Sometimes you don’t need an outdoor security camera. Many homes use one of the simplest strategies to deter burglary and other crimes without the need for surveillance. When it comes to lighting an area for security purposes, the different techniques are dusk-to-dawn lighting, motion activated, and combination high/low lighting.

Dusk to dawn lighting the simplest, oldest trick in the book. The idea is that a lit home will discourage a burglar because they can no longer operate under the cover of darkness. It is both real and a psychological tactic that makes the burglar feel less secure.

The lighting system uses a photocell control either external or built into the lights that detect light levels and switch on when lighting levels get low.

The downside to this technique is that the lights are on all night long and the energy costs and lamp replacement costs can really add up. Also, it’s hard for neighbors detect unwanted activity since the lights always look the same.

With motion activated lighting, if there is anyone in the area, someone is sure the notice. Imagine a would-be intruder stopping dead in his tracks as high beam lights flood the area. He could still be 30 feet from the point of entry when the lights go on. This is a very powerful deterrent and since the lights only go on when motion is detected, the cost of operating this type of lighting security is much more economical than the previous technique.

A combination high/low lighting technique is just as the name implies. It combines the two lighting techniques. A lower beam light, usually 20%, turns on and stays on all night and the full wattage high beam light is motion activated.

The cost is an approximation of the median between the first two techniques since the lights aren’t on full blast all night long, nor are they only on when motion is detected. One of the upsides is a nice glow which is more comforting for many homeowners than the complete darkness of the motion activated system.

Security lighting can be an effective preventive measure against intrusions on your property and family. And in many cases, just being in the light makes people feel safer. It is cheaper than a full on outdoor security camera system and if all you need a little deterrent lighting security is perfect.

Post from: Home Security

Improve Outdoor Security With Lighting