Abacus UK Security Systems Ltd - CCTV Specialists for Custom Built Video and Digital Surveillance and Monitoring Systems.

"The form of lighting currently found in many domestic locations is a 250 or 500 watt tungsten halogen floodlight controlled by a movement sensor (passive infra-red, PIR). This is unfortunate, as in many locations it is inappropriately installed and other forms of lighting could make for a better choice."

www.crimereduction.gov.uk

	Improperly installed PIR controlled floodlights
i.	Emit a harsh, intrusive and environmentally unfriendly light that is often a serious nuisance to neighbours (The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health reports increasing complaints of nuisance from this type of lighting). Lights where the PIR can be overridden to be switched on permanently can also cause nuisance.
ii.	Instantly switch on a powerful white light, resulting in a ‘flash factor’ that disturbs rather than aids human vision. When located near roads, this can be positively dangerous. Equally, badly adjusted and aimed lights can cause dark shadows due to their high intensity light.
iii.	Are easily interfered with unless installed at the recommended height of more than 10'.
iv.	Can be so unreliable that they are quickly discredited by householders and neighbours - common sense suggests that few people will check why a light has activated, assuming they have seen it activate.

It is understandable that property owners purchase and install PIR controlled floodlights in an attempt to prevent crime. However this means that the light is normally installed in place of an existing light and is therefore almost certainly not in the best position. Security lighting should be installed professionally as a security device if it is to operate correctly and to it's potential.

An alternative to floodlights is to use high efficiency low energy lighting controlled by a photo-electric cell (dusk to dawn switch). Such low wattage lighting, on permanently during the hours of darkness, provides a more than adequate level of illumination, is not as harsh and is more

environmentally friendly than tungsten halogen floodlights. A low wattage unit placed out of easy reach at a height of eight to ten feet could illuminate an average rear garden, helping to create a reassuring environment and hopefully playing it's part in deterring the burglar from selecting that house in the first place. In cost terms, the low wattage ensures that even though the light is on all night, the cost to run is minimal - no more than a few pounds a year.

PIR switched tungsten halogen floodlights can cause problems, and if installed incorrectly as highlighted above, may provide little in the way of extra security. They appear to be popular because many people think that PIR is the “right thing” in security terms. However, low wattage lighting provides a more constant level of illumination with fewer shadows. All of this assumes that the area being lit can be overlooked as there would be little point in lighting an area which cannot be seen, except in practical terms for the householder.

In conclusion, for security purposes, the best choice is to consult us before purchase. We can

supply or supply and install. Whilst there is definitely a place for PIR controlled lighting, many domestic versions on sale do not operate well in the external environment and therefore may not function as well as expected.