At PM247, we know how important it is to feel safe and secure in your own home. As a trusted maintenance and electrical services company working with homeowners and businesses across the UK, we’re often asked about the best ways to protect properties – and outdoor security lighting is one of the simplest, most effective solutions out there.
Whether you’re aiming to deter unwanted visitors, light up those dark corners, or just make it easier to get the bins out without taking a tumble, a few well-placed lights can make a world of difference.
If you’re thinking about installing security lights but aren’t sure where to start, you’re definitely not alone. Loads of people ask us the same things – like where should the lights go?, what type is best?, and can I do it myself or should I get a professional electrician? Let’s cover it all.
Why Bother With Outdoor Security Lighting?
First up – why even bother?
Outdoor security lights are a proper deterrent against break-ins. Burglars love the cover of darkness, and a well-placed light can make your home look far less appealing to anyone snooping around. Plus, it’s just safer all round. If you’ve ever fumbled with your keys in the dark or nearly tripped over a rogue paving stone, you’ll know exactly what we mean.
It’s not just about safety either – the right lights can seriously boost your home’s kerb appeal too. Win-win.
UK Burglary Risk: Homes With vs. Without Security Systems
While adding outdoor security lighting is a smart move on its own, the data around home security speaks volumes. We’ve pulled together some key facts that show just how much difference visible security measures — like lights, cameras, and alarms — can make when it comes to protecting your home. Here’s a quick look at how homes with and without security systems compare across the UK.
| Security Feature | Homes With Security | Homes Without Security |
|---|---|---|
| Burglary Risk | Homes with visible security systems are less likely to be targeted. (Source: ERA Protect, 2024) | 63% of burglaries happen at homes without a basic alarm or security system. (Source: ADT UK, 2024) |
| Alarm Systems | 60% of potential burglars are deterred by the presence of a visible alarm system. (Source: Norbain, 2023) | Homes without alarm systems are significantly more vulnerable to break-ins. |
| CCTV Cameras | 40% of British households have some form of security camera installed. (Source: Keytek, 2024) | 71% of UK households do not have any CCTV installed. |
| Security Lighting | 75% of homeowners have installed indoor or outdoor security lighting. (Source: SafeSite Facilities, 2023) | Homes without visible security lighting are perceived as easier targets. |
| Burglary Rates | Areas with widespread security (e.g., Norfolk) show lower burglary rates (3.2 per 1,000 households). (Source: ADT Burglary Report, 2023) | Areas with less home security (e.g., Cleveland) report higher burglary rates (16.6 per 1,000 households). |
| Occupancy During Burglaries | 47% of burglaries occurred while someone was at home, showing security is vital even when occupied. (Source: Aviva, 2024) | Homes without security are vulnerable whether occupied or not. |
| Insurance Benefits | Homes with monitored alarms often qualify for reduced insurance premiums. (Source: Norbain, 2023) | Homes without security systems typically face higher premiums. |
Where Should You Install Outdoor Security Lights?
Alright, onto one of the biggest questions: where should you put them?
A good rule of thumb is to cover all the key access points:
- Front door
- Back door
- Side entrances
- Driveways
- Garages
- Dark pathways around the house
- Secluded areas like back gardens
Basically, anywhere someone could sneak in unseen deserves a bit of light. But you don’t need to flood the whole garden like it’s an airport runway. Good placement is about being smart, not just throwing up lights everywhere.
Top Tip: Try to position lights around 8–10 feet high. That’s usually high enough to avoid tampering but low enough for motion sensors to trigger properly.
PM247 Customer Feedback
At PM247, we believe getting the right placement is just as important as choosing the right lights. Our team is here to help you design a setup that properly protects your home, without overdoing it or annoying the neighbours. Whether you need advice, installation, or both, we’re happy to make the whole process easy and stress-free.
What Type of Security Light is Best?
Another biggie – and it really depends on what you’re after.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Motion Sensor Lights:
Great for saving energy. They only turn on when they detect movement, which also makes them great at startling would-be intruders. - Dusk-to-Dawn Lights:
These automatically come on at sunset and switch off at sunrise. Ideal for driveways, porches, and entranceways you want lit all night. - Smart Security Lights:
Fancy linking your lights to your phone? Smart lights can be controlled remotely and set on timers or schedules. - Solar-Powered Lights:
Easy to install, with no wiring needed. Perfect for areas where mains power might be tricky — though they do depend on decent sunlight.
If you’re going for maximum security, a combination of motion-activated and dusk-to-dawn lighting usually works best.
How Bright Should Security Lights Be?
You don’t want to dazzle your neighbours – or yourself.
