Adding security lighting is the number one step homeowners can take to protect their property from unwanted trespassers. Statistics show that thieves overlook targets that are difficult to access without being noticed. A well-designed security lighting system can make would-be thieves think twice before approaching your property. This guide will show you how to create a low-cost, effective LED security lighting system for your home or business.

Use lots of smaller lights instead of fewer, more powerful lights

Large, powerful flood lights are good for open spaces, but can sometimes cast shadows if there are obstacles on your property, such as buildings and trees. Using a combination of LED floodlights, area lights, and wall packs will reduce shadows and blind spots that intruders can use to hide.

Keep headlights high and out of reach

It’s important to make it more difficult for thieves to tamper with your security system. Many thieves plan heists for several weeks and finding a way to disable security lights is often a priority. Even the best security lighting can become useless if an intruder can disable the system. Keeping your headlights high up and out of reach will make it difficult to tamper with your system. High beam placement will also soften the light for a nice look and more coverage.

Use motion detector lights

Motion detector lights are an effective way to scare off intruders. Thieves will be nervous during a robbery and having a slight movement while walking is often enough to scare them off. A good combination of LED floodlights and motion detector lights will work to keep trespassers off your property and scare away those who do decide to enter.

Focus on inputs and outputs

Most criminals look for targets that can be accessed at night without being seen. Ensuring excellent light coverage at all entrances and exits will deter criminals from planning a break-in on your property.

Why LEDs?

Efficiency: LED lights offer exceptional efficiency and are more cost effective in the long run. An LED lamp will use 90% less electricity than an equivalent incandescent. This is also important if your security lights are forced to run on a backup generator. Less power consumption means your lights will last longer on a limited power supply.

Longevity: A quality LED bulb can have a lifespan of 25,000 hours or more. This is more than 25 times more than traditional light bulbs. Safety: LEDs run cooler than conventional light sources and therefore present less of a fire hazard. Durability: LEDs lack filaments or glass covers, making them more durable than traditional alternatives. Same Colors as Traditional Light Bulbs: LEDs can achieve the same colors as traditional light bulbs. Use the Kelvin temperature color scale below to help identify the hue a light bulb will produce.