Best Security Lights

Introduction to the Best Security Lights

What are Security Lights? They not only provide illumination to dark places, but they also act as a deterrent to crime and wrongdoing, as criminals are less likely to operate in a well-lit area.

So, if you are in the process of securing your home and need to understand what security lights are all about, this article will help.

We’ll discuss all you need to know about security lights, how they work, what they are used for, and the different types that exist.

Also, we’ll take a look at some of the factors to consider before buying one and most importantly, how much they cost to install.

Hence, at the end of the article, you’ll know everything you need to start securing your home adequately.

What is a Security Light?

A security light, as opposed to regular lights, is one used specifically to deter criminality in a particular environment.

They are used mostly in homes and businesses but are also deployed in correctional facilities to prevent escapes and other problematic behaviour.

Also, they enhance the feeling of safety for the occupants in a house as you’re more likely to feel secure if you can see every corner of your property.

Security lights have been in use for years with the first fluorescent security light created in 1890 and have since then become the staple for many homes and businesses.

In addition, as time has passed, more types of security lights have been invented, including the LED security light and more recently, the solar-powered security light.

How Does a Security Light Work?

Now that we understand what security lights do and how they came about, the next question is how do they work? The answer is dependent on the type of light you plan to install.

For instance, a fluorescent light stays on and illuminates a dark space with the help of current passing through the ballast. Then, it is run through a ‘choke’ which functions to limit the current and prevent a short circuit.

However, things are a little different with a motion sensor security light. With these types, the light comes on in reaction to human temperature.

Humans radiate heat and infrared energy which the light detects when electrons displaced from a substrate are detected and amplified into a signal.

Also, motion sensor lights lookout for rapid disturbances in the infrared energy around the area it is focused on.This is why the lights are more sensitive to human movement as opposed to stagnancy.

Types of Security Lights

As alluded to above, there are different types of security lights, each with its own advantages and benefits.

Therefore, we’ll take a look at a few of them to deepen our understanding of security lights and the uses of each type.

Motion Sensors

As explained above, these are security lights that react to human movement. Therefore, if a human walks past an area covered by a motion sensor light, it triggers the device, which then starts up and illuminates the area.

It is quite useful and has the added advantage of using up less energy. This is because it doesn’t come on unless triggered by movement.Furthermore, they work whether you’re around or not, meaning they don’t rely on human interference to carry out their job.

Pros:

• They save energy and, in turn, money.
• They do not rely on human interference to work.
• It alerts you to the presence of humans around your property.

Cons:

• Since they require movement to work, it can come on at the most inopportune times.
• The constant switching could affect the light’s lifespan.

Motion Sensors will typically set you back on average around £30-£150.

LED Lights

These are powerful lights that cover a large surface area. They flood an area with light to provide illumination and deter criminals.

Also, the bulbs are usually really bright, which makes these lights really useful for places light parks and garages that can get pretty dark at sundown.

Pros:

• They are really bright and powerful.
• They help to deter criminals from operating.
• They are easy to install.

Cons:

• They are costlier than traditional lamps.
• In certain situations, it doesn’t provide the brightness necessary.

LED Lights will typically set you back on average around £10-£60.

Solar Lights

As the name suggests, solar lights are powered by the sun and do not need another energy source.

Therefore, they save energy and are usually quite beautiful. Also, of note, a solar security light can possess motion sensors which means it saves you more money on the electric bill.

Pros:

• They run on a clean energy source.
• They last longer than most lights.
• They can come as a motion sensor, or LED lights.

Cons:

• They aren't as bright as electric powered lights.
• Atmospheric changes could further affect the brightness of the light.

Solar Lights will typically set you back on average around £10-£250.

Spotlight

As opposed to LED lights that flood the area with brightness, spotlights provide focused beams that illuminate a smaller area.

Because it doesn’t have to cover such a large area, spotlights shine really brightly on the spot they are focused on which ensures that no unauthorized person can easily pass through such an area undetected.

