LED security lighting
Adding security lighting can help protect property from unwanted intruders. Statistics show that burglars bypass targets that are difficult to access without being noticed. A well-designed security lighting system can make would-be robbers think again.
Considertions when installing security lighting include:
- Use many smaller lights rather than fewer, more powerful lights. Big, powerful flood lights are good for open spaces, but can sometimes leave shadows if there are obstacles such as buildings and trees. Using a combination of LED flood lights, area lights and wall packs will reduce shadows and blind spots that intruders can use to hide.
- Keep lights high and out of reach. It's important to make it difficult for burglars to tamper with security systems. Even the best security lighting can be rendered useless if an intruder is able to incapacitate the system. Keeping lights high and out of reach will make them difficult to tamper with. Placing lights high will also soften the light for a pleasant look and increased coverage.
- Use motion detector lights. Motion detector lights are an effective way to scare off intruders - having a light flick on as they walk by.
- Focus on entrances and exits. Most criminals seek out targets that can be accessed at night without being seen. Ensuring excellent light coverage at all entrances and exits will deter criminals from planning a robbery at a property.
Why LED?
- Efficiency: LED lights offer exceptional efficiency and are cost-effective in the long run. An LED light fixture will use 90% less electricity than an equivalent incandescent. This is also important if your security lights are forced to run on a backup generator. Less energy draw means your lights will last longer on a limited supply of power.
- Longevity: A quality LED bulb can have a useful life of 25,000 hours or more. This is more than 25 times long than traditional light bulbs.
- Safety: LEDs run cooler than conventional light sources and are therefore less of a hazard.
- Durability: LEDs lack filaments or glass enclosures, making them more durable than traditional alternatives.
- Colour: LEDs can achieve the same colors as traditional bulbs. Use the Kelvin temperature color scale below to help identify the hue a bulb will produce.
[edit] Related articles on Desinging Buildings Wiki
- BREEAM Safety and security.
- CCTV.
- Commercial security systems.
- Embedded security: Procuring an effective facility protective security system.
- Home security solutions market.
- Hostile architecture.
- Intruder alarm.
- Lighting.
- Outbuildings security.
- SABRE Security Assurance by the Building Research Establishment.
- Secured by design.
- Security.
- Security and the built environment.
- Security glazing.
- Security Needs Assessment.
- Types of alarm.
- Types of lock.
Featured articles and news
Retrofit 25 – What's Stopping Us?
Exhibition Opens at The Building Centre.
Types of work to existing buildings
A simple circular economy wiki breakdown with further links.
A threat to the creativity that makes London special.
How can digital twins boost profitability within construction?
The smart construction dashboard, as-built data and site changes forming an accurate digital twin.
Unlocking surplus public defence land and more to speed up the delivery of housing.
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill
An outline of the bill with a mix of reactions on potential impacts from IHBC, CIEEM, CIC, ACE and EIC.
Farnborough College Unveils its Half-house for Sustainable Construction Training.
Spring Statement 2025 with reactions from industry
Confirming previously announced funding, and welfare changes amid adjusted growth forecast.
Scottish Government responds to Grenfell report
As fund for unsafe cladding assessments is launched.
CLC and BSR process map for HRB approvals
One of the initial outputs of their weekly BSR meetings.
Architects Academy at an insulation manufacturing facility
Programme of technical engagement for aspiring designers.
Building Safety Levy technical consultation response
Details of the planned levy now due in 2026.
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.
The restoration of the novelist’s birthplace in Eastwood.
Life Critical Fire Safety External Wall System LCFS EWS
Breaking down what is meant by this now often used term.
PAC report on the Remediation of Dangerous Cladding
Recommendations on workforce, transparency, support, insurance, funding, fraud and mismanagement.
New towns, expanded settlements and housing delivery
Modular inquiry asks if new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing.