A simple way to enhance your home’s security is to install some lighting. There are three different techniques to use lighting for security purposes. They are dusk to dawn lighting, motion activated lighting, and a combination hi/lo 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.
The motion activated lighting is one of the more popular techniques. It is a very effect deterrent and since most of the time the lights will stay off and only go on as needed the energy costs as well as replacement lamps are much lower than the previous technique. Imagine the flood lights coming on while the would-be perpetrator is still 30 yards from the point of entry.
The last technique is a combination of the first two. The system is set to keep the lamps on at approximately twenty percent of full wattage from dusk to dawn. Then there is the motion sensing part that turns on the lights to full wattage when the sensors detect some motion. Its costs is not quite as low as the motion activated system but not as expensive as leaving the lights on all night. It also provides a nice glow all night which is comforting for most people.
When it comes to protecting your home and your family, security lighting does a good job as a simple yet effective prevention measure against intrusions or other criminal activity on or to your property. It will definitely aid in the detection of intruders, to deter intruders, or in some cases simply to increase the feeling of safety. However, it does not offer any real protection if something really does happen. Lighting security is a deterrent and should be used as such. Only a surveillance security camera can protect you and allow you to seek retribution against the offenders.