A Guide to Security Lighting

How lighting can keep you and your property safe from intruders

When you think about security, you probably think of CCTV cameras, padlocks and alarm systems, but having the right type of lighting can be just as important when it comes to keeping your building safe. If used correctly, this often overlooked security measure, could be your greatest defence against intruders and even improve your other security devices.

So what kind of lighting should you get and how can it make your property more secure?

How can security lighting keep you safe?

Whether it’s for your home, office, warehouse or any other building you’re looking to protect, security lighting can be an affordable and invaluable addition to your security system.

When partnered with CCTV cameras, well-positioned lighting can make your security footage look clearer and highlight intruders that may have otherwise been hard to spot. If correctly positioned, security lights can also highlight the presence of security cameras and alarm systems to dissuade any potential intruders from attempting to break in.

Motion-activated lights in particular can be a highly effective security measure, activating when an intruder comes close and alerting you or a security guard to movement in an area.

Insuring your property is well-lit can also tell intruders your property is occupied and well-maintained, making it a less appealing target for burglars.

Where should you install your security lights?

If you’re considering installing security lights, whether they’re motion-activated, or permanently on throughout the night, where you place them is vitally important.

One of the main benefits of security lighting is to alert you to the presence of anyone on your property, so we’d recommend placing lights in areas where you, a security guard or a neighbour will notice any movement. Having a light shining above a gate or fence is particularly effective as you’ll be able to clearly see anyone climbing over or looking around the edge of your property. In some places however, where there’s little?likelihood of intruders being seen, such as arias that are hidden or out of view, we’d advise you don’t place any security lighting unless also accompanied by CCTV cameras.

One of the best places to install security lighting is by your front door so you can better see who’s the other side of your door through a peephole or door cam. We recommend positioning the light to one side of the door, rather than directly above it, to light up a visitor’s face without casting shadows.

Ideally, your lights should be positioned directly downward to cast a small patch of light onto the ground. This prevents your lights from spilling onto your neighbouring property or blinding anyone looking out for intruders. Lower-wattage bulbs are also recommended as brighter lights are more expensive to run and cast darker shadows that intruders can hide in.

What types of security lights are there?

There’s a wide range of different security lights out there, but which ones are right for you?

Motion-Activated

Motion-activated security lights are the most common one of the most effective. As well as alerting you to the presence of anyone outside your property, they’re also useful in everyday life, helping you better see your way when you’re coming back home at night.

Solar Powered

Not only are solar-powered lights cost-effective and great for the environment, they turn on automatically as soon as it starts to get dark, meaning you know your property will always be well-lit at night without you needing to do anything.

Timer-Activated

Security lights that run on timers are particularly effective at deterring intruders if you’re away for a few days, as they can trick burglars into thinking you’re still home. For this to work best, we’d recommend you program lights to turn on and off at different times to replicate your normal evening routine.

If you’re interested in security lighting for your home or property, you can check out our full range here: extrastaruk.com/product-category/led-lighting/floodlights

For more on security lights, check out our feature on Outdoor Lighting

By Christian Brooks-Jackson