Have you ever thought about how much lighting deters crime? We sure have.
Proper lighting alone could reduce violent crime by up to 36% at both commercial and residential properties. It makes sense though. Criminals prefer to operate in darkness, right? And a well-lit property is far less attractive to would-be intruders. This is where LED lighting really shines as a security solution (pun definitely intended).
Not only are LED lights exceptionally bright and long-lasting, they're also energy-efficient and cost-effective. As a bonus, they significantly enhance the quality of security camera footage, making it easier to identify and deter potential threats.
So how much light is “enough light” and how much should be used in big spaces?
A Quick Guide to Lumens and Light Output
Ever wondered how to measure the brightness of a light? That's where lumens come in. To put it simply, a single candle placed in a dark room produces about 12.5 lumens and a typical household light bulb in the same space gives off around 800 lumens. That’s a big difference!
If you’re looking to add light to a commercial space, you’re going to need a lot more than a small bulb here and there. Here's what you should aim for:
Pathway and garden lighting: 3,000-6,000 lumens
Wall-mounted fixtures: 8,000-12,000 lumens
Large area lighting: 15,000-30,000 lumens
Remember: brighter isn't always better. A pathway light that’s too bright will look like an oncoming train to people walking toward it. They’ll be able to see the light and nothing else. So make sure you choose lighting with the lumen output that matches your specific needs and environment.
Choosing the Right Security Lights
There are several different options when it comes to security lighting and making sure you select the right one is important.
Motion sensor lights act as a surprise deterrent, springing to life when movement is detected. Fixed floodlights and wall packs provide consistent illumination throughout the night, and pole lights excel at covering expansive areas like parking lots and driveways.
It sounds easy enough but when making plans, be sure to check what each space needs. Parking lots need lots of light. Walking paths don’t need much. Aesthetics and design are important but you need to consider what the space needs before selecting the lighting.
The Cost Factor: It's Cheaper Than You Think
Here's some good news: LED security lights are surprisingly economical to operate. A 100-watt LED light running for 10 hours daily costs roughly $3.60 per month at $0.12 per kWh. That’s a SUPER small price for round-the-clock security. And based on your electricity rate, it may be even cheaper than that.
Want to get an exact calculation of your potential lighting costs? Use this simple formula:
Cost = (Wattage × Hours Used ÷ 1000) × Electricity Rate
Best Practices for LED Security Lighting
Focus on high-traffic areas where people need to feel safe, and use lighting controls to optimize energy usage. Again, carefully consider appropriate brightness levels for different spaces. It’s important. The key is creating a balanced lighting plan that enhances security without being excessive.
Making the Smart Choice
Using LED lighting as a part of your security program is a solid investment and the added safety will easily pay for itself through energy savings and crime prevention. Whether you're illuminating a small pathway or an entire parking lot, LED lights are the perfect blend of security and efficiency.
By upgrading to LED security lighting, you're not just brightening your property, you're creating a safer environment for everyone.
Read More:
Can Enhanced LED Street Lighting Contribute to Reduce Violent Crime? - Newark Public Safety Collaborative
Lumen (unit of measure) - Wikipedia
Comments