Security Lighting These Shining Examples Heighten Building Safety
A well-designed exterior lighting scheme is a crucial part of any facility's security system. In addition to helping people see better at night, the right kinds of fixtures, properly placed, can discourage criminal activity. The differences between systems that work well and those that don't are quite subtle. Some lighting systems that produce industry-recommended light levels will not work well when put into use. It is important that building designers as well as those who maintain existing structures understand where to place luminaires and what kinds to specify.
The conventional wisdom about outdoor security lighting is simple: Make an area bright and criminal activity will be discouraged. Unfortunately, things are rarely this simple. In some situations an area may be made less secure if it is lit. Other factors to consider include how well a light source renders color, what kind of fixtures are available, and how it will be turned on and off.