Security LightsAs described in ‘Security Lighting’ much of the security lighting used today is inefficient and ineffective. There are however several alternatives which are much cheaper to run, more environmentally friendly (both from an energy consumption and light pollution point of view) and more effective security deterrents.The traditional, motion detecting flood lights commonly used for security purposes are ineffective at deterring criminals and instead simply produce a harsh light which could help intruders conceal themselves in shadows. Recent developments in security lighting have accepted that throwing a sudden beam of bright light into a garden isn?t going to deter criminals or alert residents and neighbours of an unwanted presence and instead have focused on reducing the dramatic light/dark contrast induced by so many of the more traditional security lights. The focus is now on using low wattage lighting to provide a gentle level of illumination throughout a garden or outside area, making it easier to see what is going on outside during night time. One of the most attractive options for outdoor security is the use of low energy, photo-electric cell controlled lighting. These lights are extremely cheap to run as they have such a low wattage, so they are also very environmentally friendly and when strategically placed throughout an outside area they provide a consistent level of illumination without any very bright or very dark areas. As the lights are photocell controlled, they switch on at dusk and switch off at dawn, meaning they provide light when it is most needed without acting as a disturbance to neighbours. For those who prefer the comfort of motion controlled lights, there is an alternative to the high energy flood light. Hi/Lo motion activated lighting is a good alternative. It is controlled by a photocell used in conjunction with a motion detecting sensor. This means that at dusk, the outside lights come on but only using 20% of their wattage so as to provide a low level of illumination, but brighten to their full wattage when the motion sensor detects movement. These lights are a good option only if they are placed correctly so that only human movement is detected as they provide a good overall level of illumination in the outside space coupled with the reassurance of motion controlled light. An alternative is a low wattage porch lamp which will also provide a general wash of light, again avoiding the intrusive glare of a traditional flood light and providing a more efficient use of electricity, these can be equally as cheap to purchase as motion detecting flood lights, but like the above suggestions, are a much better option. In conclusion, although motion detecting flood lights are probably the most popular form of security lighting currently used and possible the least expensive to purchase outright, there are options which will be cheaper in the long run and more effective as a security deterrents. |
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