However, since its sphere of influence is limited, the lights have a few drawbacks. Thankfully, you can mitigate them easily in a few ways, including making use of a twin security light.

Pros:

• They brightly illuminate a particular spot.
• Since they cover a smaller area, they tend to be brighter than floodlights.
• They last for a long time.

Cons:

• To prevent fires, these lights have to be set apart from each other.
• Unfortunately, loft insulations can’t be laid over spotlights.

A Spotlight will typically set you back on average around £30-£500.

Best Security Lights

With all of the above, you might start to wonder about the best security light to buy for your home.

To help in your endeavour, we’ll quickly go through a list of some of the best lights available for purchase.

LITOM Original Solar Lights

LITOM is one of the leading brands in security lights with over five million units sold and a slew of favourable reviews on its products.

All of this experience and expertise come to bear in the LITOM Original Solar Lights, which is an incredible product made to protect your home and grant you peace of mind.

The LEDs are extremely powerful, and it also features an energy management chip. Furthermore, with its ability to effectively convert solar energy into electricity, this is arguably the best solar security light money can buy.

What’s more, the light activates once it detects movement and stays on for at least 20 seconds before going off. On top of that, the light is IP65 waterproof and can last as long as 36 months with no hassles.

Pros:

• It lasts longer than other lights.
• It possesses motion sensors.
• It stays on for 20 seconds before going off.

Cons:

• It can be difficult to return if you are unsatisfied.
• Some users find the light to be too sensitive.

LITOM Original Solar Lights will typically set you back on average around £30-£60.

Ring Floodlight Camera Motion-Activated HD Security Cam

The Ring Floodlight Camera Motion-Activated HD Security Cam is a handy piece of technology that keeps you safe. Apart from providing you with a bright light to illuminate all the dark corners in your property, it also comes with a few nifty features.

Also, of note, this is a security light with camera capabilities which gives you a more comfortable means with which to inspect any area of the property you deem suspicious. Moreover, with the Ring protect plan, for a small fee, you can access all the footage on the camera for up to 60 days and also share photos and videos.

Pros:

• It is compatible with Alexa and Echo.
• It comes with a camera.
• With a small subscription fee, you have access to photos and videos.

Cons:

• Some users found the app problematic.
• The videos tend to be laggy.

Ring Floodlight Camera Motion-Activated HD Security Cam will typically set you back on average around £160.

RAB Lighting STL360HBW

Armed with great motion detection capabilities and fancy design, the RAB Lighting STL360HBW is a great product to purchase. It senses 180 degrees out and 360 degrees down to ensure wide coverage.

Also, it comes pre-programmed, which makes it very easy to install, and it doesn’t provide any challenge to get it working. In addition, the circuits are fully shielded to prevent outside interference and radio frequency immunity.

On top of that, the sensitivity of the lights is well adjusted to ensure it works consistently regardless of the weather condition. Unfortunately, the lights aren’t LED compatible meaning you might spend quite a bit on bulbs.

Pros:

• Long warranty.
• Pre-programmed to ease the installation process.
• Features an evening timer.

Cons:

• It doesn’t have LED compatibility.
• Strong winds can trigger the sensor which is inconvenient.

RAB Lighting STL360HBW will typically set you back on average around £100-£200.

MAXSA Dual Head Security Spotlights

The MAXSA Dual Head Security Spotlights have a durable design that makes them such an attractive product to buy. The body is made with ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic which is well-known for its heat tolerance.

Therefore, the plastic is unlikely to melt while in use and the IP44 ingress protection rating of the light means that it can withstand just about any weather condition.

Also, the lights are battery powered meaning they can work at any time of the day and can even function as emergency lights in case of a power outage. The LED lights provide 320 lumens which are quite bright and adequately illuminates any space you use it on.

