A dimly lit yard may pose a greater security problem. It is more likely to be a target for thieves, vandals or even home intruders. In addition, inadequate lighting can increase the risk of accidents and mishaps. Snow and ice can be a problem, especially during inclement weather or cold months.
Keeping your outdoor patio well lit is an important thing to do at this time of year. Proper home flood lights will be a major asset in maintaining a safe home.
What are the common types of outdoor flood lights?
Every homeowner can be very picky when it comes to installing outdoor flood lights, but it is important to incorporate your own lighting needs. Here are a few common types of outdoor lighting.
Spotlights
Spotlights are similar in brightness to floodlights but cast a narrower beam, usually no more than 45 degrees. This beam is more focused, shoots further and is easier to point and control.
Landscape Light
Usually placed on the side of the front door, which is the first position for security lighting in the garden, they are a good idea for front porch lighting and also serve a certain aesthetic purpose.
Floodlights
Usually mounted on the wall but with a very limited angle of illumination, usually only one, they can emit a wide and powerful beam of light, ideal for garages, entrances and walkways.
Security lights
Designed for outdoor locations, combining the brightness and distance of flood and spotlights, also with multi-angle projection (2 to 3 heads adjustable control), also with multi-mode control, dusk to dawn, motion sensor, on/off control, solar mode.
Where should I install outdoor flood lights?
In the experience of many homeowners, it is good advice to place lighting on each side of the house. If there is a dark area, it will be a breakthrough for intruders.
- The exterior of each doorway
- Both sides of the main entrance
- Garage and backyard gates
- Aisles or vehicle parking spaces
How many lumens do I need for outdoor flood lights?
This depends on how much space you have outdoors. The average halogen car headlight is around 1,200 lumens.
Motion sensors usually start at 300 lumens and floodlights are usually between 700 and 1,300. Anything over 2,000 lumens is clear and probably best suited to outdoor-specific security lights.
The effective position of the lighting is just as important as the lumens.
How high should I install my outdoor flood lights?
When installing the outdoor lights you want to make sure that they are mounted at a height that is out of reach and that tools such as ladders are used. This is because criminals may use long sticks and brooms to damage your lights.
For this reason, outdoor lights can be placed at a minimum height of 8-12' and a maximum height of 20'.
This is usually a difficult height for criminals to reach and is a safe range for motion sensors to operate. In addition, the visible range will be greater when illuminated at this light distance.
What is the best way to control flood lights in the garden?
During the day, it doesn't make much sense to leave lights on as they will dim in the daylight.
It can cost more to permanently light a light and no one wants to leave it outside during the day.
The easiest way to control security lighting is through a body light sensor, which will turn on the light when it detects movement. If you want your light to stay on after sunset, look for a light with a built-in twilight detector that will turn off again when the morning is detected.
How do I choose outdoor security flood lights? —— 3 Tips
1. Types: What are the common types of floodlights?
- Motion sensor light
Motion sensor lights are an extremely important part of home security. While leaving lights on overnight can help deter crime, it is not the most effective solution. Motion-activated lights can catch intruders off guard and take them by surprise.
- Dusk to dawn light
To illuminate the exterior of your home throughout the night, use a dusk-to-dawn light (timer security light). This lighting is perfect for deterring intruders and providing directional light at night. As the length of the night varies from season to season, you can adjust the operating hours.
- Switch-controlled light
General flood lights An excellent choice for security lighting. These lights are very powerful and bright. Using LED flood lights will provide bright lighting for your yard at a fraction of the energy consumption of incandescent lights.
2. Lumens: How many lumens should a security flood light have?
Ideally, the pathway lighting should be around 100 lumens. This is bright enough to see the difference between the path and the rest of the area.
Step lights should also ideally be around 100 lumens. You don't want anyone to be invisible as they go up the stairs.
General landscape lights can range in brightness from 50 to 300 lumens. Their main purpose is to make viewing easier and to show the best parts of the landscape.
Security floodlights require 700 to 1300 lumens. The brighter the light, the more lumens it emits and the safer your space will be. Motion sensor security lights require between 300 and 700 lumens. These lights have a range, so the brightness may vary.
3. Waterproofing: What is required for the IP rating of a security light?
The IP rating basically tells the customer how well the fixture will protect against moisture and other foreign objects such as dust. The minimum IP rating you should look for when purchasing fixtures for your backyard is IPX3 (IP43), which will protect your fixtures from rain or spraying water.
Finally, you should know where you want to illuminate your patio. Make sure you install your outdoor lights in the right place, at the right height, and choose the right control mode for you. Provide a safe outdoor environment for your home.
When placed outdoors, your light can be subjected to a variety of external forces including accidental touching or stepping on, deliberate tampering, and accidental force from tools and shovels, wildlife activity, dust, dirt, and electrical wiring. Not to mention rain, wind, and water inundation. All these elements can lead to damage and failure of outdoor lighting if the correct level of protection is not provided for placing and accessing the elements.
Thus, for example, a standard street light needs to be adequately protected against physical forces and moderate water contact but does not require full submersion protection.
In contrast, pond or pool lights need protection against full submersion but are less likely to come into regular contact with tools and other sharp objects. This is why the IP rating of outdoor lights will vary depending on their intended use.
Finally, you should know where you want to illuminate your patio. Make sure you install your outdoor lights in the right place, at the right height and choose the right control mode for you. Provide a safe outdoor environment for your home.
FAQs of LED Security Lights
1. What is an LED security light?
An LED security light is a type of outdoor lighting that uses LED technology to provide bright and energy efficient illumination. Its purpose is to improve the safety and security of people and property by illuminating the surrounding area.
2. Why should you buy security lights?
Investing in a quality security light is an important step in protecting your property and ensuring the safety of your family and belongings. You can use it to deter intruders, increase visibility around your house, and save energy.
3. Motion Sensor vs Dusk to Dawn vs Switch Control
- Motion Sensor: Turn on automatically when motion is detected within range.
- Dusk to Dawn: Turn on at dusk and off at dawn.
- Switch Control: Manually controlled.
All three of them serve to provide illumination, the difference is in the type of control mechanism and you need to choose in combination with the actual lighting needs.
4. Buy Olafus Security Lights
Olafus offers a range of high quality LED safety lights that are perfect for outdoor use. Waterproof and equipped with motion sensors, dusk to dawn sensors, or on/off switch controls, depending on your preference.
With a long life span and energy efficient design, Olafus' security lights are a great investment for any homeowner looking to increase safety and security. Explore the best options and find the security lights that best fit your needs.
Read More
- What is Outdoor LED Flood Light?
- How Can I Improve My Home Security for My Family?
- How to Maintain And Install Outdoor Lighting
- The Best Seller In Outdoor LED Lights 2023
More Videos