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What are the Different Types of Security Flood Lights?
One of the most inexpensive and effective methods to improve safety and security on a property is to invest in one or more security floodlights. Light is anathema to the stealth that intruders depend on. In addition, security flood lights provide welcome illumination for working and moving about outside at night.
Security flood lights are available in a number of configurations, and prices fluctuate accordingly. Most are two-bulb units, with each bulb holder able to be independently aimed. In many cases this allows for nearly 180 degrees of light. With quality bulbs, this coverage would include an area of approximately 30-feet by 30-feet (9.14 m by 9.14 m).
There are, however, flood light fixtures that will focus light on a particular area with no need to adjust. Many of these particular lights are shaded to prevent glare from reaching neighboring property. Often, these will be halogen light fixtures. Halogen bulbs last a bit longer than regular incandescent bulbs, as well as being somewhat brighter, and marginally more energy efficient.
Virtually all security flood lights will accept a variety of bulb wattages, but each has limits as to the highest and lowest wattage. Most security lighting is designed to use 75 watt, 90 watt, and 100 watt bulbs. Some areas where higher intensity light is needed may use higher wattage bulbs, possibly as high as 500 watts. Be aware, however, the higher the wattage, the higher the cost.
Motion detector flood light systems are very useful for economical security lighting. Motion sensors will only switch the lights on when motion is detected within a preset area. Motion sensors can be purchased separately to be installed with existing security floodlights. Additionally, flood light fixtures are available with photoelectric cells that shut the lights off automatically in the daytime, and with timers that will switch lights on and off at predetermined hours. Many top-quality security flood light systems incorporate motion sensors, photoelectric cells, and a timer in a single unit.
When considering security flood lights, it must be noted that flood lights provide indirect lighting over a wide area. Spotlights, conversely, provide a more focused, brighter light. High intensity discharge (HID) lights, essentially spotlights with an attitude, are another option for security lighting.
Fairly new to the market are solar-powered flood lights. A solar panel stores sunlight in a battery pack to power the security flood lights, allowing the lights to be independent of household or building electrical circuits. This allows remote placement of these lights literally anywhere on the property. Solar-powered security flood lights are available with either halogen or regular floodlight bulbs.
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![Sensors can detect motion beneath or around the light fixtures, bathing a property with light in the late night and early morning hours.]()
By: shockySensors can detect motion beneath or around the light fixtures, bathing a property with light in the late night and early morning hours. -
![It may be beneficial to install a manual light switch to override the motion sensor function of the flood lights.]()
By: Yoanna BoyadzhievaIt may be beneficial to install a manual light switch to override the motion sensor function of the flood lights.
Discussion Comments
How expensive are solar flood lights? I think I could probably save money in the long run if I used them, but I don't know if I have enough to invest in them right now.
I would like to have two solar flood lights on my front porch and two on the back porch. I am terrified of the dark, and I often have to go out there at night to walk my dog. The little porch light I have now just isn't enough.
I have used solar garden stakes before, and I'm really impressed by their brightness and how long they shine. Are solar flood lights bright and reliable?
My husband uses a really bright halogen flood light in his tool shed. The shed is open on one side to the yard, and it doesn't have any lights installed in the ceiling.
However, it is wired for electricity. So, he simply plugs in the flood light cord, and suddenly, the shed is as bright as if the sun were shining into it.
It is good for him to have a flood light out there, because he often gets caught up in what he is doing and doesn't want to stop when the sun sets. Also, it is good to be able to see snakes and spiders in the summer.
@orangey03 - If I had a house like that, I would definitely invest in high intensity spotlights. Your neighbor was wise to do this.
I have a modest home, but I do like to feel secure. I couldn't afford lots of flood lights, but I did get a motion sensor light. I hooked it up to the corner of my house, and it is super sensitive.
It comes on every time that the wind blows hard. This does give me false alarms a lot, but I've learned to check out the situation before panicking.
It also comes on every time I get home and park my car. I love having my way to the door lit up at night.
My neighbor has a huge, gorgeous house. He has spotlights installed on the ground all around the house to illuminate it thoroughly at night.
I'm sure that in the daytime, more than one criminal has considered breaking into this house. It is obvious that the man is rich. However, if any of them have come to the house at night, I'm sure they must have rethought their decision.
The spotlights are so bright that they show the details of the porch and facade. You can even see the color of the brick and the wood.
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