Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Improve Outdoor Security With Lighting

By Andy Rich

For many households, installing an outdoor security camera is more than necessary. That is why one of the most common forms of home security is a simple lighting system. It's one step up from no security, and an effective deterent to potential intruders. The different techniques are dusk-to-dawn lighting, motion activated, and combination high/low lighting.

Dusk to dawn lighting the simplest, oldest trick in the book. The idea is that a lit home will discourage a burglar because they can no longer operate under the cover of darkness. It is both real and a psychological tactic that makes the burglar feel less secure.

The system works by a using a photocell that reads lighting levels of an area. When the lighting drops below a determined level, it switches on the lights and stay on all night.

The problem with this technique is the relatively high costs compared to the other two lighting techniques. The electricity costs can add up when the lights are on all night long every single night and lamps burn out sooner meaning replacement costs will also add up. It's also less effective when it comes to alerting neighbors because the lights always look the same.

With motion activated lighting, if there is anyone in the area, someone is sure the notice. Imagine a would-be intruder stopping dead in his tracks as high beam lights flood the area. He could still be 30 feet from the point of entry when the lights go on. This is a very powerful deterrent and since the lights only go on when motion is detected, the cost of operating this type of lighting security is much more economical than the previous technique.

In the combination high/low lighting technique, the first two techniques discussed are combined. It is the setup of having a lower intensity light on all night, and a high beam motion activated light.

The cost is an approximation of the median between the first two techniques since the lights aren't on full blast all night long, nor are they only on when motion is detected. One of the upsides is a nice glow which is more comforting for many homeowners than the complete darkness of the motion activated system.

Security lighting can be an effective preventive measure against intrusions on your property and family. And in many cases, just being in the light makes people feel safer. It is cheaper than a full on outdoor security camera system and if all you need a little deterrent lighting security is perfect.

About the Author:

No comments: