Commercial properties rely on protective lighting to enhance their security systems. This will deter potential crime like break-ins, vandalism or theft plus identify threats before they happen. This guide will identify the best strategies to use when integrating lighting with security measures and comprehensive exterior protection lighting measures.

Protective lighting, often referred to as security lighting, is a proactive measure to safeguard your property by enhancing visibility and minimizing hiding spots for potential intruders. Lighting will work alongside other measures like surveillance cameras, alarm systems, and even security personnel. Illuminating key areas like walkways, perimeters and building entries, security lighting will help deter possible break ins or other threats.

Security lighting’s main goal is deterrence. A properly lit exterior sends a message to possible intruders that the building is being monitored and protected. There is a lower chance of someone to attempt entry when there are dark places to hide. Lighting alone can reduce the chances of criminal activity happening on the premises.

The effectiveness of security lighting depends on the lighting strategy you implement. Here are the top strategies for integrating lighting with security measures:

1. Continuous and Standby Lighting

Continuous lighting provides round-the-clock illumination, ensuring that your property is never left in darkness. This is particularly important for high-risk areas such as parking lots or warehouses, where security risks are constant.

Standby lighting, on the other hand, remains off until triggered by a motion sensor or a timed schedule. This is another energy-efficient option, as it provides full coverage only when needed, which is ideal for areas where constant lighting is unnecessary.

2. Motion-Activated Lighting

Motion-activated lighting is an energy-efficient option that turns on when movement is detected. These lights are ideal for spaces where lighting does not need to be on 24/7. Examples would be back entrances or isolated areas of the property. They can surprise possible intruders and create a signal to security personnel that there is somebody on the premises.

By activating only when movement is detected, this form of exterior protective lighting can also help reduce energy consumption.

3. Floodlights for Maximum Visibility

Floodlights are high-intensity lights that cover large areas. They are most effective for illuminating wide-open spaces like parking lots, loading docks, and large perimeters. Floodlights eliminate shadows and obscure corners, making it easier for surveillance cameras to capture clear footage.

Floodlights also serve as an excellent deterrent, as they provide maximum visibility that makes it difficult for intruders to move undetected.

4. Perimeter and Pathway Lighting

Pathway and perimeter lighting ensures all walkways and exterior of the buildings are well-lit so people cannot approach the building undetected. It also provides safe walking routes for tenants and employees at night. By eliminating dark spots, there are less potential hiding spots to keep pedestrians safe,

For businesses or multifamily dwellings, this type of security lighting helps create a welcoming and safe environment for those entering and exiting the premises.

5. Lighting Control Systems

Advancements in technology create a whole new way to keep properties safe. Lighting control systems allow security staff to have more control over lighting needs and a central location to control them. Smart technology even allows lighting to be integrated with surveillance cameras, and automated scheduling. Smart lighting can be programmed to respond to specific security triggers, such as motion sensors, and can even adjust brightness levels based on real-time needs.

This adaptive approach offers flexibility, energy savings, and a more tailored security solution for various properties.

When planning a protective lighting strategy, there are a few key principles to keep in mind to ensure its effectiveness:

• Contrast for Identification: Bright light against the darkness helps potential threats stand out more. Creating this contrast helps security cameras or personnel see better throughout the night.
• Strategic Placement: Lights should be strategically placed to illuminate key areas, including perimeters, access points, and any potential hiding spots. This eliminates blind spots that could be exploited by intruders.
• LED Lighting: LEDs have one of the best performance rates on the market. They portray brighter lights than its competitors and the have a longer lifespan, reducing the risk of lights burning out. Plus, they conserve less electricity, helping the facility become for energy efficient.

While the general principles of protective lighting apply to most scenarios, there are specialized lighting strategies that work best in specific situations:

• Emergency Lighting: Emergency lighting systems provide backup illumination during power failures or security breaches. These lights are often connected to generators or battery backups, ensuring that critical areas remain visible even when the main power is down.
• Moveable Lighting: This involves portable lighting solutions, such as searchlights, that can be repositioned based on changing security needs. Moveable lights are often used in conjunction with continuous or standby lighting to provide additional coverage when necessary.
• Controlled Lighting: Controlled lighting focuses light on a limited area, often outside a perimeter. This is a focused lighting approach that prevents unnecessary spillover and directs illumination where it’s needed most.

Integrating lighting with security measures plays a key role in the safety of the property and employees. By creating a thorough protective lighting strategy, you can enhance the visibility of your property and reduce the chances of danger. These strategies can include motion sensors, perimeter lighting, smart systems and more.

Action Services Group can help you implement a lighting safety strategy to keep your facility safe. Through our lighting services, LED retrofits and lighting controls solutions, we can provide the right plan that suits your needs. To speak with one of our experts, call 610-558-9773, email [email protected], or schedule a call that fits your needs by clicking the button below.