One of the most inexpensive and effective methods to improve safety and security on a property is to invest in one or more security floodlights. Light is anathema to the stealth that intruders depend on. In addition, security flood lights provide welcome illumination for working and moving about outside at night.
Security flood lights are available in a number of configurations, and prices fluctuate accordingly. Most are two-bulb units, with each bulb holder able to be independently aimed. In many cases this allows for nearly 180 degrees of light. With quality bulbs, this coverage would include an area of approximately 30-feet by 30-feet (9.14 m by 9.14 m).
There are, however, flood light fixtures that will focus light on a particular area with no need to adjust. Many of these particular lights are shaded to prevent glare from reaching neighboring property. Often, these will be halogen light fixtures. Halogen bulbs last a bit longer than regular incandescent bulbs, as well as being somewhat brighter, and marginally more energy efficient.
Virtually all security flood lights will accept a variety of bulb wattages, but each has limits as to the highest and lowest wattage. Most security lighting is designed to use 75 watt, 90 watt, and 100 watt bulbs. Some areas where higher intensity light is needed may use higher wattage bulbs, possibly as high as 500 watts. Be aware, however, the higher the wattage, the higher the cost.
Motion detector flood light systems are very useful for economical security lighting. Motion sensors will only switch the lights on when motion is detected within a preset area. Motion sensors can be purchased separately to be installed with existing security floodlights. Additionally, flood light fixtures are available with photoelectric cells that shut the lights off automatically in the daytime, and with timers that will switch lights on and off at predetermined hours. Many top-quality security flood light systems incorporate motion sensors, photoelectric cells, and a timer in a single unit.
When considering security flood lights, it must be noted that flood lights provide indirect lighting over a wide area. Spotlights, conversely, provide a more focused, brighter light. High intensity discharge (HID) lights, essentially spotlights with an attitude, are another option for security lighting.
Fairly new to the market are solar-powered flood lights. A solar panel stores sunlight in a battery pack to power the security flood lights, allowing the lights to be independent of household or building electrical circuits. This allows remote placement of these lights literally anywhere on the property. Solar-powered security flood lights are available with either halogen or regular floodlight bulbs.