Security light needed?

[kev1-1]

Sorry if this is in the wrong forum...please feel free to move!
I am looking for advice on a good manufacturer of outside security lights. You know, the type which come on with a motion detector. OBVIOUSLY nice and bright [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] but also not to expensive and reliable. Web links would be great!

Thanks for any help! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

[Lurker]

I have been setting up the security lighting around my home recently and while I have typically used only motion-activated lighting around my previous residences, I am now working with lights on photosensors as well and may settle on a combination of both. This is due to the availability of some relatively new products such as low-wattage reflectorized compact fluorescent lighting and photosensor switches that are compatible with fluorescent lights. These allow continuous outdoor lighting that consumes a fraction of the electricity of the older flood lighting that uses incandescent lights.

The approach I am taking is to use the switches that screw into the light socket of a standard light fixture in between the bulb and the fixture. You can get a variety of switches that install this way: photosensor, motion-activated or timer/photosensor. You can then install any sort of flood, spot or area light, either incandescent or compact fluorescent, depending on the use (but don't bother putting a fluorescent light on a motion-sensor switch).

One advantage of this approach is that you can start with one standard outdoor floodlight fixture that has 2 individually aimable sockets and you can put independant motion sensors on each socket. This allows you to aim one floodlight/sensor pair in one directin and the other pair in another direction and get double the motion coverage from a single fixture.

Another advantage is that you can convert one socket for continuous lighting with a photosensor controlling a compact fluorescent area light and supplement it in the other socket with a motion-sensing switch controlling an incandescent flood light. I have one running like that now with a 23 watt fluorescent bulb that runs an average of 12 hours per night and should last 6,000+ hours or 1.5 years and consume less than $12 per year in electricity.

And finally, installation is simpler as is taking them along with you when you move.

I was previously of the opinion that leaving lights on all night is a waste of electricity, and maybe it is, but I have heard that combining continuous lighting with motion-activated lighting can enhance security and with the lower-consumtion CFL bulbs, even my frugal side can stomach the electric bills for a limited number of these, so it is something I am experimenting with.

I got my fluorescent-compatible photosensor switch at my local home center, but it is also available here for the same price shipped (not sure about shipping cost outside of the US). They also have some other similar switches:

http://www.crime-prevention-products.com/sensor.htm

A good home center should also have whatever else you need in motion sensors and bulbs or anything else.

Good luck.

[kev1-1]

Thanks for the indepth reply Lurker! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] I will start looking up the items you mention 'over here'!

[Lurker]

Update: scratch what I wrote above about dusk-to-dawn security lighting. After experimenting with this and doing some more research, I am now of the opinion that security lights that are constantly on do less to enhance security than motion-activated lighting alone in most applications (not to mention the unnecessary energy consumption and light pollution generated). I recommend getting typical motion-activated security light fixtures from your local hardware store, home center or discounter. Heath-Zentih is a respected brand. There are now sensors available that span as much as 270 degrees which is wide enough to mount on the corner of a building and monitor the entire area including along both walls. Motion-detecting light fixtures are commonly available and inexpensive now and you can even just get an infra-red sensor head and add it to an existing light fixture in many cases for an even cheaper conversion. Installing one of these is probably the cheapest, easiest thing you can do to enhance the security of your home besides locking your doors.

If your interest is in convenience lighting rather than security lighting, my earlier comments about CFL lights and photosensors/timers may still apply. I still have my front porch illuminated this way for 6 hours each evening when it's not too buggy out, but I am going with pure motion-detection in the back of my house to increase security.

[Sigman]

I used to deliver papers early in the morning in Phoenix,AZ. There were several houses with motion detection lighting (and I've installed that at my house also!)...one never knows if it's the motion that's activating the light or someone flipping a switch! I vote for the motion activated!