What’s more, it is pretty easy to install and can be done by anyone meaning you might not need to spend any money on a professional.

Pros:

• Battery-powered lights that can work anytime.
• Made with durable materials that last for a while.
• IP44 ingress protection rating makes this suitable for most weather conditions.

Cons:

• The batteries don’t last too long.
• Can be a hassle to operate since it doesn’t possess an ‘ON’ button.

MAXSA Dual Head Security Spotlights will typically set you back on average around £40-£100.

Lithonia Lighting OLF 3RH 4000K

The high powered security lights last for a while producing some of the brightest illuminations you can get from any security lamp.

Producing about 2160 lumens, the Lithonia Lighting OLF 3RH 4000K lasts for the long haul with the manufacturers claiming it can provide over 50,000 hours of service with at least 70% output.

In addition, the rear housing makes use of rugged cast-aluminium, which is also corrosion-resistant, which helps the lights last longer. Also, the product features three heads that are all adjustable, ensuring you can point it in the necessary directions with relative ease.

Finally, it is advised that you install the light between six and ten feet off the ground as this is where it works best.

Pros:

• Three adjustable heads.
• Made with corrosion-resistant material to increase longevity.
• Dusk-till-dawn features ensure it powers off and on with the rising and setting of the sun

Cons:

• The lights could turn on before dusk and stay on past dawn.
• It requires a very specific height to work properly.

Lithonia Lighting OLF 3RH 4000K will typically set you back on average around £65-£80.

SANSI LED Outdoor Motion-Activated Security Lights

As the name implies, the SANSI LED Outdoor Motion-Activated Security Lights possess motion sensors that alert you to the presence of intruders on your property. Also, its sensitivity is top-notch as it can detect movement from up to 50 feet when mounted at least eight feet high.

Furthermore, the lights are pretty bright as six LED bulbs produce up to 100 lumens. In addition, the lights are low maintenance and with a 27-watt rating saves you a lot of money in electricity bills.

On top of that, the lights make use of heat dissipation technology that improves cooling efficiency while also elongating the lifespan of the product. Finally, the product is backed by a five-year warranty which means you will be filled with confidence when you invest in these lights.

• Detects motion at up to 50 feet.
• Made to last with heat dissipation technology and quality construction.
• Backed by a five-year warranty and excellent customer service.

Cons:

• Some consumers complain it doesn’t last as long as advertised.
• The mounting system is not the most robust.

SANSI LED Outdoor Motion-Activated Security Lights will typically set you back on average around £30-£60.

ALL-PRO FSL2030L

One of the most attractive features of the ALL-PRO FSL2030L is how little maintenance it requires, which means you can enjoy quality service with little input.

This powerful security light possesses a reflector that produces maximum light output. Also, of note is the die-cast aluminium housing, including a polycarbonate lens which improves the light’s longevity.

On top of that, it is impeccably designed with a hooded look that protects it from rain and other adverse weather conditions. In addition, the hooded design directs the light outwards, which means it covers a larger area.

Finally, the lights are so easy to mount and don’t require much expertise to get them up and running. That said, it doesn’t have motion detection capabilities, so you’ll need to remember to turn it on and off when you need it.

Pros:

• Hooded design protects the lights from adverse weather condition.
• The lights are easy to install and don’t require much expertise.
• Durable die-cast aluminium housing elongates its lifespan.

Cons:

• It doesn’t have any motion detection capabilities.
• The units sometimes don’t last as long as it should.

ALL-PRO FSL2030L will typically set you back on average around £60-£85.

Brightech – LightPRO LED Yard Light

The Brightech – LightPRO LED Yard Light is an amazing outdoor security light that brightly illuminates any area it focuses on while preserving energy, thereby saving you money in the process.

Besides, it sports a built-in photocell which imbues it with the ability to power up when night falls, and power down when day breaks. This means you only need to install it and then leave it to function on its own.

