01 Nov Outdoor lighting for Safety and Security
By Mike Gambino
Many studies have shown the effectiveness of outdoor lighting in the prevention of home break-in roberies. Effective outdoor lighting will deter burglars, since it exposes them at the time of entering a property. A well lit property makes it clear to burglars that they should go seek a different, less exposed target.
A study with surprising results was performed during 1998 by professor Ken Pease of the criminology department at the university of Huddersfield in the England. The study proved that using effective lighting during the night, reduced the crime rate during the day as well! This means that lighting the premises of one’s home during the night will create a deterrent for burglars, and they will be less likely to break into such a home even during the daylight hours.
These fascinating results emphasize the power of a simple tactic, such as lighting, as an effective crime deterrent. There are three ways to illuminate your yard for safety and security, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages. On this page I will briefly review the qualities of each of the outdoor lighting options.
This type of lighting turns on at dusk and turns off at dawn. The lights are turned on and off automatically by a light-sensitive photocell or timer controller. This type of outdoor lighting is very popular . Continuous lighting during the night deters burglars and in many instances causes them to move on past your home.
The obvious downside of the dusk to dawn solution is the high consumption of electricity; such a solution would normally call for several fixtures, burning all night, every night. This problem can be partially overcome by using energy-saving LED light bulbs. Additionally, a lighting system powered by solar panels can be installed, which absorb solar energy during the day and provide electricity for powering the lighting at night.
Another downside of this type of lighting is using strong floodlights in certain areas while leaving other areas dark. In such a case, the powerful lighting in certain areas causes the less lit parts of the yard to seem even darker in comparison and can, therefore, provide a good shelter and an attractive path for burglars. For this reason, I highly recommend installing balanced lighting all over the property that is not only aesthetically beautiful but safe and secure as well.
Motion Sensor Outdoor Lighting
Lights that are automatically turned on when a person passes by a motion sensor. Without doubt, a floodlight that suddenly turns on directly above a burglar is a very deterring feature. The average burglar would be unsure about continuing with his plan, for fear that either someone from the house or one of the neighbors has spotted him.
An additional advantage to motion activated lighting is the amount of electricity saved. The lights are on only when needed, and so the consumption of electricity remains very low. Motion Activated Lighting can be a useful tool for you as well, for times when you pass through the yard during hours of darkness and could use some light.
The downside to this type of lighting is that it can easily be false triggered by passing people, cars, nocturnal animals or swaying tree branches and become a nuisance to you and your neighbors.
A High performance Gambino landscape lighting system
A wonderful combination of dusk to dawn lighting and aesthetic landscape lighting is what we recommend and promote to those so inclined. The low level perimeter, architectural, traverse LED lighting is wired and controlled separately, is on continuously from dusk to dawn and is a fantastic security solution, which offers maximum protection while using a minimal amount of electricity. Then a separate system consisting of the more powerful and dramatic and aesthetically pleasing lighting like up lighting for trees, statues and other plant materials operates during the clients waking hours. Then when the client is ready to turn in for the evening they can either have a convenient switch to turn these lights off or have a timer do it automatically for them.
This landscape lighting blog is published by Mike Gambino of Gambino landscape lighting inc. all rights reserved. Mike is a professional landscape lighting system designer/ builder and has been designing, installing and maintaining landscape lighting systems for more than 20 years. Mike resides in the Los Angeles area with his wife and 2 sons. To visit his website go to www.gambinolighting.com . To inquire about hiring Mike please click here .
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