Introduction
Installing a security light is one of the best ways to deter burglars and protect your home. Not only do they provide illumination in dark areas, but they can also act as a deterrent as criminals are less likely to want to commit a crime if they know that there is a good chance that they will be seen. This article will discuss the best security light with motion sensor UK, explaining the benefits of such a product and giving you our top 5 recommendations.
Security lights are most commonly used around the perimeter of a property, providing illumination and deterring criminals from entering the premises. However, they can also be used inside the home in areas such as garages or sheds, where criminals are more likely to target.
Why are you installing a security light?
Before you decide upon which light to install, you need to be clear in your mind about what you want to achieve by installing outdoor motion sensor lights. Are you trying to deter criminals? Do you want to make it easier to see at night? Are you trying to do both? Once you know your goal, you can start narrowing down your options and find the best security light for your needs.
If you are looking for general or decorative garden lighting, check out our list of best mains-powered outdoor lighting
There is no single solution to home security and if you are looking to protect valuables, you should invest in a safe for your home
Are there any downsides to installing a security light?
While there are many benefits to installing a security light, there are also some downsides that you should be aware of.
One of the main downsides is that they can be triggered by false positives, such as animals or passing cars. This can lead to the light being on more than it needs to be, which can be a waste of energy and money. Additionally, it can be annoying for both you and your neighbours if the light is constantly going on and off, so you need to make sure that you choose a light with a sensitivity that is appropriate for your needs and you can position it in such a way that it will be useful but not annoying.
Another downside of security lights is that they can give away your position to criminals. If you live in an area with high crime rates, then it is important to be aware that criminals may be watching your property and looking for any signs of weakness. A well-lit property can be an easy target, so you need to be sure that you are not making it easier for criminals to target you.
Finally, some people find security lights to be an eyesore. If you are worried about the aesthetics of your property, you may wish to choose a more subtle design that blends in and will not be as noticeable.
Benefits of a security light with motion sensor:
- They act as a deterrent- As we mentioned above, one of the main benefits of a security light is that it acts as a deterrent to criminals. If your home is well-lit, then criminals are less likely to want to target it as they are more likely to be seen and caught.
- They provide illumination- Another benefit of a security light is that they provide illumination in dark areas, making it easier for you to see what is going on around you. This can be particularly useful if you come home late at night or live in an area with high crime rates.
- They can be used indoors and outdoors- Unlike most other forms of lighting, security lights can be used both indoors and outdoors. This means that you can protect your home both inside and out, deterring criminals no matter where they try to target you.
- They are relatively cheap and easy to install- Security lights are relatively cheap and easy to install, meaning that you can get them up and running quickly and without spending a lot of money.
- They require little maintenance- Once you have installed your security light, you will not need to do much to maintain it. This means that you can set it and forget it, safe in the knowledge that it is working to keep your home safe.
What are the different types of security lights?
There are a few different types of security light available on the market, so it is important to know which one is right for you. The most common type of security light is the outdoor flood light, which emits a wide beam of light that can cover a large area. These are ideal for deterring criminals as they make it very difficult for them to approach your property without being seen.
Another type of security light is the spotlight, which emits a narrower beam of light than a floodlight. These are ideal for providing illumination in a specific area, such as your front door or back garden.
Finally, there are solar-powered security lights, which are growing in popularity due to their eco-friendly credentials. These lights use energy from the sun to power them, so you will not need to worry about running up your electricity bill. Solar lights are also very easy to install as they do not require any wiring, making them ideal for people who are not confident with electrical work.
Different IP ratings
IP stands for ingress protection and is a system that is used to rate the level of protection that an electrical device has from solid objects and liquids. The higher the IP rating, the more protected the device is. The first digit in the IP rating refers to the level of protection from solid objects, whilst the second digit refers to the level of protection from liquids. An X in either of these positions means that the level of protection has not been rated (and you should assume has no protection).
Most security lights will have an IP rating of 44 or higher, which means they are somewhat protected from solid objects and liquids. However, this is nowhere near the highest rating available; therefore, you should only install an IP44 light in a reasonably protected location. You should look for an IP rating of IP65 or higher if you want to install your light in a more exposed location.
An IP65 light is completely dust-tight and is also protected against low-pressure water jets from any direction, making it ideal for use in exposed locations. An IP66 light is similar to an IP65 light but is also protected against high-pressure water jets, making it even more durable.
An IP67 light is the highest rating that is available and means that the light is dust-tight and can even be immersed in water to a depth of 1 meter. These lights are designed for use in the most exposed locations and are ideal for use in coastal areas, where they will be exposed to salt water and high winds.
Battery / solar vs mains powered
Battery-powered outdoor security lights have come on in leaps and bounds in recent years, with most of them keeping their charge topped up via solar panels. This makes them very eco-friendly as they do not require any mains electricity to run. However, they can be less reliable than mains-powered lights as they may not have enough power to run for long periods of time if the sun has not been shining. This issue is likely to crop up in winter when the days are shorter, the sun is less intense and cooler ambient temperatures can result in reduced battery performance.
The main advantage of solar-powered lights is that they can be installed anywhere, as they do not need to be connected to the mains electricity supply, and they usually come with all of the necessary fixings and instructions. They are also very easy to move around, so you can experiment with different locations until you find the perfect spot. This makes them ideal for people who do not want to deal with any electrical work or for people who rent their property and are not allowed to make any changes to the wiring. Some solar security lights have solar panels which are connected via a cable, meaning that the solar-powered security light can be located where there is less than ideal amounts of daylight, and the panel can be placed in the best position to capture the solar power.
