Small Business Security Systems

Business Security Lighting

The right lighting resources can dramatically decrease the possibility of theft in your small business. But a good business security lighting system isn't a one-size-fits-all resource and finding the appropriate business security lighting configuration can be a challenge.

Lighting is a key ingredient of a successful business security strategy.

Well-placed lighting is both a deterrent for crime and a safety feature that is appreciated by everyone who visits your place of business after dark.

If you think business security lighting is as simple as slapping a couple of lights on the side of your building, you are clearly behind the times. Modern business security lighting is a multi-million dollar industry with lighting solutions that can be as simple or as complex as you need them to be.

Here's what you need to know about installing business security lighting at your company.

Outdoor Security Lighting vs. Indoor Security Lighting

A sound business security lighting strategy adequately illuminates both the interior and exterior areas of your business. Outside lighting serves the dual purpose of deterring criminals and making it easier for law-abiding customers or employees to move around after dark. Interior security lighting, on the other hand, is strictly a criminal deterrent that highlights unusual activities after business hours.

Types of Security Lighting

There are a lot of ways you can use lighting to make your business more secure. Exterior lighting can be strategically positioned to illuminate doors, walkways, windows, or parking lots. With interior lighting, you will have to decide whether to leave all the lights on, create pools of light throughout the interior, or restrict your security lighting to high value areas.

Activation Features for Security Lights

You will also have to decide how your business security lighting system will be activated. It's still possible to design a system that requires you to flip a switch every night, but most business owners choose a more pragmatic approach with lighting solutions that are either set on a timer or automatically activated by low light levels. Higher end lighting systems can even be activated remotely via the Internet.

Energy Efficiency

There is a delicate line that needs to be walked between security and cost. The most secure lighting options (e.g. leaving all the lights on all the time) can be inefficient and cost-prohibitive. If your security strategy contains significant lighting requirements, consider using high efficiency lights, good bulbs, and strategic positioning to control costs.

Light Pollution

Light pollution is something else to consider in your lighting strategy. Overly bright lighting can create glare, making it difficult for people to see the road and criminal activity around your building.

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