. A well-lit area does wonders in deterring potential intruders and criminals. By illuminating shadowy corners and entry areas, it becomes harder for would-be trespassers to stay hidden in them. This can reduce the likelihood of vandalism and break-ins.
With quality LED security light fixtures also comes heightened visibility. By being able to properly light the outdoor area, you are better able to see where you’re walking to prevent slips and accidents.
Better visibility also makes it helpful in terms of CCTV surveillance. Clear and visible areas are picked up by the camera better, enhancing the quality of the footage you collect. In the event that a crime does take place on the property, you’ll usually get a better look at the event and the individuals causing it.
Motion detector lights in your security lighting scheme can also warn of someone walking onto the property before you even have a chance to see them. These lights will turn on as soon as movement is detected, which will keep you vigilant and aware of the goings-on around the property.
Furthermore, if you have an issue with wildlife digging their burrows and making their nests on your property, fixtures such as outdoor flood lights may help. Bright lights make the area less attractive to animals so they are less likely to make their homes too close to yours.
How To Position Security Lighting
LED security lighting needs to be well-placed in order to do what it’s meant to. When it comes to positioning security lights, you’ll first need to figure out where and what you want to light up. Put priority on entry points like gates, windows and doors, as well as pathways and any dark corners.
Once these key areas have been defined, you can start placing the lights around the property. The best height to place them at is one that prevents potential tampering, while also providing sufficient coverage of the area. Outdoor wall lights should also be placed high enough that branches and other obstructions won’t get in the way.
You should also pay attention to the beam angle of the lights. You will need to position the lights so that they shine on the specific areas you want to brighten. Aim spotlights and floodlights downwards in order to light the ground without bothering the neighbors.
On the edges of your property, as well as near the main entrance, you might consider installing an outdoor motion sensor light. This type of light will detect movement and turn on if motion is detected. Motion sensor wall lights are therefore more energy efficient, as they will only turn on when needed.
Different Types of Security Lighting Fixtures and Their Controls
There are many different kinds of security light fixtures for you to consider. Some lights work better in certain areas, while others may be better suited for other spaces.
- LIGHT SENSOR FIXTURES. Light sensor fixtures are great for those who do not want to manually turn their lights on and off each day. These lights turn on when the sun goes down and turn off again when it begins to rise.
- SOFFIT LIGHTS. Soffit lights are installed under the overhang of a house. These make for great porch lights and can also illuminate unsuspecting entry points, such as windows.
- SPOTLIGHTS. Spotlights are a versatile addition to your security lighting scheme. They can be placed on the ground or mounted on the walls depending on where you need the light most.
- FLOODLIGHTS. Exterior flood lights shine a wide beam of intense illumination, casting light over broader areas of land. They are particularly well suited for gardens, parking lots and driveways. Due to their brightness, they are quite effective at deterring intruders.
- MOTION-SENSOR LIGHTS. As mentioned, PIR motion sensor lights are a great way to remain vigilant. These lights will automatically turn on at the first sign of movement and then turn off again after a certain period of stillness has passed. A good motion sensor porch light will keep you alert about anyone getting too close to your home.
- BOLLARD LIGHTS. Post lights are perfect for lighting pathways. They are installed in the ground and help illuminate walking paths.
There are just as many ways to control the lights as there are lights themselves. Of course, there are the hands-off methods of photocell and motion sensing lights as we talked about.
There are also timed lights that you can manually set to turn on and off at certain hours of the day. Timed lights add an additional layer of security, as they can give the illusion of occupancy even when no one is home.
Smart lighting systems can just as effortlessly control outdoor lighting options. Connecting your lights to a smart system will not only give you timer options. You can make schedules for lighting, operate them with your voice or operate them away from home with an app.
Manual switches are a common choice for wall lights and porch lights. The switches are usually placed indoors, letting you turn them on and off manually as you choose.
Why LEDs Are the Best Option for Security Light Fittings
From outdoor PIR lights to general landscape illumination, LED bulbs are the way to go. LEDs have many perks over their traditional counterparts that are worth considering.
For starters, they are incredibly energy efficient. They use around 80 percent less energy than halogen or traditional bulbs. For security lights that stay on all night long, LEDs can save a lot of electricity. Less electricity used also translates to a lower electricity bill, something that can stack up when you are running lights all night.
Their brightness and visibility work well for security lighting. Available in several brightness levels and colour temperatures, you can choose just how intense and crisp you need the light to be, which is especially important for CCTV systems.
Unlike incandescent bulbs that sometimes take a moment to flicker on, LED bulbs turn on instantly. This can be critical if you have light sensors for security, as you want them to turn on the instant movement is detected.
The directional lighting of an LED bulb also makes it easier for you to shine light precisely where you want it. The beams allow you to focus illumination in dark areas or areas that are filmed by your security cameras. Such directional lighting also has the plus of cutting down on light pollution in the neighborhood.
How To Integrate Security Lighting Into a Smart Home
Smart home lighting is becoming more and more popular, especially where security lighting is concerned. It’s easy to incorporate such lights into your smart home system.
Of course, you will first need to make sure your LED bulbs are smart home compatible. Look for lights with a “smart” label or some other such indication before purchasing. Then, you’ll need to install a smart lighting bridge or hub to facilitate communication with the smart light.
