Home Security • Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor Lighting Myths: Why a Layered Plan Beats “Motion Light Only”
Many homeowners rely on a single motion floodlight. Experts recommend a layered strategy instead: low-glare dusk-to-dawn light at entries + targeted motion lighting on the perimeter + smart scheduling to simulate occupancy.
Dusk-to-Dawn @ Entrances Motion on Perimeter Shielded, Warm CCT (≤3000K) High-CRI LED Smart Timers/Scenes
TL;DR: Motion lights alone are inconsistent. For deterrence and visibility, keep constant, low-level light at doors/walkways, add motion-triggered light in side yards and blind spots, and use smart/randomized indoor & porch schedules to signal occupancy.
Myth vs Reality: Motion Sensors, Constant Light & Deterrence
| Claim | Reality | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| “Motion-sensor lights deter all burglars.” | They can startle or draw attention, but determined offenders may ignore or work around them. | Use motion lights on the perimeter and tie them to cameras/alerts; don’t depend on them alone. |
| “Leave lights blazing all night, everywhere.” | Unshielded glare can reduce visibility and waste energy. Static, unchanging lighting may even signal nobody’s home. | Low-glare, constant light at doors/paths; timers or smart scenes inside to vary patterns. |
| “Any bright light improves security.” | Quality and aim matter more than raw brightness. You need facial recognition at entries, not overlit driveways. | Choose shielded optics, correct CCT, and maintain vertical illuminance at entrances. |
Mulmil spoke to lighting designers and security professionals: the consensus is a balanced, layered approach—not “motion-only.”
Layered Lighting Plan: What Goes Where (and Why)
| Zone | Goal | Recommended Fixture | Controls | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front door / porch | Recognition & arrivals | Shielded wall lantern or downlight, CRI ≥90, ≤3000K | Dusk-to-dawn (photo-cell) + dimming | Soft, constant light helps ID faces and deter loitering. |
| Driveway & walkway | Safe approach | Bollards/path lights (shielded), wall packs | Dusk-to-dawn; optional motion boost | Avoid glare at driver eye level; light verticals and steps. |
| Side yard / blind spots | Detection | Motion flood (PIR), camera spotlight | Motion sensor (PIR) + short timeout | Pairs well with cameras; aim to cover fence lines. |
| Back patio / garden | Occupancy & comfort | Warm, dimmable sconces/string lights | Scenes (Entertain / Night Patrol) | Keep warm CCT for ambience; limit spill to neighbors. |
| Garage & shed | Access control | Shielded wall pack over lock/handle | Dusk-to-dawn or timer | Light the door plane, not only the driveway apron. |
Exact Specs to Buy (Copy/Paste into PDPs)
- Optics: Full cut-off/shielded; minimize glare and spill.
- CCT: ≤3000K outdoors (warmer = friendlier to eyes & neighbors).
- CRI: ≥90 at entries for accurate facial recognition.
- Controls: Photo-cell (dusk-to-dawn) at doors; PIR motion on perimeter; smart timers indoors.
- Dimming: 10–100% smooth dimming; “boost on motion” if available.
- Build: IP65+ weather rating; corrosion-resistant finish; 3–5 year warranty.
Shop the look:
Placement & Aiming Cheatsheet
| Fixture | Mounting Height | Aim | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porch lantern / sconce | 1.6–2.1 m to center | Down/forward to light faces | Keep glare out of camera doorbells. |
| Motion flood (PIR) | 2.4–3 m | Across likely approach paths | Short timeout (30–90s) prevents constant cycling. |
| Bollards / path lights | 0.6–1 m | Downlight the path | Stagger for uniformity; avoid “runway” glare. |
| Garage wall pack | 2–2.7 m | Down/close to door plane | Light the handle/lock & number plate area. |
Smart Schedules that Simulate Occupancy
- Porch (dusk-to-dawn): On at sunset @ 40–60% → Off at sunrise.
- Side yard (motion): Off by default → 100% for 60s on motion, then 20% hold.
- Interior scenes (randomized): 18:45–22:30 randomize living room, hall, bedroom (±15 min offset) to mimic routine.
- Away mode: Alternate a lamp and a TV-simulator 18:30–23:00 on random intervals.
Tip: Pair motion floods with cameras so activations are recorded and can alert your phone.
FAQs
Should I avoid motion-sensor lights completely?
No. They’re valuable on the perimeter and when paired with cameras/alerts. The common mistake is depending on motion lights alone without steady entry lighting or occupancy simulation.
Is brighter always better for security?
Not necessarily. Shielding, aiming, and vertical illuminance at entrances matter more than raw lumens—and help neighbors, too.
What colour temperature is best outside?
Use ≤3000K for outdoor fixtures. It’s comfortable, helps reduce glare/complaints, and still provides good color rendering near doors.
How do I make it look like someone’s home?
Use timers/smart scenes indoors (randomized within typical evening hours) and keep a low-level porch light on from dusk to dawn.
