Small Businesses Outside Security Lighting

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Outside Security Lighting – The Types

Different types of outside security lights are available:

· Motion sensor – turns on when a sensor detects motion.

· ‘Dusk to dawn’ – turns on when it gets dark and off when it is light, that is from ‘dusk to dawn’.

· Pressure sensor – turns on when someone, or something, stands on a sensor.

· ‘Normal’ switched light – controlled by a light switch the same as a ‘normal’ ceiling light.

· ‘Combined lighting’ – turns on when a sensor detects motion AND from ‘dusk to dawn’.

Should You Install Outside Security Lights?

· Security lights remove the cover of darkness:

· Is darkness a factor in local crime?

· Is it better to hide (leave in darkness) the benefits of crime, for instance a shed or outside store?

· Will the light give criminals the light they need to commit crime?

· Security lights provide reassurance to poorly lit areas:

· Will the light illuminate an area of ‘vulnerability’, for instance a car park, driveway or doorway?

· Do people need reassurance?

· Will security lights attract people?

· People gather in well lit areas.

· Will darkness be a better deterrent?

· Will people respond to outside security lights coming on?

· Is their anyone nearby to respond?

· If people are nearby are they likely to respond?

· Is the outside security lighting a safety measure?

· Will the lighting light up a hazard, for instance hatches, chutes or garden equipment?

· Will the lighting light up a sloping path in winter to prevent slips and falls?

· What are the costs of installation, running and maintenance of security lighting?

· Would it be better to install other security measures?

· Can equipment stored outside be moved inside, for instance from a shed to a garage?

This webpage provides general advice on outside security lighting:

· Outside security lighting – the types.

· Should you install outside security lights?

· Installation – the considerations.

· The rough costs.

· Positioning of the security lights:

· Do the lights light up places where burglars enter a building, for instance doors and windows?

· Will the light annoy neighbours?

· If using motion sensors will a neighbour, in their property, trigger the light?

· If using motion sensors will someone walking past a property trigger the light?

· Will the light shine into passing vehicles?

· Are the lights high enough so they cannot be tampered with from ground level – above about 10 feet?

The Rough Costs

Rough UK costs as of October 2009:

· One outside security light with Passive Infrared (PIR) motion sensor – £25.

· One outside security light with ‘dusk to dawn’ function – £20.

· One pressure sensor mat – £20.

· One outdoor security light (no sensors) – £15.

· One ‘combination light’ – motion sensor AND ‘dusk to dawn’ – £30.

· One security light – cabling and switches – £20.

· One security light – installation by qualified electrician (about 2 hours labour) – £75.

· Installation cost per light gets cheaper for more lights.

Links

Go Green – Save Money

Small Business Guideline Prices

RCD Keeps Resetting

Small Business Lighting ‘Home Page’

Small Business Electrical Advice

Image Of Security Light 'Light Spread' (1)

Image Of Security Light 'Light Spread' (2)

Correct – ‘line of sight’ pointing down – spread of light down.

Wrong – ‘line of sight’ pointing level – spread of light slightly down and upwards.

Installation – The Considerations

· Power of the light – many outside security lights are 500W. 500W is, usually, far too powerful.

· Will the security light annoy the neighbours, or yourself, when it turns on?

· Angle of the light (‘line of sight’):

· The ‘line of sight’ of the security light should be pointing down to ensure the light lights up the area it is meant to (below left).

· If the ‘line of sight’ of the light is too high (below right); light is wasted lighting up the local sky and, possibly, annoying neighbours.