Here’s a rough guide:
- Driveways and gardens: 700-1300 lumens
- Pathways and porches: 400-700 lumens
Some lights are adjustable too, so you can fine-tune the brightness to suit your space.
Can You Install Outdoor Security Lights Yourself?
If you’re looking at battery-operated or solar lights, absolutely – it’s a great DIY job.
But if you’re fitting wired security lighting, we’d always recommend getting a professional involved. Outdoor electrics need to be properly installed and weatherproofed to stay safe and compliant with regulations. PM247’s electricians, for instance, are fully qualified to handle outdoor installations safely, ensuring everything’s fitted neatly and up to standard.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Security Lighting?
A rough guide:
- DIY solar lights: £20-£50 each
- Wired lights with professional installation: £150-£300 per light, depending on the setup
- Smart lighting systems: slightly more, especially if integrating with wider security systems.
Worth every penny for that peace of mind though.
How Can You Avoid Annoying the Neighbours?
Keep it friendly:
- Angle lights carefully so they don’t shine into windows.
- Adjust the motion sensitivity to avoid every passing cat setting them off.
- Use shields or shades to control where the light falls.
Being considerate with your lighting design can avoid unnecessary neighbourly grumbles.
Are LED Lights Better Than Halogen?
In a word: yes.
LED lights use far less energy, last much longer, and stay cooler, making them a much smarter and greener choice.
Can Security Lights Be Tamper-Proof?
You can make it harder for vandals or opportunists to mess with your setup by:
- Installing lights higher up
- Choosing vandal-resistant designs
- Integrating lights into your security system
Even just having lights visible is often enough to make someone think twice.
Final Thoughts
Adding outdoor security lights is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your home – and doing it properly means you’ll get the maximum benefit without any unnecessary headaches.
At PM247, we’re proud to help homeowners and businesses across the UK feel safer with professional, reliable electrical services. Whether you need advice on the best security lighting setup or you’re ready to have your lights professionally installed, our expert electricians are always on hand to help.
Ready to light up your home and boost your security?
Click the link to contact PM247 or call us on 08082 504 203 today and let’s get it sorted.
FAQs About Outdoor Security Lighting
Still got a few questions buzzing around? Here’s a handy FAQ to help you get the right setup for your home.
Where should I install security lights around my home?
Focus on key access points like doors, driveways, garages, pathways, and any dark or secluded areas. Good coverage is more important than simply adding lots of lights.
What’s the best type of security light for home use?
Motion sensor lights are a great all-rounder for energy savings and security. For consistent lighting overnight, dusk-to-dawn lights work brilliantly. A combination often gives the best protection.
How much does it cost to install security lighting?
DIY solar lights can cost around £20-£50 each, while professional wired installations typically range from £150-£300 per light, depending on complexity.
Can I install outdoor security lights myself, or should I hire an electrician?
If you’re installing battery or solar-powered lights, DIY is usually fine. For wired lighting, it’s safest (and often required) to have a qualified electrician carry out the work.
What’s the difference between motion-activated and dusk-to-dawn lights?
Motion-activated lights only turn on when movement is detected, saving energy. Dusk-to-dawn lights automatically stay on overnight, offering consistent security lighting.
How bright should security lights be?
For driveways and gardens, aim for 700–1300 lumens. For porches and pathways, 400-700 lumens is usually enough. Placement matters just as much as brightness.
Are solar-powered security lights any good?
Solar lights are brilliant for easy installation and zero running costs. Just remember, they perform best with good sunlight – something to keep in mind in cloudy weather.
What are the best security lights for deterring burglars?
Motion sensor lights are particularly effective, as sudden lighting can startle and deter intruders. Visible lighting at key points sends a strong message that your property is protected.
Can security lighting be linked to my home security system or smart home?
Yes, many smart security lights can be connected to home security systems or controlled through your smartphone, giving you greater flexibility and peace of mind.
How do I avoid annoying my neighbours with security lights?
Angle your lights carefully so they don’t shine into neighbouring windows, adjust the motion sensitivity, and consider using shields to direct the light where it’s needed.
Are LED security lights better than halogen?
Absolutely. LEDs use much less energy, last longer, and stay cooler than halogen lights, making them the smarter choice for most homeowners.
What height should security lights be installed at?
Mount your lights around 8–10 feet high. It’s high enough to avoid tampering but still low enough for effective motion detection.
How do I protect security lights from being tampered with or vandalised?
Install lights high up, choose robust, vandal-resistant designs, and, if possible, link them to your security system for added protection.
At PM247, we provide expert advice and security system installation services. If you’re thinking about installing or upgrading your existing security system, click the link or call us on 08082 504 203 to get in touch with our team today for a consultation and quote.