Top 7 Outdoor Security Lights That Will Secure Your Home

Last Updated

Top 7 Outdoor Security Lights That Will Secure Your Home

In the UK, it is estimated that a burglary happens every 40 seconds, with 40% occurring when a home is empty. In the summer of 2015, more than 200,000 burglaries took place, as people went away on holiday and left their homes empty and unsecured. We all are guilty of leaving a window open during the day to get a little fresh air. According to statistics, 30% of domestic burglaries in the summer occur due to an unlocked front door, and 26% occur via open windows. In 2018, 595,000 garden thefts occurred in the UK which was a 23% rise from 2017. If you don't want to be one of the unfortunate people who's home was broken into, invest in Outdoor lighting to secure your home this Autumn.

Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor Lighting enhances your Home Security. Homes that have security lighting are less likely to be attacked by thieves than those that don't. Home Security minimises the hiding spots of intruders, as being detected easily discourages them from targeting your home. Most security lighting systems are equipped with exclusive security features which aim to detect burglars. Stay safe and well-protected this National Home Security Month.


Key Considerations To Select The Top Outdoor Security Light

The Top Outdoor Security Lights for your needs is dependent on Key Considerations, including:

  1. The size of the area you want to illuminate
  2. Durability, and whether the lighting can withstand exposure to rain, snow and other weather conditions
  3. A cooling system to prevent corrosion and overheating within the unit
  4. High wattage and brightness, to illuminate a dark area of your garden
  5. The times of the day or night you want them to operate
  6. If they should be active at all times or triggered by intruder detection
  7. Outdoor lights with motion sensors to detect movement
  8. Built-in security cameras to keep a close eye on your property
  9. Balancing your setup and running costs with your security needs

Outdoor Garden Security Lights

There are ways to illuminate your garden with Outdoor Lighting in the darker Winter months. This is the time where it is estimated 70% of people worry more about their home security.

Motion Sensor Lights have a Passive Infrared Sensor (PIR). A PIR is an electronic sensor which measures infrared light emitted by objects in its range. If someone is detected by the PIR, your security light will turn on. Having a motion sensor light means you don't have to switch your security light on and off during the day and night. It will come on automatically when movement is detected.

They are best suited to being installed over doorways, windows and loading bays. Always make sure to install Motion Sensor lights with PIRs well out of reach, to give an unobstructed view to the area being lit. An advantage of Motion Security Lights with PIRs is that their running costs are lower than LED bulbs which are designed to light up all the time.

The PIR in the Floodlight detects infrared signals given off by warm objects moving within its range. Infrared signals are invisible to the human eye, but PIR sensors can detect them as sources giving off heat energy. An advantage of PIR systems over LED security lights is that they identify warm bodies from other object types.

Solar PIR Lights are similar to Motion Sensor Lights, except they are powered by the Sun. They tend to use LED light sources. The charge from the Sun will last between 4-6 hours, which is ample time to illuminate your outdoor space.

LED Floodlights have high brightness and are energy saving, as they use LED lights. They may be expensive when you buy them, but will save you money on electricity bills in the long-term. LED bulbs have an average life span of 30,000 hours, whereas normal bulbs have a life span of 2,000 hours. This means they don't need to be replaced as often. When using LED Floodlights with PIR sensors, install them in a clear, unhindered view over the area you want to light.

Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights fitted with microwave sensors are sensitive to being triggered by nearby movement of any thing, as they operate from a beam interruption system. This isn't always ideal, if you want your outdoor lights mainly to deter intruders. We'll walk through the Top 7 Outdoor Security Lights.


1. Timeguard Black Twin 10W 200 Range LED PIR Floodlight Cool White

The Timeguard Black Twin 10W 200 Range LED PIR Floodlight can suit most outdoor spaces, and has adjustable lamps. Each lamp is fitted with a 10W LED Bulb, which produces a joint brightness of 1,680 lumens. It has a Discreet 180° PIR, which can detect an intruder from 10 metres away when installed 2.5 metres off the ground. The Floodlight has Pan and Tilt aiming adjustment, so you can adjust how it lights up your outdoor path. You have the option of manually setting a timer, with intervals of 2 seconds all the way to 30 minutes. The Timeguard Floodlight is IP55 weatherproof, which means it will be protected from dust build up and rain in the cold Autumn nights. The light colour is Cool White, which will illuminate your front patio straight away. It has a manual override function, which can override the sensor function of the PIR should it become faulty. This one will absolutely deter burglars.


2. Philips Ledinaire 50w Mini LED IP65 Floodlight Wide Beam with MW Sensor, Photocell & Remote Control Cool White

The Philips Ledinaire 50w Mini LED IP65 Floodlight can illuminate your front patio and drive without breaking the bank. It has an Integrated Microwave and Photocell sensor, which can detect motion of an intruder from 7 metres away, when fixed to the wall at a height of 2 metres. The Philips Floodlight has a light colour of Cool White, and when installed can provide a brightness of 5,250 lumens. It is designed to be durable, as it has a life expectancy of 50,000 hours. You have the additional feature of pre-wiring, with a 1 metre cable you can connect to a junction box. This is controlled via a remote control, so you can manually set times of when it switches on and off.


3. ESP GuardCam LED Security Floodlight and Camera

The ESP GuardCam LED Security Floodlight and Camera is every homeowner's ultimate security solution. This high-definition camera is designed to capture clear and crisp images of any suspicious activity within its field of view. Its 1500 lumen LED lamp output ensures that the camera can spotlight any activity in the area, deterring any potential burglars, or intruders. The pre-recorded audio option can be activated through sound detection, providing additional security, deterrence, and assistance in identifying perpetrators. For added convenience, an 8GB card is supplied, which can store up to 60 hours of continuous recording, providing homeowners with peace of mind, knowing that they have a reliable and efficient security system installed in their homes.


