Security lighting plays a number of important roles for commercial buildings. It wards off intruders, welcomes guests, and improves employee productivity. However, you must have the proper lighting for these effects to take place. There are 4 types of security lighting, and each type works best in a different situation. Before getting new lighting for your commercial building, make sure it’s the right fit for the type of workplace and the location.

1. Continuous Lighting

Continuous lighting, the most common type of security lighting, consists of a series of fixed lights that flood a given area continuously. This type of lighting uses overlapping cones, with a 50% overlap recommended so that if one of the lamps go out, the others can fill in. Continuous lighting uses two primary methods: Glare projection and controlled lighting.

Glare projection is used in situations where the glare of lights will not annoy neighbors or interfere with any activities. It acts a deterrent to potential intruders since it makes it difficult to see inside the building.

Controlled lighting limits the width of the lighted strip outside the perimeter such as along highways. The width of the strip can be controlled and adjusted to fit the particular need. It may silhouette or illuminate employees.

2. Standby Lighting

Standby lighting, sometimes called crash lighting, has a layout similar to continuous lighting, but the lights are turned on manually or automatically when the security system or alarms detect suspicious activity.

3. Movable Lighting

Movable lighting, or portable lighting, refers to manually operated, movable lights that are lit as needed. It is normally used to supplement continuous or standby lighting. They are often mounted on telescoping poles on trailers that have their own power generation.

4. Emergency Lighting

Emergency lighting may resemble any of the other systems mentioned above and is used during a power outage or any other situation where the main lighting system fails. It uses an alternative power source such as generators or batteries. Most building codes require emergency lighting for commercial or public buildings, and they also require that they switch on automatically and allow enough lighting for occupants to leave the building safely.

What are the Benefits of Security Lighting?

Reduce Crime

Just like its name implies, security lighting increases the security of commercial and residential properties that use it. A study in New York City showed that the use of security lighting cut crime by 39%. The study further concluded that the use of security lighting reduced index crimes (crimes including murder, robbery, and aggravated assault) by 7%.

Reduce Workplace Accidents

Not only does security lighting reduce crime, but it also keeps your workplace safer for the employees. Studies show that lighting has an impact on worker productivity in both office and industrial work environments. According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, insufficient workplace lighting can cause the following problems:

• Safety hazards: Poor lighting can cause employees to misjudge the position, shape, or speed of an object and cause workplace accidents.
• Productivity: Poor lighting affects the quality of work, especially in a situation where precision is required.
• Health hazards: Poor lighting causes eye strain which leads to health problems such as eye burning and headaches.

Make Your Workplace Safer and More Productive with Security Lighting from SD Smith Electric!

Here at SD Smith Electric, we provide the best quality electrical services for both residential and commercial buildings. We can install any of the 4 types of security lighting for your building as well as backup generators. Call us at (470) 347-8339 or contact us online to start making your workplace safer today!