External lighting to the building not only improves the appearance of your property but also acts as an excellent deterrent to criminals, as they do not like being bathed in light. The longer the light is switched on the greater the deterrent value.
An inexpensive form of lighting for these purposes is a high-pressure sodium unit, which takes a little time to “warm up” when first switched on. It is possible to fit electronic timers but these require adjustment throughout the year according to daylight changes and in the event of power failures.
An alternative is the installation of photoelectric switches, which operate automatically at low light levels and ensure operation regardless of “lighting-up times”.
Auto Detectors
Passive infra-red controlled lighting will detect body heat and automatically illuminate in the presence of an intruder. Passive Infra-Red (PIR) activated halogen lamps are extremely effective in lighting up ‘dark corners’. Consideration should be given to using these, which are available from most DIY stores and are now relatively inexpensive.
The great advantage is that they only operate when approached suddenly, bathing the area in light, illuminating people in the area and highlighting the presence of a possible intruder.
These types of lighting can be fitted independently, or, if required, can be set up so that a number can be activated on a single detection.
Dusk till Dawn Lighting
Dusk till Dawn Lighting is lighting that remains switched on during the hours of darkness. This type of lighting is more cost effective than motion sensors as they give a constant spread of light and avoid creating dark areas.
Many places of worship have already installed lighting of this type and have found them to be effective against persistent problems. Care must be taken, however, when siting these units to ensure that they are not accessible and themselves vulnerable to theft or damage.
Before deciding on a particular form and siting of a particular form of lighting, first consider the reasons for the lighting:
- To illuminate vulnerable areas on the vertical surfaces of a building in order to reveal anyone attacking the property, for example trying to force an entry, climbing fall pipes or moving onto a roof area.
- To reveal an intruder in an unlit area between a floodlit building and an observer's position
- To enhance the aesthetic appearance of your building.
- For amenity purposes for example to light a path, doorway, fire exit.
