It’s broadly accepted that there are four kinds of security lighting (continuous, standby, movable and emergency) though there are many choices and variations on how to implement each type but here are the main actual light choices themselves.
- Flood Lights - These are the most common. A series of fixed lights are arranged to flood an area with light when it’s dark. The cones of light usually overlap 50 percent so that if one light fails the surrounding lights will compensate.
- Motion-Activated Lights - These are now a very common and affordable part of residential and business security lighting. Continuous lighting is not always the most effective, motion-activated lights can catch an intruder off guard and startling them to think twice before approaching.
- High-Intensity Discharge (HID) - These are a better option than floodlights for larger areas of land or property. Generally intended for commercial use but are great for larger homes too.
- Exterior Soffit Lights - These are generally installed in the overhangs above doorways and inside porches. Generally, they allow you to see the door more easily and get inside quicker and remove shadows that intruders can hide in.
- Coach Lights - Usually small lights mounted alongside pathways and drives. Very aesthetically pleasing while being practical and adding an extra layer of security.
Most of the lights above can be LED lights, meaning that they are incredibly energy efficient, and more reliable and newer models also have much-improved performance in the cold.
For more general Outdoor and Exterior Lighting, you can read more detailed information here.
