A simple way to enhance your home’s security is to install some lighting. There are three different techniques to use lighting for security purposes. They are dusk to dawn lighting, motion activated lighting, and a combination hi/lo lighting.

In the first technique, the concept is very basic. A well lit area will discourage would-be criminals because they no longer have the security of hiding in the dark. It is a basic play on psychology that people will be less likely to break the law when they feel they might be watched.

The system works by a using a photocell that reads lighting levels of an area. When the lighting drops below a determined level, it switches on the lights and stay on all night.

The cost of running electricity and replacement lamps is the downside of this technique. Since the lights are on all night lamps burn out much faster and the electricity bill can really add up. Also, since the lights always look the same, there is nothing to alert anyone nearby of suspicious activity.

With motion activated lighting, if there is anyone in the area, someone is sure the notice. Imagine a would-be intruder stopping dead in his tracks as high beam lights flood the area. He could still be 30 feet from the point of entry when the lights go on. This is a very powerful deterrent and since the lights only go on when motion is detected, the cost of operating this type of lighting security is much more economical than the previous technique.

In the combination high/low lighting technique, the first two techniques discussed are combined. It is the setup of having a lower intensity light on all night, and a high beam motion activated light.

The cost is an approximation of the median between the first two techniques since the lights aren’t on full blast all night long, nor are they only on when motion is detected. One of the upsides is a nice glow which is more comforting for many homeowners than the complete darkness of the motion activated system.

When it comes to protecting your home and your family, security lighting does a good job as a simple yet effective prevention measure against intrusions or other criminal activity on or to your property. It will definitely aid in the detection of intruders, to deter intruders, or in some cases simply to increase the feeling of safety.

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