4. JCC 50W LED Floodlight IP65 White

The JCC 50W LED Floodlight IP65 White will light up your driveway so well, you'll be the envy of your neighbours. The PIR sensor will be able to detect movement of an intruder from 8 metres away. It can be installed to the wall, at a height of 3 metres with an angled bracket. The JCC 50W Floodlight is IP65 rated, which means it is protected from rain and precipitation on those wet and rainy Autumn nights. The light colour is Neutral White, with a brightness of 4,500 lumens. The beam angle is 110°, which will deter any burglar and spot them effectively at a distance. Designed to be long-lasting, their life expectancy is 47,000 hours.


5. LEDVANCE 20W Integrated LED Floodlight With PIR

The LEDVANCE 20W Integrated LED Floodlight With PIR will illuminate your front garden, with energy savings of 90% compared to halogen lamps. The PIR sensor can detect movement of an intruder from 12 metres away. It is ideal for outdoor use in building facades, construction areas, balconies and gardens. The light colour is Warm White, with a brightness of 2,200 lumens. The LEDVANCE Floodlight is robust and durable, with a life expectancy of 30,000 hours. It can be installed to the wall at an angle of 30° with a mounting bracket. Designed very well, it has uniform illumination due to its frosted cover made from tempered glass. The sensor is adjustable, with angles of 350 ° for Pan and 180 ° for Tilt respectively. There is a manual override function, which can be activated by a mains switching pattern should it become faulty.


6. Forum Lighting 2W LED Solar Powered Outdoor Security Wall Light With PIR - Black

If you're looking for an energy-efficient lighting solution to keep your outdoor area well-lit and secure, you’ll want to consider the Forum Lighting 2W LED Solar Powered Outdoor Security Wall Light With PIR.This black wall light boasts a dimmable lighting option that allows you to set the perfect brightness to suit your preference and needs. It’s also well-built, ensuring high-quality construction that can withstand different weather conditions. When turned on, the light's uniform and comfortable lighting produces a wide coverage area that makes it easy to move around without worrying about encountering any dark spots.


7. Timeguard Black Twin 10W LED Floodlight Cool White

The Timeguard Black Twin 10W LED Floodlight Cool White will absolutely illuminate your outdoor garden for those cold Autumn nights. The PIR can detect movement from an intruder from 10 metres away. Each lamp is fitted with 10W LED bulbs, which have a brightness of 1,680 lumens. The light colour is Cool White, which will spot any pesky intruders. It is IP55 weatherproof, which means it will withstand rain and dust ingress. The Pan and Tilt aiming adjustment allows you to adjust the position of the path it will illuminate. Manual override is available, should you need it if the floodlight becomes faulty. Nobody would be tempted to steal your TV with this floodlight.


Do Security Lights Deter Burglars?

Customers want to know when buying Outdoor Security Lights is if they deter burglars. Generally, studies show that well-lit areas tend to be less vulnerable to crime. The benefits of security lighting are effective when its placement is considered. It's important to thin about how useful a light is going to be for any location. It wouldn't always be helpful to install security lights in dark area, as illuminating an intruder who knows they are still out of sight isn't an effective deterrent. You might be helping them see their way around more easily. Outdoor lights are best used as part of a well-planned approach to home security. You should install them in areas where anyone triggering them is likely to be observed right away. The most effective strategy is to use floodlights alongside visible CCTV cameras and surveillance devices.


How Bright Does Your Outdoor Security Lighting Need To Be?

Motion Sensor Outdoor Lights usually start at 300 Lumens, with floodlights usually having brightness ranging between 700 - 1300 Lumens. Floodlights over 2,000 Lumens are impressive, and are suitable for garden lights. Floodlights are used when a brighter illumination is required as they emit a wide, powerful beam that is ideal for driveways, entrances and pathways. For outdoor lighting,take into account the product's Ingress Protection rating. The minimum waterproofing capacity a floodlight needs to be is IP43 rated, which protects against rain and spraying water.


Top Tips To Keep your Home Safe During October

  • 1. Keep Your Security Lights Beyond Reach
  • Outdoor Security lighting can protect your home if they are installed high enough with mesh wire/plastic enclosing them. Intruders will first target your home security lighting. It is recommended that your security lights should be at least 8 feet from the ground. If your lighting is beyond reach, you'll eliminate the possibility of intruders breaking the light.

  • 2. Keep Security Lights On
  • Don't make the mistake of switching off security lights when you are not home. The main purpose of security lighting is to detect trespassers and raise the alarm if necessary. Having the security light switched on creates the impressions that someone is in the house, even if no one is there. Remember that thieves thrive on an opportunity when they know a house is not occupied.

  • 3. Install Motion Detector Security Lighting
  • Motion Detector Security Lights will boost your home security further. Motion detector security lights are highly recommended for people, as they are energy saving and catch intruders off-guard.

  • 4. Burglar-proof Your Garden
  • Gravel around your home is a great deterrent, as it makes it harder for Burglars to approach without making noise. Make sure hedges are trimmed back, so your property isn't hidden from view. Plant shrubs with thorns at the corners of your home, so burglars can't hide. Install strong gates and fences to parts of your garden accessible from the outside.

    Want to learn How To Build a CCTV System? Check out How To Build a CCTV System.