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Your security system is only useful if you can see what is going on when you can’t be there. This also means that when it gets dark, your cameras need to be able to capture the image clearly. To do this past dusk will require that you set up security lighting.

Additionally, check out the safety and security tips of any law enforcement site and good outdoor lighting will always be among the top of their recommendations. There’s nothing more off-putting to a would-be criminal than a bright light illuminating his or her nefarious activities for neighboring homes and businesses to clearly see.

Outdoor security lights have come a long way from the days of bright, unshielded floodlights that used copious amounts of energy and created light pollution. Today’s security lighting is designed to save energy, add curb appeal, and act as the main deterrents in warding off criminals.

Homes and businesses generally choose outdoor security lighting that falls into one of three main types: motion-sensor lights, LED flood lights, or solar flood lights. Let’s look at a few of the pros and cons of each type.

Motion Activated Lights

Motion activated lights are exactly what you think they are: lights that only turn on when they sense movement.

Motion-sensor lights are a great way to add security lighting to outdoor areas like entry doors, backyards, or swimming pool areas without spending too much on your electric bills. Things to consider when installing motion activated lights include the range in which you want the motion sensor to detect activity and the size of the area that needs to be illuminated. Another consideration is whether to use LED or incandescent bulbs. LED bulbs cost more to purchase initially but have a much longer lifespan and use considerably less energy.

The easiest types of motion-sensor lights to install and work with are those that are battery operated. Of course, you must remember to change the batteries periodically. Battery-operated lights also tend not to give off as much light. If you opt for hard wired motion-sensor lights, you will need to know something about wiring or plan on hiring an electrician.

One of the biggest complaints about motion-sensor lights is that they can be triggered by wind, rain, or wildlife. It’s important to find the right balance in motion sensitivity, and carefully consider where motion-sensor lights are installed, preferably in a location that is protected from moisture.

LED Flood Lights

LED flood lights are a source of very bright white light that covers a broad area. These  lights can be combined with a motion-sensor. They are generally used in areas like the perimeter of homes, playgrounds, stadiums, or warehouses.

LED flood lights are extremely long-lasting and use a lot less energy. The benefits of LED bulbs over incandescent bulbs has been well documented over the years. While the cost of an LED bulb is higher at first, the costs of operating a fixture with an LED light over the long-term is generally much lower.

Other benefits of LED lights are how safe they are compared to incandescent bulbs. Because they don’t emit heat, the risk of electric and fire accidents is greatly reduced. They also are unaffected by weather and temperature changes, they don’t give out any harmful emissions such as carbon, and they produce a bright white light that is very similar to daylight.

The biggest con to LED flood lights is that the initial investment is higher.

Solar Flood Lights

Solar flood lights are powered by the sun and a battery. During the day, the sun charges the battery which powers the light in the evening. Solar flood lights generally use LED bulbs and can be combined with motion-sensors.

The biggest advantage of solar flood lights is that they don’t require any wiring to set up. Just find a location that gets ample light and voila, you’re up and running. If you’re considering a solar light, consider the quality of the solar light you’re investing in. Higher quality solar flood lights may be more expensive, but they generally produce brighter light, have better battery capacity, and are much more durable.

Some of the cons of solar flood lights are that they may not be as desirable if you need an especially bright light or if you need to illuminate a large area. Some solar lights also don’t work well as in the rain or if there have been sustained cloudy weather.

With no shortage of options when it comes to security lighting. FSS Technologies specializes in security and we can help you design and install a lighting solution to best complement your other security investments.