Everything Dallas Homeowners Need to Know About Security Lighting

Here at Electricians of Dallas, we understand that household safety is often a top concern for homeowners. Your home houses your family, your pets, and all your belongings. Naturally, the thought of an intruder disrupting that peace can be a cause of anxiety. So how can you rest with ease of mind? One of the best ways to do this is to have outdoor security lighting installed. Here are some statistics to help you understand how important the right lighting system really is:

-Poorly lit homes are targeted 3x more than well-lit homes.

-In homes that are well-lit, there was a 39% decrease in nighttime index crime and a 7% overall reduction rate in serious offenses including murder, robbery, and aggravated assault.

-Homes without a security system are 300% more likely to be targeted by burglars.

-60% of convicted burglars admit that they will search for a new target if they discover a security system in place.

-Inadequate lighting can also increase the chances of a fall by 1.4 to 2.5 times.

-20% of falls result in serious injuries such as fractures or head trauma.

With these statistics in mind, we can see how security lighting significantly increases your home's safety. So what type of lighting should you get?

Types of Security Lighting

Motion Sensor Lights

As the name suggests, motion-sensing lights automatically light up when they sense motion. Quality sensors can spot motion up to 50 feet away with a 240` detection zone. For many of these lights, you can even adjust the sensitivity to avoid unnecessary activation from pets or cars. Many models will allow you to set how long the lights stay on after activation, anywhere from 25 seconds to 20 minutes. They're also a money-saver because they're not continuously on.

Floodlights

These lights are particularly ideal for maximum brightness. They cast wide light beams that are good for large areas such as backyards, driveways, and side yards. Good LED floodlights produce 1000-3300 lumens, which is ideal for security lighting. They also come with adjustable heads so they can point wherever you need them. Keep in mind however, that their brightness could potentially bother your neighbors or invade their privacy, so be careful where you point them. These can be turned on manually with a switch or have a photocell mounted where they automatically come on from dusk till dawn. There are also alternatives such as inwall timers to replace an existing switch that determines dusk till dawn automatically and has added various other settings for turning them on.

Pathway/Steplights

With more than 8 million fall-related injuries each year, good path lighting cannot be stressed enough. For the best results, place them 6-8 feet apart to avoid dark spots. For stairs, place them 6-7 inches high under stair treads. This creates shadows that highlight where to step. LED systems that use low voltage give both function and style. There are various types of pathway lights. You can get the solar panel type, wiring not required, where they come on automatically in the evening or the wired type. The wired types are more reliable, and they can be on the entire night whereas the solar powered type is limited in time.

Wall-Mounted Sconces

These lights, placed along your home's walls or at the door, offer both curb appeal and security. They brighten entrances, boundaries, and gathering spots while also adding style to your home's exterior.

Smart Security Lights

These lighting systems give you total control from your smartphone and are connected to your network. They include scheduling, motion detection, and work with other security devices. Advanced systems offer customization, allowing you to alter colors, record video, enable 2-way talk, and sound alarms.

Soffit Lighting

Most homes come with soffits. Soffits are when the roof extends beyond the outer walls for about 1 to 2 ft. These are ideal locations to put small LED lights around the soffit areas. These create a glow on the walls which in turn aluminates the surrounding area of the house. These are unintrusive to the neighbors and they are aesthetically pleasing with the added bonus of security around the house. It makes a wonderful addition to a home.

Now you know what kinds of lights are out there, what are the best spots to put them?

Where to Put Security Lights

All Entry Points

Front door, back door, and any side doors should be accompanied by wall sconces or floodlights. Lighting these areas increases safety by preventing falls as well as scaring away intruders. Ideally, the lights around these areas would be 6-10 feet above ground to make it harder for them to be tampered with.

Driveway and Garage

Intruders use these areas as hidden approach points. If using motion-sensing lights, which is highly recommended for these areas, the sensors should cover the whole driveway. It's best to use bright floodlights around your garage, many people will also angle their lights so the beams overlap.

Side Yards and Other Blind Spots

Intruders use these areas to stay hidden since they are often forgotten. Using motion-sensing lights in these areas is ideal so that it's not continuously lit, but it will scare away any intruders trying to use the spot to stay hidden.

Fences and Property Boundaries

Creating a visible perimeter substantially improves home security. These lights could be placed alongside your fence, facing your home. Mounting them on poles or in trees makes it difficult for them to be tampered with. Ensuring even coverage without gaps is the best way to maximize your home's security.

Stairways and Walkways

It is very common for home injuries to be caused by poor lighting. Putting lights along your pathways and stairways is the best way to avoid this. Stair lights should point down at a 30 degree angle to light up steps without blinding people. This angle also creates shadows that make each steps' edge stand out. Path lights should not be too far apart, ideally 6-8 feet, to avoid dark spots.

With all this in mind, what are the smartest security lighting choices?

Smart Lighting Options

LED Lighting

LED lights use up to 80% less energy than incandescents options. It does have a higher upfront cost, but in the long run, it's a money-saver. They have longer lifespans, which means you won't have to spend money to replace them nearly as often. LEDs also don't have a warm up time, which other lights do, and this is ideal for security lighting.

App-Controlled Smart Lights

These systems allow control over your lighting settings through mobile apps. You can customize the color, brightness, and timing from anywhere, all from your smartphone. These systems are also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. You can even program the indoor settings to mimic someone being home while you are away.

Timers and Automation Features

Many outdoor lights will have dusk-to-dawn timers, which would turn your lights on automatically when the sun goes down then turning them off as it comes up. Motion sensors can also work with a timer so to avoid any unnecessary daytime activation.

So you've figured out what type of lights you want and where to put them, now how do you take care of them?

Outdoor Security Lighting Maintenance

Regularly check their functionality by switching them on periodically to test if they turn on as expected. If they don't, it may indicate a burnt-out bulb or malfunctioning sensors.

Clean your lights with a soft cloth and remove any obstructing foliage to ensure ideal brightness.

Consider replacing your security lights when they begin to show signs of wear, such as flickering lights or physical damage.

In Conclusion....

Poorly lit homes are considerably more likely to be targeted by intruders, which makes installing security lighting crucial for household safety. There are many different types to consider, some of which would even improve the curb appeal of your house. If you don't have security lighting already installed, call Electricians of Dallas at 972-418-0691 for a free estimate today.