"Security lights" is a broad term used for surveillance lighting, under which various types of lighting systems are available. Flood lights are one of these types. It is preferred by many homeowners because it covers a wide area with strong and uniform lighting.
However, other types of security lights are also available on the market. If you are thinking of installing security lights at home, it is important to know the available range.
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Flood lights
They have a very strong, blinding light source that can span over 180^0^ area and spread up to 60 feet. The lighting is even, bright, and widely distributed; hence, they are the preferred type for home security.
Spot lights
On the other hand, these are focused light sources that brilliantly illuminate a limited area where the light band falls. They are ideal for selective lighting of objects such as the entry door or a wicket gate.
Wall packs
They are wall-mounted lights installed on the exterior walls, which light up the ground below the wall and its immediate surrounding area. They are useful to detect suspicious movements around exterior walls, doors, and windows.
Area lights (pole lights)
They are pole-mounted high-density lights installed at 1' to 2' height of pathways, vital to detect and show who entered or exited your home, and when.
With this tip, it would be clear to you that flood lights are the most versatile security lights because they cover a sweeping area with strong and even lighting. Convinced? Then let's check out the types of flood lights.
Wall-mounted
They are usually twin-lights facing away from each other to offer maximum coverage. Mounted on a backplate and fitted with a pivot that enables a full range of movement. Having a bell-shaped body, these casings are made of electro-plated aluminum or steel to make them water and moisture-resistant. They are covered with reflector glass with a silver-coated inner surface for maximum amplification of light.
Wall-mounted designs are available in two types:
Standard type, which is a frills-free model that offers twin adjustable lamps fitted on a backplate.
Advanced designs with three light casings, one at the center and two on the sides. This design offers brighter coverage.
Single-lamp
These are useful if you want additional security lighting coverage that supplements the wall-mounted lights. Examples:
Fit this single-lamp flood light on a tree-trunk to light up your patio that is not adequately covered by the wall-mounted lights
Illuminate the shadow areas separately with these lights
Lampshade type
These are single-source flood lights with a decorative glass or aluminum covering rather than the regular bell-shaped casing. They have greater aesthetic value. However, glass is more susceptible to damage and breakage in an outdoor environment.
Dusk-to-dawn lights
The wonders of modern technology enable these security lights to turn on at dusk and turn off at dawn automatically. You get these twin-benefits with these lights:
Energy conserving - they are used only for about eight hours
Saves you the effort to remember to turn on and turn off the lights manually
Water-proof body. Whichever design you are considering, ensure that its different parts - the casing, the backplate, and the glass are assembled and sealed to make the entire body water-proof. Water seepage can lead to electrical short circuits and fires.
Lamps. Although conventional fluorescent lamps are still in circulation, most manufacturers have switched to LED lamps. Prefer a design with LED lights for these benefits:
Bottomline: Check if the flood light you have shortlisted, has the optimum 30W-34W LED lights.
Motion sensors - They will help detect movement in a specified area around the security lights, with auto turn-on and turn-off technology.
Light intensity - The optimum intensity of LED security flood lights is 700-1300 lumens.
Light distribution - 180° coverage is ideal.
Range of illumination - Choose the range of illumination depending upon your backyard or front-yard dimension. The standard range is between 10' and 60'.
After-sale service and warranty - Reputed manufacturers offer up to 50,000 hours' service, with add-ons such as lifetime customer service. A 5-year warranty is the industry standard.
Aluminum and steel casings and aluminum, steel, or ABS plastic for backplates are the usual materials. Glass covers are also used in decorative models.
Electro-plating and powder-coating are the standard finishes, available in many colors. These finishes ensure rust and corrosion-resistance in outdoor environments, and also offer scratch-resistance.
Think of these color-combinations for your home:
White or ivory for exterior walls in the white and yellow families of colors. They will require frequent cleaning, though.
Black and dark-colored lights for both light and dark-colored walls. Avoid this finish if you live in a warm environment because they absorb heat.
Neutral colors for dark walls for a good contrast.
Energy Star. This famous label ensures that your security lights are energy-efficient.
UL Certificate. It is a reputed safety and performance certification issued by Underwriter Laboratories, a centurion third-party certification agency that has been around in the US since 1894.
