Lighting is a powerful tool that can work with or against security fixtures. Lighting provides a cost effective security solution that requires little installation and maintenance work. Regardless of where your home or business is located your security can be further strengthened with effective lighting.
The following article is designed to help you improve your lighting to prevent intruders from entering or vandalising your property.
Positioning Lights
Lighting is one of the most powerful deterrents to stop intruders and vandals from accessing your property. Corporate buildings and warehouses that are located in unlit areas often give the impression of a redundant or derelict property with little security. Homes with effective security lighting are generally much more secure as neighbours and people in close proximity can easily notice if motion sensors have been triggered.
When choosing a lighting arrangement it is recommended that you seek advice from a professional before installing any products. If your lighting is not arranged correctly you may actually be hindering the security of your property. Lights that are positioned or angled in the wrong direction can easily give off excess glare. Intruders can use this glare to their advantage and move through blind spots undetected.
Depending on what kind of area your property is situated in you may need to protect your lighting. If you are adding security lighting to a home in a residential area it is best to install motion sensing lights high up and away from eye level. If you are wishing to raise the security around the front of your house to protect a vehicle, alcoves such as those in the corner of garages, provide the perfect place. Once the lights are installed make sure to test the sensors for responsiveness. Any obstructions from low hanging outcrops will render the sensors ineffective.
Combining Lighting with Other Security Products
The majority of business premises these days tend not to rely on one single security fixture. Systems of security products that are networked can help security personnel to cover a whole area like a blanket.
When you are choosing security products to make up a system make sure that they all function in harmony. Devices such as CCTV and CV radios may send information on similar frequencies that may clash. Problems like these with communication can also occur with lighting systems.
If you have a CCTV system installed you will need to choose a lighting strategy that is complimentary. As mentioned above, glare from poorly placed lighting systems will make an area harder to view with the naked eye. Some lighting arrangements make it easy for people to observe an area from a distance in person but the same arrangement may create obstructive glare on surveillance footage, rendering the captured images incomprehensible.
If you are in doubt about a new lighting arrangement or the effectiveness of an existing one contact a security lighting specialist for guidance.