Security Lights
Security Lights
Garden security lighting may not be your go-to choice for those alfresco evenings with friends and loved ones underneath the stars. But that’s not to say it isn’t worth investing in.
595,000 garden thefts occurred in the UK last year, according to the Office for National Statistics. That’s a 23 percent rise from 2017. What’s more, this figure accounts for a staggering 90 per cent of all household thefts. Bikes and lawnmowers are the most commonly stolen items.
And it’s not just the two-wheeler you’ve got to keep your eyes on. A secure garden with well-positioned outdoor lighting ideas can also deter burglars from targeting your home.
What Are The Main Types Of Garden Security Lighting
Floodlights
Floodlights are used when a brighter illumination is required (setting them apart from the usual lighting used in garden ideas), emitting a wide, powerful beam that is ideal for driveways, entrances, and pathways.
On all outdoor lighting, you should take note of the product’s Ingress Protection rating, which relates to its waterproofing capacity. The minimum you require is IP43, which protects against rain and spraying water.
Spotlights
Spotlights are similar in brightness to floodlights, but cast a narrower beam of light, usually no wider than 45 degrees. This beam is more concentrated and easier to point and control.
Wall-Mounter Lamps
Usually powered by a mains supply, you can position these lamps to the side of your front door, which is the number one spot for garden security lighting, making them a great front porch lighting idea.
Motion-Sensor Lights
Motion sensor lights use a Passive Infrared (PIR) sensor that is activated by heat and movement. A mainstay of garden security lighting, they save on energy as you don’t need to have them on all day, only when motion is detected.
Are LED Security Systems Any Good?
When it comes to efficiency, LED security lights are an insider’s favourite. ‘Although they can be expensive to purchase, they will save on your energy bills in the long term as they are very energy efficient,’ says Matthew Currington, technical director at The Lighting Superstore
‘Generally, they have an average life span of 30,000 hours, whereas a normal bulb lasts up to 2000, so they won’t need replacing as often.’
Adrienne Sharkey-Perves, senior marketing director at automated home security company Arlo is also a fan. ‘They are long-lasting and deliver concentrated bright lights that can often be battery powered so even during a power cut, they are still able to function.’
Do note that with battery-powered lighting, you will sacrifice brightness compared to mains powered lighting, which can make them less effective when it comes to security.
How Many Lumens Do I Need For Outdoor Security Lighting?
‘It really depends on how large your outdoor space is,’ says Sharkey-Perves. ‘The average halogen car headlight is around 1,200 lumens. So you can keep this in mind when selecting your lights.’
For the uninitiated, a lumen measures the amount of light that comes from a bulb. Motion sensors typically start at 300 lumens, with floodlights usually ranging from 700 to 1300. Anything over 2,000 is very impressive, and probably best suited to garden lights that have been put in place specifically for security purposes.
Don’t get too bogged down in the lumens though. Effective placement of your lighting is just as important.
Featured Manufactures and Suppliers of Security Lights
