Outdoor Lighting Ideas

Outdoor Security Lighting Providing Better Peace Of Mind

We have always been aware of the safety of our loved ones and property. When people lived in simple dwellings and caves, communities would guard their homes by keeping a fire burning to deter unwanted guests. Today the principle remains the same. Instead of a fire, we now have a vast array of choices when it comes to our safety with outdoor security lighting systems.

One of the best examples is the motion sensor device.  This is activated whenever a person enters a preset range or proximity. A trigger will turn the lighting on immediately.  These lights can alert the owners, pets and neighbors that something could be amiss.

This type of lighting can be a good deterrent to thieves if used in the right way.  Who would choose to enter a property where there is an illumination of their activities when they could choose somewhere far less protected?

In general the light bulbs supplied with these lights are far too powerful and could light up a whole football stadium! They can actually create such a blast of light, that one can be momentarily blinded and such brightness accentuates shadows where burglars could hide whilst gauging a reaction to this trigger.

In order to use these lights successfully, a weaker light bulb, say 50 W is adequate. Sometimes these units have 500W installed as standard!  Also, the light should point down, illuminating the ground and surrounding walls thus minimising the contrast of light and dark and the shadowy corners which can be used for hiding places.

It is also important to maintain good terms with your neighbors.  They may not be very impressed if they are woken several times a night by racoons or cats activating the device. Low light levels and angle or direction are therefore very important in this aspect. 

Outdoor security lighting of this nature does have a downside of being over sensitive to children running up your path or animals roaming about at night and obviously cannot determine the intent of your visitors.  Your friends and the delivery man will be subject to the same ‘spotlight’ as they approach as would a potential burglar.

This type of safety feature can be a very green alternative to standard exterior lights which remain constantly on throughout the dark hours.  Motion sensors tracking uses very little power and the period where they are activated, when the light comes on is usually quite short, using only a small amount of electricity – using a low watt bulb reduces this energy consumption even more.

Statistics show that far less break-ins, damage or theft of property occurs where there is properly used security lighting. It is an excellent choice for you in your absence. It will remain ‘on guard’ for you and your neighbors can easily check up for you if any activation occurs.