Physical Security

Controlled lighting is the key

by Mark Rowe

Many still view security lighting as a courtesy product or something useful for barbeques and unloading the car on the drive at night, according to Mark Tibbenham, pictured, the MD of Lancashire-based security equipment manufacturers GJD Manufacturing Limited. He argues that controlled lighting is the key to enhanced security, lower costs and ‘greener’ credentials.

Such are the proven security benefits provided by combined controlled lighting and CCTV systems as the first line of defence in the fight against crime, most authorities now recommend their use to discourage and even prevent vandalism and theft. Regrettably, however, for many householders and managers of businesses, offices and public places the ‘controlled’ aspect of lighting is frequently ignored or overlooked leading to downstream problems, a diminution of the deterrent effect of the installed facilities, wasteful use of energy, and dramatically higher operating costs. A high proportion of users of security lighting fail to exploit its potential. It’s a fact that the control aspect of lighting is something that is invariably not adequately considered when installing many forms of security systems. The results of this can be witnessed all around in cities, towns, housing developments and the countryside. I suppose one of the classic examples is when uncontrolled, ill-placed and wrongly set sensors in use at properties along a road trigger consecutively as vehicles drive past, uselessly illuminating the entire area. Then of course we have the all too often witnessed scenario of office blocks needlessly burning electricity on a 24-7 basis even though staff might be occupying less then five per cent of the total floor space outside of conventional working hours and even less at weekends.

The bottom line is that uncontrolled lighting has now resulted in the UK possessing the unenviable record of having the most brightly-lit after dark skies in Europe. The cost of this in wasted energy has to be enormous and, of course, it is hardly assisting in resolving the current and ongoing drive for us all to become ‘greener’ and save energy wherever feasible. From a security aspect, operating lighting in this uncontrolled manner also acts as a very minor deterrent to the criminal or vandal, indeed there is a school of thought that uncontrolled and semi-continuous lighting actually makes their life easier, not more difficult, by enabling them to visually assess points of entry and other weaknesses with ease during the hours of darkness. This, of course, is the exact opposite of what security systems are designed to accomplish but the reality is that such scenarios are encountered far too often.

Current lighting and security situation might be reversed and massively improved. It’s really quite simple and inexpensive to incorporate a sophisticated level of control in all security systems which will provide for proven long-term benefits and save money by reducing energy consumption. What is needed is some form of intelligent zone management of security lighting providing for maximum versatility within the protected zone or area.

For example a GJD ‘DygiZone’ lighting controller and enunciator. Modern detectors, of course, can also be made to activate other aspects of any security system simultaneously and as a result the full and dramatic rewards of a well installed security system can be reaped. Low voltage, weatherproof, external passive infra-reds (PIRs) such as GJD’s D-TECTs, Opals or Elites are now recognised as being among the most innovative, flexible and cost effective devices available. When intruders are detected they can activate, for example CCTV systems, audio-visual recorders, internal sounders, visual indicators etc as well as lights offering a very high level of versatility making them suitable for use in any domestic, commercial or industrial environment.

Lighting control is the key to a whole array of improvements which will enhance security, help eliminate light pollution, dramatically reduce energy consumption and save money. There are no adverse effects whatsoever unless you happen to be one of the criminal classes. Given that the benefits massively outweigh the relatively minor costs involved the recommendation must be to evaluate existing systems with a view to improving them and ensuring that new systems are properly equipped so that they perform their duties in the most effective fashion.

About the author

Mark Tibbenham is the Managing Director of GJD Manufacturing Limited, a designer, manufacturer and supplier of exterior detection equipment as well as CCTV and lighting controllers used in the intruder surveillance industry. Visit www.gjd.co.uk.

Related News

  • Physical Security

    LED range

    by msecadm4921

    Marl International has just released a range of white LED lights, providing the makers say energy savings of 20 per cent to…

  • Physical Security

    Solid protection

    by Mark Rowe

    The design and implementation of a physical security system is applicable to organisations of all sizes, writes Fernando Pires, VP, Sales and…

Newsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay on top of security news and events.

© 2024 Professional Security Magazine. All rights reserved.

Website by MSEC Marketing