Security Lights
Security lights tend to do the rounds as far as their use of technology goes, especially with all the flexibility in design that they afford. LED is now commonplace and is our recommended technology for both floodlights and decorative wall lights due to their extended life expectancy and lower running costs.
Over the past few years smart floodlights, that can be controlled via a smartphone app, have become more popular and offer consumers the opportunity to get alerts, talk to visitors, and receive live streaming from anywhere in the world.
One of the opportunities opened by low-powered LEDs is the facilitation of solar security lights. LEDs sip up so little energy that a solar panel can provide enough power to light your outdoor space every single night, with no additional electricity charges and while remaining extremely eco-friendly.
PIR sensors
Security lights differ greatly in design, but many of them have a PIR sensor in common. A PIR sensor, or passive infrared sensor, detects motion and triggers a security light for what is usually a predefined period of time. These sensors typically have a range of about 8-12 metres when placed at an optimum height. They’re also often further modifiable by the presence of a photocell (also known as a dusk to dawn sensor), which detects ambient light and only allows the PIR sensor to operate above a certain level.
Some security fittings skip the PIR sensor and use a photocell alone to trigger lighting from dusk to dawn. The light sensor can typically be adjusted to illuminate your property only beyond a certain level of darkness, so you needn’t waste electricity when not required.
Welcome home
Security fittings often serve the double purpose of deterring intruders and providing useful illumination for the legitimate owner of the house! If you’ve ever stumbled up a pitch black garden path, fumbling for your keys and maybe knocking your shin on the garden wall, you’ll immediately recognise the potential of a welcoming light that helps you get indoors quickly and safely! Some security lights are homely affairs - not so much foreboding floodlights but rather a welcoming wall light near a front door or in a porch. Bulkhead, floodlight or decorative wall lantern: you’ll find them all in our security lighting section.