The Ultimate Guide to Security Lighting Options
Are you looking for the right security lighting for your home or business? Click here for the ultimate guide to security lighting options.
In a recent study, premises that used security lighting noticed a reduction in crime by 39% which is a lot considering crimes on the property are on the rise.
The idea of having someone snoop around your property, whether it’s your home or business, is never pleasant. After all, if someone is looking suspicious after dark, outside of office hours, or making an effort not to be seen, then chances are they are up to no good. Installing security lighting is a great way to help deter would-be criminals.
But how effective are security lights, which ones are the best and where should you put them to have the biggest impact, and then you might be wondering if they are easy to install.

If you’re looking for the right security lighting for your home or business, this article will tell you everything you need to know. Read on to find the best security lighting options.
Why Do You Need Security Lighting?
There are several benefits to installing security lighting, the most obvious reason being that having a well-lit area greatly reduces the chances of criminal activity happening.
Potential intruders won’t be able to rely on darkness for concealing their activity.
Although the addition of security lighting will help deter criminals, it’s even more of a deterrent when used in conjunction with surveillance cameras. This makes criminals think twice about approaching a property.
There are other reasons why you should install security lighting. Having a well-lit exterior can mean homeowners and staff feel more confident walking outside after dark. Plus it lights the way and can help prevent accidents such as tripping over an unseen object.
Outdoor lighting can also be used to improve the aesthetic and function of your garden.
What Is Ingress Protection Rating and Why Is It Important?
All outdoor lighting will come with a rating, this is called the Ingress Protection rating or just IP rating. This is an international standard, IEC 60529 or EN 60529 in Europe, which is related to an electronic product's sealing effectiveness. It protects against intrusion (such as bugs), water, and dust as well as protects users against electric shock.
For an outdoor light, then the minimum you need is IP43. This will protect the device against rain and spraying water.
Security Lighting Options for Your Home or Business
There are loads of different types of lighting, you can use to make your home or business more secure. Here we list the main options, along with what they are most suitable for.
Floodlights
These are useful for use anywhere you need brighter illumination as they emit a wide, powerful beam. This makes them ideal for driveways, car parks, entrances as well as pathways.
Spotlights
Spotlights have a similar brightness to floodlights, but they cast a narrower beam of light onto a direct spot. They have a maximum beam angle of about 45 degrees. These are great if you need precise light in an area, as the light beam is more concentrated. They are also easier to point to and control.
So are great for use in residential areas, where you just want to illuminate your property without disturbing the neighbors.
Wall-Mounted Lamps
These are often connected to the mains supply, so if you’re interested in this option for a security light then you will have to hire a commercial electrician to install it. These work well over front entrances to buildings.
Motion-Sensor Lights
Motion sensor lights are activated by the movement of anything that emits heat. They work by using a Passive Infrared, or PIR sensor. These are popular for gardens, although if you get frequent visitors of wildlife, your light will be activated by them. They are more energy efficient as they only come on when movement is detected.
Solar PIR Lights
This style of light is the most cost-effective; not only do they save energy as they only switch on when movement is sensed, but these are powered by the sun. They charge up during the daytime, store the energy, and then use this at nighttime. If this is the option you want to go for, you’ll need to make sure the weather allows for it, otherwise, you could spend the winter months with no security lighting.
What Are the Best Outdoor Lights?
If you’re considering installing security lights on your property, there are some things you’ll need to consider to ensure you get the best security lights for your needs.
Outdoor sensor lights are great if you only want them to turn on when they detect motion. If you need a light that stays on all the time, such as a car park for your staff, then you will be better off using something that will be on permanently when it gets dark.
Lights without sensors are usually cheaper upfront, but the payoff is that they do use more power, and unless they are on a timer, then you’ll have to remember to switch them on every evening and off in the morning. Both of these lights will need an electrical technician to wire them into the main supply.
If you're looking for an energy-efficient solution, then you might want to consider outdoor solar security lights, although you will need to make sure the lights get enough sun to fully charge up. You won’t need an electrical technician for these as there is no live wiring.
Controlling Your Lights Remotely
Some outdoor security lights come with the ability to have control remotely. This is done via your smartphone and can be useful if you have non-sensor activated lights and don’t have a strict schedule to allow a programmed timer system. This is also great for outsmarting anyone who may have been checking out your property while you are away.
Thinking of Installing Security Lighting?
When it comes to electrician options, choose Buell Electric Inc, to install your security lighting on your property. We can provide complete outdoor lighting systems for both commercial properties to residential homes.
We can help you create the perfect lighting system that meets all your needs, adding an extra element of security to your premises. Our professional technicians will visit you, and design a lighting plan tailored to your requests.
Benefit from a lighting security system today by contacting a member of our knowledgeable team.
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