Outdoor security lights are a simple and effective way of providing peace of mind. They can be both functional and decorative, enhancing the look of your property while illuminating it. It’s important to create an outdoor lighting plan for placing these lights, and what types to use for optimal effect.
Thankfully you don’t have to be a lighting expert to create the most effective and aesthetically pleasing layout. STL Electrical not only installs outdoor security lights – we can also examine your property and advise you on where to put the various types of lighting.
If you’re considering installing outdoor security lighting, here’s a quick primer on what you can get and what to assess beforehand.
Types of outdoor security lights
You can use different types of outdoor security lights for specific purposes, and choose the level of illumination you need in every area. Each type of light has its own features and plays its own role in your overall lighting plan.
Nightlights with a dawn-to-dusk sensor
Dusk-to-dawn lights are automated, so you can leave them to do their thing – turning on just after sunset and shutting off at dawn. This is an easy and convenient way of providing consistent illumination throughout the night, making them some of the best outdoor security lights for your money. They’re particularly suitable for high-traffic areas like driveways and house entrances, providing both security and visibility.
This type of security lighting is well-suited to Melbourne winters with their shorter daylight hours. They’ll switch on as soon as the natural light dims enough to require artificial lighting. You can use traditional electrical lights, or save energy using outdoor LED security lights.
Outdoor security lights with sensor
Outdoor security lights with motion sensor technology are more sophisticated and perhaps costlier, but they make up for that by being extremely energy efficient. They only turn on when they detect movement, so they don’t stay on all the time wasting electricity.
The best places to install motion-sensor lights are the entry points of your property, such as gates, pathways, external doors, and around your garage. Besides providing illumination, they also pack the element of surprise, turning on suddenly when triggered. This alone can be enough to scare off someone taking a chance.
One thing to remember about outdoor security lights with sensors is that if you have pets that roam at night, your electrician will need to set the detection sensitivity so that they don’t set off the alarm. If you live in outlying rural areas of Melbourne, wildlife can also trigger the sensors.
Outdoor LED spotlights for long range security
Choose spotlights and floodlights in spaces where you want bright, widespread illumination. They have stronger, more directional beams than other types, and you can set them so that their lighting arcs overlap to cover a large area.
The higher you place them, the further their light will reach, so you’ll typically put these at the top of poles or high up on walls. Their powerful radiance is ideal for lighting up secluded parts of your property that aren’t visible from the street. They’re also a good option if you have a large backyard. You can save on your electricity bill by using outdoor LED spotlights for long range security purposes.
Solar powered outdoor security lights
Demand for solar powered outdoor security lights is rising, as homeowners are increasingly switching to more sustainable energy sources. Solar energy stored during the day powers these lights at night, without costing you a cent on your electricity bill.
You can get solar powered lights with additional features like motion detection. They’re also especially useful in areas of your garden where you can’t or don’t want to run electric wires to.
One obvious limitation of using outdoor solar security lights in Melbourne is our unpredictable weather. Cloud cover reduces the amount of charge they can build up, so they might not stay on all night during winter. However, technological improvements are making them more viable now.
Creating an outdoor lighting plan
If your outdoor security lights are to be effective, you need to think about where to place them for optimal coverage. Consider the following factors:
- High-risk areas
Identify the easiest places from which to enter your property, like gates, doors and windows. Other high-risk spaces are secluded areas like side yards, and dark spots where someone could hide. - Illumination intensity and coverage
You need to assess light intensity vs your illumination and coverage needs. If your lights are too bright, the glare can reduce your own visibility. On the other hand they need to be bright enough to eliminate dark areas and shadows. We can help you to determine the ideal balance, plus give you more tips and tricks for your outdoor lighting. - Integration with other security systems
If you have an existing house alarm system, or a couple of security cameras, it’s always a good idea to link your outside security lights with these. The lights can thus set off an alarm, or activate your cameras. An experienced electrician will be able to do this for you, giving you a seamlessly integrated security set-up. - Light pollution
Don’t forget your neighbours if you live in a residential suburb of Melbourne. You shouldn’t let your security lighting spill over to their properties and disturb them. A bright directional spotlight will do a great job of illuminating your property, but it might be shining directly into your neighbour’s living room window. Ask your electrician about shielded lights or ones that emit more focused beams. - Regulatory compliance
Of course your outdoor security lighting installation must comply with Australian and Victoria’s electricity laws and regulations. These include insulation and power load management requirements. Using a licenced and certified electrician is essential to ensure this compliance.
Melbourne electricians to install outdoor security lights
Outdoor lighting installation should always be left to qualified electricians. It’s not a DIY job, especially if you’re working with mains electricity. By choosing STL Electrical, you’re assured of the highest standards of professionalism. From helping you plan your lighting layout, to safe installation, testing and compliance certification, we have all the necessary experience. Contact us to discuss your needs.
