Running a business is a lot like having a child. You nurture it as it grows. It keeps you up at night. You’ll often be forced to get your hands dirty and clean things up yourself… the list of similarities goes on.

And just like raising a child, keeping your business safe is something that’s at the forefront of your mind.

There are a lot of things you can do to keep your business secure. Chances are, you probably have most of these in place already:

• CCTV camera installation
• Security and alarm systems
• Secure lock and key systems

But there’s another part of the security puzzle many business owners overlook: the power of lighting! This week, our electricians in Melbourne share how security lighting can play an important role in a business’ holistic security solution.

What is security lighting and why is it important?

There are two major benefits to security lighting at your business. First, sensor lights and the like can be a major deterrent for would-be intruders.

Second, illumination can help protect your business and its employees as they move across your site, particularly at night.

Deterring intruders

Believe it or not, light is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal when it comes to scaring off potential threats.

The reasoning is pretty straightforward. Would-be burglars don’t like being seen or caught, so anything that increases their odds of being spotted is a potential hindrance.

That’s why dogs, alarms and CCTV are consistently listed as the most powerful deterrents!

Light means witnesses.

It means an increased risk of being identified.

Combined with other security measures, light can put criminals off targeting your business.

Scaring away dodgy people isn’t the only way security lighting keeps you secure. Security lighting is also a practical and safe choice if you close up late or come in early.

Keeping your people safe

Security lighting is also a practical and safe choice if you close up late or come in early. It is also useful for those who work late or overnight shifts.

With proper illumination, workers can feel safer knowing that their environment is secure and monitored to help prevent hazards during dark hours.

Security lighting considerations

1) Security lighting isn’t a catch-all solution

Security lighting certainly has a role to play in keeping your business safe, and can form part of a complete protection package with other solutions such as CCTV cameras and secure door and window locks.

Each component works together to create a heightened level of security and peace of mind.

Not only does it act as a deterrent to crime, but if an incident were to occur, security lighting also helps provide clear evidence that can be used for identification purposes.

Installing the latest in security lighting technology could mean that you won’t just have increased safety, but also improved energy efficiency with lights automatically switching on when sensors detect motion nearby or connected to timers that are adjusted according to your specific business needs.

2) Use security lighting to enhance other parts of your security system

In our experience, security lighting can also be used to enhance the effectiveness of other security measures.

For example, many older CCTV systems may have poor low-light recording.

Security lighting provides an alternative to CCTV upgrades, improving your camera’s ability to pick up faces and details at night.

Security lighting installation also pairs well with tough locks.

A tough lock takes time to crack, making it a risky move for a criminal. Combined with a security shining on them the entire time as they try getting in, and your burglar may as well have turned up with a sign on their back saying “My name is John Smith – call the police on me!”

3) Be strategic: where are the best places to install security lighting?

Ideally, you’ll want all sides of your business to be illuminated once you lock up for the night. However, that’s simply not feasible in every single situation!

In these cases, you’ll want to be strategic with where you install security lights.

The most common place to install security lighting is around entrances and car parks, as this will maximise coverage and allow for more visibility during hours of operation.

Placing lights near dark corners, as well as walls or trees, will also help ensure that people and vehicles are seen from multiple points of view.

It is important to consider motion-activated technology for key areas – this will reduce energy consumption and act as an extra protective layer for your business.

4) Think about your energy consumption

In a period of rising power bills, it’s not abnormal to think about how much your security lighting is going to cost you not just to install, but to run.

One way around this is to use motion-activated lighting. Using sensors, your security lighting will activate only when someone passes nearby.

Not only does this save power as your lights aren’t on for the entire night, but it can also give potential burglars a bit of a shock. And that might be all it takes to keep your business safe at night!

Another way is to think about the type of bulb you’re using.

Different types of light differ in how much light they produce, how much heat they generate and of course, how much energy they consume.

Worried about your energy consumption? Talk to a commercial electrician in Melbourne for a system that strikes the perfect balance between lighting and expense!

Planning security lighting installation? Call a commercial electrician in Melbourne!

Good security lighting is an important part of protecting your business premises and its occupants.

By considering the different types of lights available and how they can be used alongside other solutions, you can create a well-rounded security system that protects your people and assets.

If you’d like to talk to an expert about security lighting at your business, we’d love to help! 

We can assist with:

• CCTV and alarm systems
• Intercoms and panic buttons
• Motion and sound sensors
• System repairs and upgrades

In addition to our commercial and domestic electrical services, our 24 hr electricians in Melbourne are here to assist you any time of the day or night.