LIGHTING
SEEING SECURITY IN A NEW LIGHT
Michael Eccles, Technical Service Manager at Lyco, suggests ways in which lighting can be used by businesses as an effective deterrent against unwanted intruders.
Whether located in a car park, entrance, or driveway, outdoor security lighting adds a vital layer of security to premises. Even in the unfortunate event of a theft or crime, lighting can provide a much stronger chance of identification, should the perpetrator be caught on CCTV. Outdoor security lights also provide a sense of safety and security for employees and visitors, helping them to feel safe when arriving and departing from buildings after dark, which is especially important during winter months when days are short.
What type of bulb? Halogen bulbs may not be the most energy efficient of light sources but they are commonly used in security lights due to their colour rendering being unsurpassed by many other artificial light sources. This makes them ideal for motion sensor PIR security lights, where running costs are typically of secondary importance to the function.
On the other hand, low-energy fluorescent lamps are rarely used with PIR sensor products because they have slow warm-up times. For this reason, you will more commonly see a fluorescent bulb in a dusk to dawn light fixture, where it’s not necessary for the bulb to be immediately bright.
“The low power and voltage
requirements of LED technology makes it an ideal partner for solar energy.”
Alternatively, sodium lamps often feature in security lights due to them being incredibly energy efficient, though colour rendering is relatively poor. Better still, LED lighting offers distinct advantages over the other bulb types for outdoor security lighting, including giving instant full-power illumination (suitable in combination with PIR sensors), low temperature performance so they can be installed near plants without causing damage, resistance to shock and adverse weather conditions, and a directional beam to reduce wastage. LED lights are also incredibly cost effective, due to their low power consumption and extended lifespan.
Solar security lights The low power and voltage requirements of LED technology makes it an ideal partner for solar energy. Solar security lights are powered by
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natural daylight which means they are an inexpensive and maintenance-free lighting source.
In addition to being free to run, LED solar security light can be positioned in practically any location, including hard to reach areas, because there is no need for mains connection. Solar lamps can provide up to 10 hours of light per day, with a total lifespan that can last for decades. LED solar lights are also available with both PIR sensors or dusk to dawn sensors, making them a practical security lighting option for most types of business premises.
While a mains powered security light will be a better option for premises that require a high powered, ‘always on’ solution, significant improvements in technology in recent years make solar lights a good choice for less intensive security lighting requirements. Before investing in solar security lights, it is also important to consider where the fittings will be positioned - because of their reliance on natural light, solar panels located in dark corners will not provide optimum light output, which could jeopardise rather than improve security.
How many security lights does my
premises need? Every business will have different security needs, based on size of premises, risk of intrusion, and number of potential entry points. For best results, a combination of the different types of security lights should be implemented - i.e. one or two solar lights which operate on a dusk-till-dawn sensor, another on a PIR motion sensor, and then a manually operated or advanced security light.
Conversely, producing too much light can be a bad thing, as it can potentially make it easier for intruders to break in and cause damage. For example, installing a dusk to dawn security light by an unmanned back door, without any additional security features such as CCTV, could end up helping rather than hindering an intruder.
Lighting the way to better business security Lighting plays a vital role in premises security, but for best results should be installed alongside other security features such as advanced CCTV circuits, alarm systems, smart door entry systems, heavy duty locks, bolts and padlocks. Ultimately lighting will not stop someone from breaking into a non-secure premises, but when utilised correctly can act as a very effective deterrent.
www.lyco.co.uk/outdoor-lighting/security.html twitter.com/TomorrowsFM
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