The security of Light-Where to put
Where Do You Put Security Lights
Placement is also a very important factor to consider when dealing with security lights. Obviously, you want to put your fixtures in spots that offer optimal performance and efficiency.
Here are the Best Places to Put Security Lights
Normally:
This should be in the most important (vulnerable) parts of your home including:
At the gate.
Along your perimeter fence.
Close to all access points to your home; garage door, front and back doors, and windows.
Along any pathways or driveways within your compound.
On the sides of your home’s walls.
In the yard.
High enough to avoid tampering but low enough to detect motion.
And so on.
But:
It’s not always that easy.
There are still a few factors that need to be considered to find the most ideal spot to place a security light.
Factors that Determine Where to Put a Security Light
1. The Size of the Area Being Illuminated
To light up large areas, the fixture needs to be placed higher than usual.
It’s basic physics – the higher the light source the broader the reach.
However, In this case, you’ll also have to consider light intensity; since it reduces as the distance increases.
So, if you want to place your security lights high, ensure that they are high-intensity fixtures like floodlights to guarantee a bright and even distribution of light.
Basically:
Low-intensity fixtures placed high above may offer very little illumination and may prove to be less secure.
2. The Fixture’s IP Rating
IP ratings are the fixture’s protection against intrusion by dust, particles, moisture, and water; a higher IP means better protection.
The IP (Ingress Protection) rating will tell you whether or not your new fixture is built for the harsh and unforgiving outdoor environment.
So, before buying the fixture, you need to make sure that its IP rating can survive your home’s exterior or wherever you want to put it.
3. The Security Light’s Function
What’s the light’s main purpose?
Security lights serve different purposes.
For example:
A standard floodlight may just be used for outdoor lighting and, therefore, its placement may not be of much concern.
However, when dealing with motion-sensor security lights, they have to be positioned in spots that are within the sensors’ operational range.
If you put a security light too high on top, the pictures and videos you’ll be receiving from it may be low quality or unclear.
I hope you get my point…
4. Accessibility by Intruders
You should always know that Intruders will try to tamper with your lighting system as soon as they get the chance. That way they won’t have to worry about it when they come to do the actual damage.
To prevent damage or vandalism from happening, you have to ensure that your security lights are placed in a safe and inaccessible spot.
But, If you have to keep them in an accessible position, try to burglar-proof them to make it harder for intruders to tamper with your system.
5. The Fixture’s Motion Range
Last but not least:
You also need to check your fixture’s motion range.
The area you intend to illuminate should be within your security light’s motion radius.
Otherwise, Burglars might take advantage of blind spots to gain access to your property without tripping the sensors.