Worried About Break-Ins?

Discover How Security Lighting Protects What Matters Most

Why Security Lighting Matters

Security lighting is about more than just brightening up dark corners—it’s about restoring peace of mind. When your property is well-lit, it sends a clear message that you take safety seriously. The simple presence of lights can help ease anxieties and create a sense of security for you, your family, and your employees.

Key Features of a Quality Security Lighting System

• Eliminates dark shadow areas to ensure there are no hiding spots for intruders.
• Reduces glare and prevents light from spilling into neighboring properties, maintaining good relations with your community and complying with local council regulations.
• Fit-for-purpose design ensures the lighting provides adequate coverage and quality for camera systems to capture clear images.

The Benefits of Security Lighting

• Deterrence: A well-lit property is less inviting to potential intruders, reducing the risk of unwanted activity.
• Safety: Improved visibility helps prevent accidents and makes outdoor spaces safer for everyone, especially children and elderly members of our community.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing your property is protected allows you to relax and enjoy your home or business without constant worry.
• Integration: Security lighting works hand-in-hand with camera and alarm systems for comprehensive protection—security cameras alone can be ineffective without sufficient lighting to illuminate trespassers or provide usable footage for authorities.

Real Results: Making a Noticeable Difference

We’ve implemented security lighting for a number of schools in Christchurch and maintain systems at Merivale and Barrington Mall. In several cases, we’ve enhanced existing security setups by adding lighting and a panic switch. The panic switch triggers both external and interior lighting at the touch of a button, instantly illuminating the entire property at any sign of risk.

How We Determine the Best Placement for Security Lights

• Thorough review of system specifications to ensure appropriate light spread and coverage for required areas.
• Collaboration with lighting engineers to include all aspects of design and select the best products for your needs.

Types of Security Lighting: Motion-Activated vs. Dusk-to-Dawn

• Motion-Activated Lighting: Detects movement using infrared sensors and turns on when a heat source is detected.
• Dusk-to-Dawn Lighting: Activates based on ambient light levels, typically turning on at sunset and off at sunrise—ideal for consistent overnight coverage. These can also be referred to as sunset switches or lighting.

Common DIY Security Lighting Mistakes

• Choosing lower quality products that may not meet safety or performance standards.
• Purchasing lighting online that may have incorrect voltage or lack a Supplier Declaration of Conformity (SDoC), which ensures compliance with NZ safety regulations (AS/NZS 3820 or other applicable standards).

Maintenance Tips for Year-Round Effectiveness

Most systems require little maintenance and operate reliably for years.

Handle motion sensor lenses with care—they can become brittle in sunlight.

Check for spider webs around sensor heads, as spiders can interfere with sensor operation.

Advances in Security Lighting Technology

LED lamps now offer an impressive lifespan of up to 50,000 hours, significantly outlasting traditional lighting options while using far less energy—for example, replacing a 100W lamp with an 18W LED achieves the same brightness with much greater efficiency. Additionally, many LED fittings are designed to be retro-fitted into existing mounts, allowing for cost-effective and environmentally friendly upgrades that extend the life and performance of older security lighting systems. This combination of longevity, energy savings, and retrofit compatibility makes LED technology a smart choice for modern security lighting solutions.

Christchurch Regulations and Tailored Lighting Solutions

When installing outdoor security lighting in Christchurch, it’s important to be aware of local regulations set by the Christchurch City Council. These rules are designed to balance the need for safety and security with the goal of minimising light pollution and its impact on the surrounding environment. Key requirements include minimising light spill and glare by directing lighting away from neighbouring properties—particularly habitable spaces—and ensuring that outdoor lighting does not interfere with road safety or distract drivers. At Christchurch Electrical, we take these regulations seriously and incorporate them into every project. We visit each residential or commercial site to thoroughly assess your specific needs and develop a lighting plan that delivers the right level of brightness and coverage, ensuring your property is well-protected while remaining compliant with local guidelines.

Our Approach: Complete Security Solutions

Christchurch Electrical’s skilled electricians and communications specialists work together to provide comprehensive security solutions. From lighting to camera systems, we help you create a safer environment for your family or business.

If you’re feeling concerned about the safety of your property, don’t wait—take action today by contacting Christchurch Electrical at 03 366 1718 for expert advice and installation. Your peace of mind is our priority: let us help you feel safer and more secure with professional security lighting and camera solutions, so you can protect your home or business and enjoy greater confidence every day. Call us now to discuss your needs and take the first step towards a safer future.