Exterior Security Lighting
While interior security lighting is important for the prevention of burglaries, exterior
security lighting will protect your property before the burglar gets anywhere near
it.
Like interior lighting, there are 3 types of exterior security lighting: Timer controlled, PIR (passive
infrared) controlled and manual controlled.
Timer controlled lighting can be just a simple timer that comes on a off at a set
time every evening/night time or a more sophisticated “smart” timer that goes on
and off at random times. PIR (passive infrared) lighting have detectors that sense
movement which triggers the light to come on. Usually the PIR light stays on for
a set time (e.g. 5 minutes) until it is triggered again.
In addition, a PIR light can act as a useful "welcome home" light which will come
on as you return to your home at night. A manual controlled light is just a simple
floodlight which can be operated indoors from a simple light switch.
Generally, most timer and PIR controlled alarms can be overridden to stay on permanently,
if required. This could be useful if you were entertaining or socializing outside
in your garden and require lighting.
Most exterior security lighting can be installed by the DIYer. It is important to
plan what areas of the exterior of your property that you want to illuminate. Pay
attention to the darker areas of your garden or yard, where burglars are likely
to hide.
A well planned security strategy will cater for lighting at all entries into the
property and its buildings. Be sure to include:
- Sidewalks
- Fences and gates
- Doors, windows and patio sliders
- Garden sheds
- Porch entries
- Garages
Make sure when installing the lighting that power supply cables are well out of
reach to be tampered with from the ground.
Once your exterior security lighting is installed then it is worth talking to your
insurance agent who may alter your policy premium favourably as you could be less
of an insurance risk.