Everything You Need to Know About Security Light Installation

Where should you install security lights? And why should you install them? Read this guide for everything you need to know about security light installation.

There are over 1 million attempted burglaries in the U.S. every year. You never know who's lurking in the shadows outside your establishment, so you need to do everything you can to keep your home or business safe.

A security light installation is a strong crime deterrent. These lights make potential criminals think twice about disturbing your property and can make it easier for you, your neighbors, or law enforcement officers to identify them.

Thinking of adding security lighting to your property? Read on to learn all about the different kinds of security lighting, their benefits, and their installation.

The Different Types of Security Lights

While all security lights can help keep you safe, some are better for certain applications. Considering your security needs and pick the lighting system that matches it best.

Floodlights

Floodlights are one of the most common forms of security lights. These incredibly bright lights use LED bulbs to illuminate an area.

Install floodlights if you wish to illuminate a significant amount of space. They work great in the backyards of residential homes.

These lights are an excellent burglar deterrent. A potential thief won't be able to access your premises without being seen. Their large area of coverage can also provide peace of mind.

While floodlights offer unmatched illumination, having a light on all night long can be a nuisance. They can disturb you and your neighbors, making it difficult to sleep. They also aren't the most energy-efficient option.

Some flood lights are dimmable, which can reduce the disturbance they may cause.

Motion-Sensing Lights

For those looking for less-intrusive lighting solutions, motion-sensing lights are a sensible option. These lights feature a sensor that triggers the light to turn on when it senses motion.

Motion sensors can startle trespassers when they suddenly activate and help cut down on energy requirements. Many motion-sensing systems can also be programmed to ignore the movement of small animals, so your pet won't activate the light.

Landscape Lighting

Landscape lighting seamlessly integrates with your outdoor landscaping. They can even add to the aesthetic of your home or business but are more than just for show.

These lights give the impression of a well-maintained property, which is often enough to keep unwanted visitors away.

High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Lights

High-intensity discharge lights offer even more area illumination than floodlights. They're commonly used to light up parking lots and other commercial areas.

Unless you have a large swath of land like a ranch, they won't be the best choice for a homeowner. They are, however, ideal for most commercial buildings.

Benefits of Security Lights

A security light system will always prove to be a worthy investment. It doesn't matter if you're a homeowner or a business owner.

Keeps Unwanted Guess Away

This is by far the biggest benefit of installing outdoor security lights. Potential burglars and other unwanted visitors will be dissuaded by the presence of security lighting. They won't want to risk being seen performing unsavory activities on your property.

Insurance Savings

Many homes and businesses are eligible for insurance breaks after security lights are installed on the premises. Lights are part of an all-encompassing security system. These properties are statistically less likely to fall victim to burglaries and other crimes, so they are less likely to need to file a claim.

Accident Reduction 

Criminal activity isn't the only danger presented by dark areas of a property. Being unable to see can cause an individual to trip and fall and could cause car accidents. Security lights reduce the likelihood of such things occurring.

Improved Aesthetics

Security lights can also make your property look more appealing. You'll be able to find many stylish options no matter which kind of lighting you choose. They can complement your outdoor furnishings, improving both your curb appeal and property value.

Where To Place Your Security Light Installation

Proper placement lets you get the most out of your security lights. Different lights are more effective in certain locations.

On the Roofline

Those looking to install floodlights should consider placing them along the roofline of their building. This lets the lights illuminate the widest field of view possible.

If you hang your lights too low, you risk creating long shadows that provide cover to trespassers. They could also tamper with your lighting setup.

Along Pathways and Driveways

Illuminating high-traffic areas like driveways and footpaths reduces the risk of accidents. In these areas, static lights will be more effective than motion-sensing lights, as you'll want the area to remain illuminated.

Lights in these areas should hang lower, only around the height of the average person. You want them to light up the ground.

The Perimeter of Your Property

If you're looking to dissuade trespassers from stepping foot on your property, line the perimeter with motion-sensing lights. The lights will trigger only when they sense a person approaching, so they won't disturb your neighbors.

Place these lights on fence posts and gates or in the trees surrounding your home or business.

Near Doorways

Provide safe ingress and egress to your building or home by placing security lights near all entrances. Criminals always look for the path of least resistance when breaking into a property, and doors are the easy and obvious target.

Over Storage Areas

Sheds and garages offer a bounty to potential thieves. Thieves know you likely store high-value items in these areas, and they often don't contain a robust alarm system like a house would.

Keep them away by installing lights over the storage areas of your home or business. With these lights in place, a criminal won't be able to get away without being spotted.

Trusted Security Lighting

A security light installation is a valuable form of crime prevention. Burglars often ignore well-lit buildings, as they won't want to run the risk of being caught in the act.

Choose your lighting system based on your security needs and be sure to install them in the most helpful places.

Ready to secure your property? Buell Electric Inc. is here to help with an optimized security lighting plan designed for your home or commercial building. Reach out to discuss your options.