There are several issues when considering outdoor security lighting. There are the practical aspects such as:
- Which lighting arrangement provides the best security?
- What is the most cost effective system, taking into account both installation and running costs?
- Which is the most visually appealing design that will enhance the appeal of your property?
One of the most common errors with outdoor security lighting is the overuse of floodlights. The assumption with floodlights is that because they are bright they are the safest. However they can actually create safety and security problems and are centainly not energy efficient (i.e. they are not cost effective to run).
The problem when you have a floodlight shining toward your house and you look outside is that all you can see is the glare from the floodlight. This can actually protect intruders from detection.
In addition, floodlights generally illuminate both the area where they are directed and adjacent areas, which can result in annoyed neighbors who have to endure the unwanted glare of a neighbor’s lights.
In terms of visual appeal, floodlighting does nothing for the aesthetics of a home (unless you are seeking the “prison camp” look!), because their intense light means the detail, color and texture of the home and yard is lost.
We recommend selecting outdoor lighting systems with:
- A series of energy-efficient, low-wattage lights strategically placed around the property, preferably with lights positioned on the ground, provinf background lighting and illuminating distinctive features, which creates an aesthetically pleasing effect, and
- For security, strategically placed floodlights combined with motion detectors. These floodlights are normally switched off, but are triggered by movement.
With this approach, the energy-efficient lighting provides visual appeal and contributes to safety, by providing sufficient light for navigating sidewalks and steps and enable you to walk safely without light spilling over into your neighbor’s yard.
The background lighting is supplemented by the motion detector switched floodlights that are normally off except when turned on by movement.
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