Tips For Designing and Installing Outdoor Security Lighting For Your Property
Security is one of the most important considerations for installing outdoor lights for a property. Security lighting helps deter any intruders from trespassing or breaking into your property. It can also help you spot any trespassers waiting or attempting to do something to your property. With these benefits, it is crucial to get the installation of your security lighting right. Here are some tips for making the best security lighting system for your property:
Planning Your Security Lighting Goes A Long Way
You need to plan your outdoor lights to ensure the light fixtures are in the right place. You do not want your fixtures spaced too far apart since these can result in dark areas in between light fixtures. Alternatively, you do not want them too close together as these will cause wasted light and unnecessary glare.
You must also consider how much brightness you need. Contrary to popular belief, brighter is not always better. You want to illuminate your whole property to deter trespassers and avoid dark areas. Unfortunately, you cannot do this if you go for the brightest light that you can get. It will look unpleasant, cause light pollution, and create a nuisance for you and your neighbors.
Instead, you can limit brighter and direct lighting on crucial areas such as the entryways, the patio, and the porch. This will make any doors or gates into your property areas they do not want to approach. Then, you can use landscape, garden, and pathway lighting to illuminate the rest of your property. This will give you the best result since you will create a more appealing look for your property while also taking care of any security concerns.
You Can Use Other Light Fixtures For Security Lighting
Floodlights are a staple for security lighting applications for both residential and commercial properties. But, while it is very efficient in shining a light on a large area, it should not be your first option for improving the security of your property.
The harsh brightness from floodlights can easily be a nuisance for you and your neighbors. Floodlights also have limited use for creating a more appealing look for your property with outdoor lighting. It can even ruin the look you are trying to make since its light can be too bright or unflattering.
Instead, you can use other fixtures suitable for ambient lights like gooseneck lights, wall lights, area lights, pathway lights, and in-ground well lights. These light fixtures have a more aesthetic look and can work well for security lighting. Moreover, you can use shielded light fixtures to minimize glare, light intrusion, and light pollution from your property.
Know The Rules In Your Area Before Installing Security Lights
When we think of security lighting, we immediately think of high-powered floodlights that shine a bright light over an area. We also think of lights with cool color temperatures that make it easy for anyone to watch over an area. While these are great features for security lighting, there are situations when it is best not to use such features for your property.
This is usually the case in suburban and residential areas. These areas often have rules for outdoor lighting to minimize light pollution and prevent lighting from being a nuisance to residents. After all, nobody wants light shining through their windows at night, especially when it’s time to sleep. So, check for any rules in your area before designing and installing an outdoor lighting system on your property.
Motion Sensing Lights Should Only Supplement Your Main Outdoor Lighting System
Motion sensing lights will detect any movement of any living being that passes through within its range. While this can be effective in scaring off would-be intruders off your property, it can be quite a nuisance if it keeps detecting the movement of animals in the area. Moreover, it is dependent on detecting motion to be useful.
This does not mean that you should not use motion-sensing lights. You are free to do so if you think you can benefit from it. But, it is best to only use it as a supplement with a traditional outdoor lighting system that you can turn on and off.
Use Timers For Your Security Lights
Your security lights are crucial for protecting your property. Any time you forget you turn them on at night means an increased risk of trespassers for your property. You can minimize this risk with a timer switch for your security lighting. This also helps you save electricity by setting it to switch off in the morning when you no longer need it.
Contact Us!
At Outdoor Lighting of Nashville, you do not need to worry about getting in trouble with your HOA or the city for any outdoor lighting violations. We know the ins and outs of the local rules for outdoor lighting. We will take care of everything from start to finish, so you get everything you need for your property. Contact us now for a free estimate for your outdoor lighting needs.