On top of that, the light is well protected with a heavy-duty corrosion-resistant shell which keeps out bugs, water, and other harmful elements.

Even more impressive are the numerous installation options available to you, including mounting it on a wall or clamping it down. That’s not all as the product comes with a three-year warranty, and if you have any problems, customer care agents are willing to help you out.

Pros:

• Well protected with a corrosion-resistant shell that keeps out water.
• Dusk to dawn technology that reduces the need for maintenance.
• Excellent three-year warranty that makes the purchase risk-free.

Cons:

• Very limited range of illumination.
• Some consumers feel the protective shell wasn’t tight enough.

Brightech – LightPRO LED Yard Light will typically set you back on average around £40-£65.

Onforu 60W LED Flood Light

Next on the list, the Onforu 60W LED Flood Light which is unique in that it can easily be plugged in. This plugin security light contains 72 super bright LED beads to provide light.

Also, the light saves up energy, meaning you don’t have to shell out a fortune on the energy bill.

That’s not all, as die-cast aluminium housing also protects it from rain, water, bugs and so on.

In addition, the light is manufactured with a fin-type heat sink that effectively cools it and prevents overheating or damage.

Thanks to its efficient design, installing this light isn’t difficult and doesn’t require much expertise to get it up and running.

The plugin capabilities also mean that it can be used in a variety of situations and scenarios, which makes this a very versatile product.

So, if you are in need of an affordable security light that is well protected and will last a while, then look no further.

Pros:

• A thickened metal bracket makes it more stable and more comfortable to install.
• Fin type heat sink ensures adequate cooling.
• Addition of tempered glass makes it impervious to rain and snow.

Cons:

• Water could sometimes seep into the light damaging it.
• It doesn’t have a motion detection feature.

Onforu 60W LED Flood Light will typically set you back on average around £35.

Oberlin Rustic Outdoor Wall Light

The Oberlin Rustic Outdoor Wall Light features such an attractive design that it is worth buying it for that alone. However, that’s not where it stops as it also has a couple of decent features that make it such a great product.

One such feature is the dusk to dawn photocell sensor that powers the light on and off in the evening and at daybreak. That said, it’s a great light to have out on your porch, and its excellent design ensures you’ll make a great first impression on your visitor.

On top of that, its range of sensitivity goes as far as 40 feet which means that no one should be able to sneak up to your house easily.

Pros:

• Excellent design.
• Sturdy construction ensures it lasts long.
• The dusk-to-dawn feature turns the light to 25% at dusk and 100% when motion is detected.

Cons:

• It’s pretty pricey.
• It doesn’t produce much light.

Oberlin Rustic Outdoor Wall Light will typically set you back on average around £65-£95.

What to Consider When Purchasing a Security Light?

Before you get yourself a security light for your home or business, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the most suitable product for you.

Below, we’ll look at a few of the most important things to consider.

Type of Light

As previously discussed, there are different types of security light. These include floodlights, spotlights, motion sensor lights, and each has its benefits and drawbacks.

That said, many people will agree that motion sensor security lights are among the most popular due to how much energy they save and the durability they offer.

IP Rating

Ingress protection rating (or IP rating) is the means by which the sealing effectiveness of a light is measured and presented. What this means is that the IP rating of a security light deals with how well the product keeps external objects out.

Typically, these ratings come with two digits that are a code of sorts. The first digit represents the light’s protection levels against intrusive objects from a hand, to dust.

Meanwhile, the second digit represents moisture protection. For instance, if a light is rated IP65, this means that it is protected against dust and a decent amount of water. That said, the best security lights have high IP ratings which ensure that they last longer.

Type of Sensor

As mentioned earlier, there are two types of motion sensor security lights: active and passive. For the former, it projects a beam between two objects which, when disturbed triggers the light and maybe even an alarm.

The second is commonly known as passive infrared sensor (PIR) which, as earlier explained, reacts to heat signatures. PIRs are a lot more common in domestic settings, and you should look out for the sensitivity of the light you’re getting before making a purchase.

