Low-voltage Security Lighting Options

Lighting in your front and backyard is a good idea for home security reasons.  A burglar is not going to want to ply his trade at the well-lit house on the block, when he can skulk in the shadows of a darker yard across the street.  And, of course, lighting makes it safer for you when you're walking up to the front door at night (nobody can hide in the shadows to mug you if there aren't any good shadows!). 

Security lighting can also double as landscape lighting, but whatever your reason for adding lights, you probably don't want your energy bill to increase a lot.  Fortunately, there are lots of low-voltage lights out there that won't cost you a fortune.

Here are some popular choices:

Mushroom Lights -- these have large shades to direct light downward, so they're perfect for lighting walkways, steps, or highlighting plants.

Floodlights -- perhaps the most common type of security lighting, floodlights provide dramatic silhouettes and offer excellent security.  You can mount them on walls and trees, or for a cool landscaping effect, install floodlights in the ground and point them skyward.

Deck lights -- if you've got a deck, you should have some lighting out there for safety at night.  Try installing lights along the railings to increase security by broadening the illuminated area around the house.

Well lights -- these are most popular for landscaping, as they allow you to achieve dramatic up-lighting effects on trees, architectural features, statuary, and shrubbery.  But any lighting you add to the yard will also improve the security of your home at night.

Remember to look for low-voltage options to help save money.  All these types of lights are available in energy efficient versions.

Source: Home Security: Your Guide to Protecting Your Family

Comments

[Mark D]

I installed a solar powered security light here in the UK only to find that after a few days of poor weather the light would only work for a few hours. Therefore, check the specification of a unit if you live in a climate where the weather is often poor.

[Home Security Guy]

Excellant idea to install additional lighting. But watch your electricity bill!! Hence the solar powered option is a great idea.

[Twilight]

Solar lights are a trade off. They score highly for ease of installation (no wiring) and low running costs, but do need enough sun to work effectively.

LED lights are the most efficient of all and combine well with solar - see http://landscapeoutdoorlighting.com/uncategorized/2008/compact-fluorescent-lamps-cfl-vs-led-lamps/