Mains-powered outdoor security lights are the most reliable option as (power cuts aside) they should always have an operational power source. With battery / solar lights, there will always have to be a compromise between the brightness of the light and the length of time that the light can be on. Mains-powered lights do not have this problem as they can be connected directly to the electricity supply and will usually have a much brighter light.
The main disadvantage of mains-powered outdoor security lights is that they need to be connected to the mains electricity supply, so you may need to have a qualified electrician wire them up for you. This can be a costly and time-consuming process, particularly if you need to have multiple lights installed or there is not an easily accessible power supply nearby.
What should you consider when buying a security light?
There are a few things that you need to consider before buying a security light, such as the size of the light, the type of light, and the sensitivity.
Size The size of the light is important as you need to ensure that it is appropriate for the area you want to cover. If you want to deter criminals, you will need a large light that emits a wide beam of light. However, a smaller light will suffice if you are just looking for illumination.
Type As we mentioned above, there are three main types of security light available- floodlights, spotlights, and solar lights. You must consider which type of light is right for you based on your needs.
Sensitivity The sensitivity of the light is also important as you need to ensure that it is not set off by small animals or passing cars. If you live in a rural area, then you may want to opt for a light with lower sensitivity, but if you live in an urban area, then you will need a highly sensitive light.
How to choose the Best Outdoor Security Lighting?
You must consider a few factors when choosing the best outdoor security lighting. The most important factor is the size of the light- you need to make sure that it is large enough to cover the area that you want to illuminate.
Another important factor is the type of light- you need to decide whether you want flood lights or spotlights. Outdoor floodlights emit a wide beam of light, so they are ideal for deterring criminals, while spotlights emit a narrower beam of light, making them ideal for providing illumination in a specific area.
Finally, you need to consider the sensitivity of the light. You need to ensure that it is not set off by small animals or passing cars. If you live in a rural area, then you may want to opt for a light with lower sensitivity, but if you live in an urban area, then you will need a highly sensitive light.
Best Security Light with Motion Sensor – Our recommendations
The best outdoor security lights which we recommend are at least IP65 rated, according to the manufacturer, which means that they are weatherproof and can withstand water jets from any direction.
Claoner 3 Panel Solar Powered Outdoor Light
IP65 rated solar light with three freely rotatable lamp panels and a PIR (passive infrared sensor)
LOFTer Super Bright PIR Flood Light
Mains powered IP65 rated LED PIR flood light with sensitivity and duration adjustments available in 3 power levels
Nipify 4 panel solar security lights with remote control
IP65 rated 4-panel solar security lights with remote control – 2 pack
Lepro Solar Security Lights with separate solar panel
IP65 rated solar PIR activated security lights with 3 heads and separate solar panel on a 5-metre cable
Lepro mains powered outdoor Security Light with PIR Motion Sensor
IP65 rated mains powered security light available with a choice of 4 power ratings from 850 up to 4200 lumens
FAQ
Do security lights deter burglars?
Security lights are a great way to deter burglars from entering your property. They are usually bright and illuminate a large area, which makes it difficult for criminals to sneak around undetected. In addition, the security lights we recommend come with a motion sensor, so they will only turn on when someone is nearby. This can help to save energy and prolong the battery life of the light.
There are many different types and sizes of security lights available on the market. The best outdoor security light for your needs will depend on the size of your property and how bright you need the light to be.
What colour light is best for security?
While there is no definitive answer, many people believe that cool white colour temperatures between 5500k-6000k are the best colour for security as it is the most effective at deterring burglars. It is worth noting, however, that some people find blue light to be too harsh and prefer a warmer light.
Colour temperatures between 2500k and 2700k are typically considered to be warm white and used to highlight the architecture. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide what colour light is best for security.
Which is better dusk to dawn or motion sensors?
Dusk to dawn security lights are perfect for areas where there is a lot of traffic and people coming and going. The light will stay on until sunrise, so you don’t have to worry about it turning off and on. Motion sensor lights are ideal for areas where there is not a lot of traffic. The light will only come on when it detects movement, so you don’t have to worry about it being on all night. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which is better for your needs.
How do I stop my security light from coming on?
There are a few things that you can do to stop your security light from coming on. The first is to make sure that the light is not set to ‘auto’ mode. This mode will cause the light to come on automatically when it gets dark.
The second is to make sure that the motion sensors are not too sensitive. If possible, adjust the sensitivity of the sensor by turning the knob.
Thirdly, make sure that there is nothing blocking the sensor. This could be something as simple as a leaf or a branch. Small animals such as spiders can also trigger the sensor.
If you have ruled out all of these potential causes, then you may need to replace the light.
How many lumens do you need for a security light UK?
For a security light, you will want to opt for a light with a higher lumens. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light will be. A light with 1000 lumens will be bright enough to deter burglars, but if you want to be extra safe, then you can opt for a light with 2000 or more lumens.
What is the best position for a security light?
The best position for a security light is on the side of the house where the burglars are most likely to enter. This could be the back door, the side gate, or any other vulnerable entry point. You may also want to consider mounting the light above the garage door or on the roof.
