Find everything about security lighting to secure your home
Security lighting is often a forgotten part of home security. We think that we have everything covered with our alarm system, but when it comes to the outside of your house you are left vulnerable without protection from thieves and other unwanted visitors. Luckily there are many ways in which you can protect yourself and your family by using lights around the exterior of your property.
Many people feel that adding outdoor lighting will provide an extra deterrent for would be burglars, however this isn’t necessarily true as some criminals will disable alarms so they won’t trigger any warning sirens or loud noises. There are also quite a few things to consider before investing in security lighting such as cost, size of light bulb used and where you want them placed. This article aims to help homeowners choose the best type of outdoor lighting for their needs.
What You Need To Know to Know About Security Lighting
There are several types of lighting available on the market today. Some are more suitable for security lighting than others depending on what you need them for. If you’re looking for general security lighting then halogen bulbs may work best, whereas if you’re looking at floodlighting then high intensity discharge lamps are probably better suited. Before making any purchase you should always check out all the different options available first.
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When choosing the right type of lighting, make sure that you look up specific information about how long each type lasts under various conditions. It’s important to know exactly how bright the lights will actually be after installation. In addition, don’t forget to factor in maintenance costs and labour time into your calculations too. Most security systems require someone to come round every year to service the equipment, and lights can be just as expensive to maintain.
You’ll also want to take into account whether you’d like to use solar powered or battery operated lights. Solar powered lights tend to offer greater flexibility since they’re able to operate even during periods of darkness. However, batteries do last longer and they’re less likely to fail. If you’ve got an electrical storm, you might not get much sleep! Battery operated lights are also safer because they have fuses built in, meaning that if anything does go wrong, it will turn off automatically rather than sparking and igniting nearby flammable materials.
Types Of Outdoor Lights
The most common sort of outdoor lights you’ll find are floodlights. These usually consist of a lamp mounted onto a pole attached to a bracket. An extension cable runs down the pole and plugs into a socket inside the building. Floodlight poles vary widely in size, length and style. Generally speaking, larger units are positioned further away from buildings while smaller ones are closer in.
Another popular option are motion sensors. These lights come in varying sizes and shapes. Typically they attach to trees or shrubs and are triggered when something moves over them. Motion detecting lights are excellent for illuminating walkways, driveways and garage entrances. They’re also great for providing security lighting around swimming pools and patios.
Halogen Bulbs – A Bright Choice
Halogen bulbs give out enough light to deter both human intruders and prowlers such as dogs and cats. By shining brightly at night, these bulbs create a glare effect that makes it difficult for potential thieves to see clearly what they’re doing. Another benefit of halogens is that they burn hot and bright, giving off plenty of heat that can damage anyone who touches them.
Halogen bulbs can be found in a variety of wattages, ranging from 5 watts to 60 watts per tube. As with incandescent bulbs, higher wattage means brighter illumination.
A word of caution though, halogen bulbs contain mercury and must never be disposed of via normal garbage collection methods. Fortunately, most communities now accept household waste such as fluorescent tubes and old carbon arcs. When disposing of broken halogen bulbs, please call your local municipal office for guidance.
High Intensity Discharge (HID) – The Best Solution For Burglary Deterrent
If you want maximum protection from break ins in your security lighting, HID lights are the way to go. High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps produce intense beams of light that can penetrate through several feet of solid brick walls. Also known as “security” lights, HIDs are commonly used in industrial settings to illuminate large areas quickly and efficiently.
In residential applications, HID lights are used primarily for perimeter security. Because they shine so intensely, they can deter prowlers and burglars from approaching very close to homes. Since they can reach far distances, these lights are useful for illuminating wide paths, walkways and driveways.
An added bonus of HID lights is that they generate a lot of heat, which can keep animals and pests away.
Solar Powered Halogen Bulbs- Great Value With Flexibility
Solar powered halogen bulbs are ideal for places where you need the greatest amount of brightness, yet you still have limited power supply. Instead of plugging directly into a socket, these lights connect to a solar panel that collects energy from sunlight. Once charged, they function normally.
Since they run off of solar power, solar powered halogen lights are free from running electricity bills. While they still emit bright light, they aren’t as powerful as traditional halogen bulbs. If you plan on installing one of these units, make sure you place it somewhere sheltered from direct sunlight. Otherwise it could become damaged or destroyed by exposure.
LEDs- Lasting Power And Low Running Costs
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are an emerging technology that produces extremely bright, white light. LEDs are small, efficient, durable and cool to the touch. Their low operating temperatures mean that LED lights consume significantly less power than standard filament bulbs. Additionally, LEDs are highly resistant to impact damage and vibration, making them perfect for outdoors.
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Because of the newness of LEDs, prices are currently high. However, manufacturers are continuously improving manufacturing processes and production techniques, resulting in lower prices and more efficiency. LEDs are already being used extensively in street lighting and traffic signals throughout Europe and Asia.
As LEDs continue to improve in quality, reliability and output, their popularity is expected to rise dramatically within the next decade.
Battery Operated Floodlights- Versatile Options For All Budgets
For those who wish to add additional security features to their properties, battery operated floodlights are a good choice. These lights are capable of producing strong beams of light and are designed to withstand harsh weather elements, including rain, snow and wind.
Unlike solar powered models, battery operated lights can be installed anywhere along the property line without worrying about sunshine. They’re relatively easy to install and require little maintenance. However, due to their compact design, you typically only need to buy one unit to cover an entire area.
Batteries can range in price between $5-$30, depending on the model, brand name and material of construction. They can either be bought individually or in kits. If buying individual units, make sure to read reviews online about specific brands and models before purchasing.
How Much Do They Cost?
Cost varies greatly depending on factors such as location, product availability and manufacturer. Prices can range from $20 to thousands of dollars.
Conclusion for Security Lighting
With outdoor security lighting, you can increase visibility and deter unwanted visitors. Using bright lights can effectively deter both humans and animals alike. Although many people believe that lights are unnecessary, they are proven to be effective barriers against criminal activity. In conclusion, I hope this article has helped you decide which type of outdoor lighting suits you best.
Have you ever considered installing outdoor lighting? What kind of lights did you choose? Let us know in the comments below.