Security Lighting Guide: Best Outdoor Lights to Deter Intruders
Well-placed outdoor lighting is one of the most cost-effective security upgrades you can make. It deters burglars, eliminates hiding spots, and dramatically improves security camera footage. But bad lighting creates blind spots and a false sense of security. Here is how to do it right.
Types of Security Lighting
Motion-Activated Floodlights
Turn on when motion is detected (PIR sensor). Best for driveways, side yards, and back doors. Energy-efficient since they only run when triggered. Look for adjustable sensitivity and range (15 to 70 feet typical).
Dusk-to-Dawn Lights
Stay on all night using a photocell sensor. Best for front entries, porches, and walkways where constant illumination provides both security and convenience. Use LED bulbs to keep energy costs low (3 to 10 watts).
Solar-Powered Lights
No wiring needed. Ideal for fences, paths, and areas far from outlets. Performance depends on sun exposure. Best solar lights (Ring Solar Floodlight, LITOM) deliver 800 to 2,000 lumens. Weaker models under 400 lumens are decoration, not security.
Smart/Connected Lights
Control via app, set schedules, integrate with cameras. Ring Floodlight Cam and similar combine lighting with recording. Useful for triggering lights from inside when you hear something outside. Require WiFi.
Where to Place Security Lights
All Entry Points
Front door, back door, side doors, and garage doors. Every exterior door should be illuminated. Use dusk-to-dawn lights at the front door and motion-activated at less-trafficked entries.
Driveway and Walkways
Motion-activated floodlights at the garage and driveway entrance. Path lights along walkways serve double duty for safety (preventing falls) and security (eliminating approach cover).
Side Yards and Fence Lines
These are the most common burglar entry points because they are typically dark and out of view. Motion-activated lights with 180-degree detection cover the full area. Mount at 8 to 10 feet to prevent tampering.
Near Security Cameras
Cameras need light to capture usable footage. Mount lights to illuminate the camera's field of view without shining directly into the lens (which causes glare and washed-out video). Position lights above or beside cameras, angled downward.
Brightness Guide
- Front porch: 700 to 1,300 lumens (equivalent to a 60 to 100W incandescent)
- Driveway floodlight: 1,800 to 5,000 lumens
- Side yards and back: 1,300 to 3,000 lumens per fixture
- Walkway path lights: 100 to 200 lumens each, spaced every 6 to 8 feet
- Garage area: 3,000 to 5,000 lumens total
- Color temperature: 3,000K to 4,000K for warm but clear visibility (5,000K+ is harsh and bluish)