15 Oct Selecting the appropriate security lighting solution for your business

Studies show that around 60% of commercial burglaries happen in the evening when light levels are low. Thieves know that they’re less likely to be recognised or captured when they act during the evening. This means that one of the most effective things any business can do to reduce their chances of a security issue is invest in the appropriate lighting solutions.

There are several different types of secure lighting solutions available, and the right option for you will depend on numerous factors. Everything from your company’s location, to the level of threat you face, will help to decide what kind of system suits you best.

To help you make the right decision about your lighting needs, here are just some of the things you should consider.

1. Motion Activated Security Lights

Exterior security lights are some of the best ways to protect your commercial property from unwanted entry. However, the last thing you want is to spend a lot of money on excess electricity. Keeping your flood lights running all night could mean that you not only end up with a serious bill to pay for, it also increases your carbon footprint too.

Motion-activated exterior security lights help to eliminate those unnecessary expenses. Unlike standard security lights that stay running all day and night, motion activated lights only switch on when they detect the presence of a person. These lights use infrared technology to detect movement, but they need to be placed carefully to make sure that they won’t be affected by passing street traffic.

2. Flood Lights (Halogen and Solar)

Floodlights are one of the most common options for businesses who want to improve their security using lighting. A floodlight can startle a burglar and cause them to give up on their quest to steal your property or money. What’s more, flood lights also make it easier for any cameras you have installed to pick up details about a thief.

Floodlights in the modern market are available in either “halogen” or “solar” designs. Halogen lights are less expensive and more common than their solar counterparts. Halogen lights emit strong light at the flick of a switch, but they also consume more energy than solar lights, meaning you may have bigger energy bills.

Alternatively, solar flood lights may require a bigger up-front investment than halogen, as you’ll need to install your solar panels. However, because your lights use the stored power from the sun, instead of energy from the grid, they will cost a lot less for you to run. A solar flood light won’t lead to a significant increase in your energy bills.

3. Fluorescent and HID Exterior lighting

If you want to keep your approach to secure business lighting as simple as possible, you could consider using fluorescent lights. Placing fluorescent lights around the entrances to your building will deter criminals and help your security cameras to pick up details about anyone who tries to enter your property, which may assist with processing a criminal complaint.

Alternatively, some organisations prefer the option of HID security language. The term “HID” stands for High-Intensity Discharge – which is precisely what this kind of lighting does. An HID bulb emits a strong light that’s much brighter than most other bulbs. These lights can cover a large area, making them ideal for industrial structures and parking lots. However, running an HID light consistently can be expensive.

Choosing the Right Commercial Security Lighting

When it comes to securing your business building using the right lighting, there are many different things you’ll need to consider. For instance, you may decide that a timed security system will help you to protect your business while keeping energy costs low.

Alternatively, if you can find an inexpensive option for installing and managing solar-powered lighting systems, you may decide to keep your lights running all day, from dawn till dusk.

Remember to consider each of your options carefully when you’re picking the right lighting and consider how you can position your lighting choices to get the most out of your investments. Ideally, each of the light options you choose should be situated as close as possible to your business entryways and exits. What’s more, remember to place your lights beside your security cameras to get the best possible clarity in your security videos.