Once you have both in hand, you can connect the fixtures to your smart system. Often, this involves linking them through wifi or Bluetooth. Almost always, it connects to an app on your phone for easier remote control. Be sure to check the app stores for the one associated with the brand you purchase.
With everything connected, you can set up the lights however you like. Set them on a fixed timer or create flexible schedules and routines for each day. You can also take this time to set up voice control so you can turn the lights on and off hands-free.
How To Combine Lighting with a CCTV System
Both outdoor sensor lights and static lights can be used with your CCTV system. In fact, CCTVs are less effective if the area near them is not well-lit. Placing a sensor light near the camera is a surefire way to capture any movement that may happen in the area.
Be sure to place your security lights strategically so that they illuminate the coverage area. Take care not to place them right in front of cameras, as this can negatively impact image quality by washing everything out or causing glare.
You may also want to adjust the intensity of the light or the sensitivity settings of your sensors, so you get a more accurate image on your camera. False movements detected may leave your camera recording a windy day instead of an actual intruder.
Make sure your security lights and security cameras are on the same page as each other. Coordinate the timing of CCTV recordings and when the security lighting turns on to ensure there is no darkness when the cameras come on.
What IP Rating Should Outdoor Lighting Be?
IP ratings are a way to know how resistant your lights are to moisture and debris. The first digit of an IP rating indicates how well a light resists damage from solid objects. The second digit shows its resistance against wetness of all kinds.
First Digit – Solids
0 – Offers no protection.
1 – Offers protection from entry of objects larger than 50 millimeters.
2 – Offers protection from entry of objects larger than 12.5 millimeters.
3 – Offers protection from entry of objects larger than 2.5 millimeters.
4 – Offers protection from entry of objects larger than one millimeter.
5 – Protected against most dust.
6 – Dust tight or protected against all dust.
Second Digit – Moisture
0 – No protection.
1 – Gives protection from water dripping vertically.
2 – Gives protection from water dripping vertically at a 15 degree angle.
3 – Gives protection from water spraying vertically at a 60 degree angle.
4 – Gives protection from splashes of water in any direction.
5 – Gives protection from light jets of water in any direction.
6 – Gives protection from intense jets of water in any direction.
7 – Gives protection from complete immersion up to one meter.
8 – Gives protection from complete immersion deeper than one meter.
Different IP ratings are better in different circumstances. When it comes to exterior lighting, weather resistant light fixtures are necessary.
Since the lights will be exposed to wind, rain, sun and everything in between, you need fixtures that can withstand the elemental exposure. IP65 rated lights or better are therefore required in this scenario.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Solar Security Lighting
Solar lights are one of the many lighting types that you will find for security lighting. Keep in mind that they do have as many disadvantages as they have advantages.
Benefits of Solar Lights
- ENERGY EFFICIENT. Solar lights rely on the power of the sun to charge their batteries. With no need for electricity, they are the most eco-friendly and energy-efficient light of all.
- COST-EFFECTIVE. Since they do not put a drain on your energy bills and require no lighting, you may notice significant savings on your energy bills.
- SIMPLE TO INSTALL. Solar lights can be installed easily with no need for wiring. Most of the time, you can simply place them in the ground or mount them on the wall.
- LOW MAINTENANCE. They are as easy to maintain as they are to install. With no wires to check or bulbs to replace, there is limited upkeep compared to other forms of lighting.
Drawbacks of Solar Lights
- DEPENDANCE ON THE SUN. Since solar lights charge up in the sun all day to light up at night, you may run into issues on cloudy days. Limited sunlight or frequent cloudy weather may make them run for less time or not shine as brightly as you’d like.
- LIMITED BRIGHTNESS. Even in areas with a lot of sunlight, you may notice that solar lights are not as bright as LEDs. Since security lighting often needs to be bright and crisp, this may pose an issue.
- SMALLER ILLUMINATION WINDOW. Since solar lights usually have a limited capacity for storing energy, they run for less time than a standard light. This is especially troubling when it comes to security lights.
- INITIAL PRICE. Though you will experience lessened energy bills and greater savings over time, buying these lights can be more expensive upfront.
Security lights are an important part of any outdoor lighting scheme. From protection to peace of mind, they are an aspect of your home’s lighting that you simply should not go without.
Security Light Ideas
Light up your entryways in style with the LWA706 12 Watt Square Black Outdoor Wall Light. This stylish wall light features a black aluminium “cage” style body that houses an opal acrylic diffuser. From behind the diffuser shines 1200 lumens of 3000k warm white light, making it ideal as a security light. The square-shaped light measures 155 millimeters by 155 millimeters and is IP65 rated for outdoor use.
Illuminate pathways, entry points, and beyond with the versatile LFL010 9 Watt 450mm Tall Black LED Bollard Light. This post light sits on the ground and shines 800 lumens of 3000k warm white light in all directions. It is fashioned out of durable aluminium and rated IP65, perfect for outdoor use. The light has a black finish that complements the opal acrylic shade. Overall, it measures 450 millimeters in height.
Enhance the appearance and the security of your garden space with the LWA381 3 Watt LED Black Finish Globe LED Outdoor Wall Light. This light features a stylish globe diffuser fashioned out of opal acrylic. It rests on a black backplate that measures 80 millimeters in diameter. The light itself measures 190 millimeters by 125 millimeters. Thanks to the IP65 rating, it is safe for use in outdoor applications.
