Security Lighting

The form of lighting currently found in many domestic locations is a 250 or 500 watt tungsten halogen floodlight controlled by a movement sensor (passive infra-red, PIR). This is unfortunate, as in many locations it is inappropriately installed and other forms of lighting could make for a better choice.

PIR-controlled floodlights

• Illuminate only when the criminal has picked a house and crossed its boundaries. This is too late and does not deter criminals when it matters most, namely when they are selecting a house.
• Emit a harsh, intrusive and environmentally unfriendly light that is often a serious nuisance to neighbours. Lights where the PIR can be overridden to be switched on permanently can also cause nuisance.
• Instantly switch on a powerful white light, resulting in a ‘flash factor’ that disturbs rather than aids human vision. When located near roads, this can be positively dangerous.
• Are extremely energy inefficient
• Require regular bulb replacements
• Are easily interfered with unless installed at the recommended height of more than 10'
• Can be so unreliable that they are quickly discredited by householders and neighbours - common sense suggests that few people will check why a light has activated, assuming they have seen it activate
• Can increase the fear of crime amongst the most vulnerable by regularly activating for no apparent reason.

The alternative is to use high efficiency low energy lighting controlled by a photo-electric cell (dusk to dawn switch). Such low wattage lighting, on permanently during the hours of darkness, provides a more than adequate level of illumination, is not as harsh and is more environmentally friendly than tungsten halogen floodlights. A low wattage unit placed out of easy reach at a height of eight to ten feet could illuminate an average rear garden, helping to create a reassuring environment and hopefully playing its part in deterring the burglar from selecting that house in the first place. In cost terms, the low wattage ensures that even though the light is on all night, the cost to run is minimal - no more than a few pound a year.
PIR switched tungsten halogen floodlights can cause problems, and due to some of the issues highlighted above, may provide little in the way of extra security for a domestic dwelling. They appear to be popular because many people think that PIR is the “right thing” in security terms. However, low wattage lighting provides a more constant level of illumination with fewer shadows. In conclusion, for security purposes, and from the Secured by Design perspective, the first choice in security lighting is the low energy photo-electric cell controlled light. We accept that there is a place for PIR controlled lighting and will discuss the best option for you.

Whatever your individual requirements we will design your system just for you and our qualified engineers will install it to the latest SSAIB and BSI standards so you can feel safe in your home and sleep easy at night.

Call us now on freephone 0500 1 0500 2 and arrange your free, no obligation home security survey.