What are Flood Lights?
Flood light bulbs are specifically designed to light outdoor areas. Flood lights work by “flooding” an area with light. They can produce wider beams of light, usually up to 120 degrees. These area lights are great for illuminating larger outdoor spaces while maintaining the same wattage or lumen output as a spotlight. They work well for front and back yards, driveways, patios and decks.
Outdoor security flood lights are generally powered by batteries, solar energy or electricity. The most common bulb types are CFL, halogen and LED. Less common types include fluorescent and incandescent.
LEDs are often considered the best option for residential use. They shine brighter and last longer than other bulbs. LED flood light output is rated in lumens. The bulbs are often label with their wattage equivalent. The brightest flood lights will be rated higher, up to 250 watts in some cases.
The main types of LED flood lights are:
- Twin-Head Flood Lights: The most popular residential option, a twin-head flood light has two LED heads. They face away from each other for maximum light coverage.
- Multi-Head Flood Lights: For larger properties, a multi-head flood light can offer greater light coverage than a twin-head flood light.
- Single-Head Flood Lights: While less common than their multi-head counterparts, single-head flood lights are also available for homes with smaller outdoor spaces.
Flood Lights for Home Security
The best outdoor security lights for your home will depend on your unique needs. Consider how bright the lights need to be. Also look for lights that can be pointed in the direction you need to see.
When it comes to securing a residential property, homeowners are generally advised to have at least one motion-sensing flood light. Motion sensing lights come on when they detect movement.
They will serve as your dusk-to-dawn security lighting.
- A combination of different types of flood lights can be used to provide high-intensity security lighting to your entire property.
- Choose bulbs rated at 120 watts (or the equivalent) or higher for outdoor security lighting.
- If you live in a more isolated area where it gets very dark, you may want brighter security flood lights for your home.
- Solar-powered security lights won’t need to be wired to your home’s electrical system.
How to Position Outdoor Security Lights
Popular places to install your outdoor security lights include above your home’s entrances, the garage, walkways and large open areas. Always install your flood lights a minimum of 9 feet above the ground to avoid any tampering attempts. While putting in security flood lights can be a DIY project, you may need an electrician to install your lights.
As you decide where to place your security flood lights, consider the weather in your area. Weatherproof lights are well-suited for homes in regions that get a lot of rainfall. You might also consider installing your security lights under the overhang of a roof, if possible.
Finding the right angles for your outdoor security lighting often takes some trial and error. Still, it’s important to fully test outdoor security flood lights to make sure they provide ample light coverage. The instruction manual for the lights you select will have the full details on how to run daylight testing.
If you prefer a more strategic approach, there is an alternative option for estimating the best angles for your outdoor lights. To determine your beam width in feet (otherwise known as your light coverage), follow this equation:
Beam Angle x 0.018 x Distance from LED Bulb = Beam Width in Feet.
For example, if you have a 35-degree spotlight and need to know the beam's width from 13-feet away, 35 x 0.018 x 13-feet = 8.19 feet wide.
Choosing the right security flood lights for your home comes down to how you want to light your outdoor space. Your lighting plan may include a combination of the available types of security flood lights. Plan to install at least one motion-detecting light. It will come on whenever it senses movement.
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