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Saturday, April 14, 2012

Security Lighting – Tips and Considerations

Original Article

security-lighting
In the field of home security, security lighting is usually effective as a preventive measure against burglary, intrusions or other criminal activity on a piece of property. Security lighting will provide detection of intruders, it will deter intruders, and will provide a sense of security and the feeling of safety. Lighting is a component of crime prevention.
A security lighting system acts as a deterrent. It illuminates the criminal, making them feel exposed, insecure and vulnerable. Criminals often look for areas with no lighting (for obvious reasons). Security lighting will not prevent criminal activity but crimes will be far less likely because lighting is an excellent deterrent.
Security lighting should be mounted high and out of reach from vandalism, or protected by wire mesh or other shielding methods.
Multiple lamps of medium power is better than fewer lamps of high power because it will reduce glare (which makes it difficult for an observer to see the area effectively), it will provide more even lighting with fewer zones of shadow, and it will provide redundancy if one lamp’s bulb blows out.
It is important to protect the security-lighting wiring and circuit (as well as the lamp itself) to prevent tampering or disabling. Use conduit and bury wiring underground where possible.
It is best to use multiple circuits when installing security lighting in several areas. Obviously then, if one circuit trips out, you still have other live circuits.
Check to be sure that the electric meter box is locked as well as the outdoor ‘mains’ circuit breaker box.
Some examples of security lighting include…
Heath/Zenith SL-5630-BZ-D 180-Degree Halogen Motion-Sensing Security Light, Bronze
An inexpensive popular selling wall-mounted motion-activated security light with automatic dusk-to-dawn operation.
Cooper Lighting GT100MH 100W Metal Halide Industrial Grade Security Dusk to Dawn Area Light
A quality, but costlier (you get what you pay for) heavy duty metal with high impact lens (and metal guard) dusk to dawn area light.
RAB STL360H Super Stealth Bell Flood Kit , Bronze
One of the only motion detector lights that senses 180° out and 360° down (total coverage).
Security lighting is a primary first defense against intruders and should be one of your initial steps taken when it comes to your home security. My home is surrounded by motion detector lights not only for deterrence, but for convenience when you’re out and returning home at night. Makes sense.
Here is an article about The Best Outdoor Motion Light that may interest you regarding security lighting.

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1 comment:

  1. I agree with everything you wrote. All of my outdoor lights are motion sensors. The only problem is they don't always work like they are supposed to. Some times one of mine will stay on all night or not come on at all. I play with it's controls and works for a while until we get a lot of wind or rain. They are a great crime prevention tool.

    KoryN
    http://blog.emmt911.com/?ci=23323

    ReplyDelete