Power Source

There are different power sources for security lights, and you should consider which type works best for you. For instance, hardwired lights require the installation of an electric supply box which could be pretty tricky.

There are other types of power sources for lights, including battery, and solar, each with its benefits and drawbacks. However, solar is pretty popular as it doesn’t use up much energy and is probably the easiest to install.

Benefits of a Security Light

Security lights have a few drawbacks like the cost and the additional money it adds to the energy bill. However, the positives far outweigh the negatives, and you should definitely get yourself some outdoor security lights.

Not convinced? Well, below, we have some of the benefits of outfitting your property with lights.

It Helps Deter Crime

As stated at the very beginning of this article, evil thrives in dark spaces.

What this means in the simplest terms is that criminals are more likely to attack property with blind spots and dark areas. However, if that area is illuminated, it is infinitely harder to do any untoward in such an area.

Lighted Areas Protect Passers-By

Apart from protecting your property, security lights also protect other people. For instance, if you have a lighted property, it provides a safer space for pedestrians who are passing your place of business or home. It also reduces instances of muggings and assaults.

It Helps You Keep an Eye on Things

If you install security lights in your place of business and you live close by, they help you monitor what’s going on and ensure that you are alerted to activity around your property. This is especially true of motion sensor security lights which grab your attention when they come on.

Cost to Install a Security Light

Security lights have become a popular fixture in most homes and businesses as they are quite effective in deterring criminal activity. So, while there are several lights that can be installed by anyone, there are others that require some level of expertise.

This is where the services of an electrician or security expert might be necessary.

If you are going to install something like the LITOM light which is arguably the best solar security light with motion sensor the UK, you’ll most likely need some help installing it. Also, of note, there are two types of motion sensor security lights that are generally installed: active and passive.

For the former, such lights output a beam between two points and if this is broken, it activates the light and can even trigger an alarm if rigged that way.

On the other hand, passive lights lookout for disruptions in the environment, including human heat signatures which then trigger the lights.

With all that said, how much does it cost to engage a professional to install a security light? On average, most electricians will charge around £150-£200 for their trouble, and if you manage to get them for a half-day, then you can expect to shell about half of that.

However, you also need to give some thought to the materials necessary for the installation as this will also cost you money.

The amount you’ll spend on materials is a bit vaguer as there are many factors that can affect the price from the type of lights you’re getting, how you want them wired. That said, if you need a bit more specificity about how much you will spend on installation, you can always look here.

FAQs

Q: How long should a security light stay on for?

A: If you are using a motion sensor security light, it should stay on for about 20 to 30 seconds when triggered. However, some lights stay on for longer if they are triggered repeatedly.

Q: Why is my security light staying on?

A: If your motion sensor security stays on, the most likely problem is a spike in the current. To deal with this, it is advised that you switch the light off from the breaker for about 20 seconds to get it back to its normal level.

Q: What does lux mean on a security light?

A: This refers to a light level adjustment dial which controls the natural light level, which, in turn, prevents the light from turning on during daylight.

Q: Can I stop my lights from being triggered by animals

A: The best way to put a stop to this is to mount the light. Also, ensure that the bottom part of the detector is masked off.

Q: Will security light deter burglars

A: Yes. This is because it is a lot more difficult to skulk around in a well-lit area.

Sources

1. https://occupysf.com/types-of-security-lighting/
2. https://www.safewise.com/resources/best-outdoor-security-lights/
3. http://www.mctxsheriff.org/residents/lighting.php
4. http://www.mdbespokesolutions.com/blog/ceiling-spotlights-guide/
5. https://www.safety.com/outdoor-security-lights/

Author: Sam J

I have a degree in English & Writing. I have been working as a content developer for three years now and have also been freelance writing for three years. I have been focussing my freelance writing within the home improvement and DIY sector.