Smart lighting is a practical way to make a house harder to target. It deters intruders, improves visibility around the property and takes very little effort to run once it is set up. Here is how to use it for security.
Motion-activated lights at the entry points
Lights that switch on when they detect movement are one of the better deterrents. They light up dark areas around the house and startle anyone who is lurking. Put them near entry points such as doors and windows, and along pathways and driveways.
Controlling the lights while you are away
One of the real advantages of smart lighting is switching lights on and off from a phone app, whether you are at work, on holiday or just out for the evening. Used properly it makes the house look occupied, which puts off burglars scouting for empty houses.
Scheduling does the same job automatically. Set the lights to follow your normal routine: on at sunset and off at bedtime, or on in the morning before you leave for work.
Tying the lights into your security system
If your security system detects an intruder it can trigger your smart lights to come on, lighting up the area and potentially scaring the person off. Some systems flash the lights as an alarm signal, which alerts neighbours and anyone passing.
Colour-changing bulbs give you more to work with again. Run a dimmed setting for normal evening use and switch to a brighter or flashing mode if an intruder is detected.
Voice control and geofencing
Voice control through Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa or Apple’s Siri means you can turn on every light at once if you hear a suspicious noise, without hunting for a switch. Being hands-free lets you act quickly.
Geofencing uses your phone’s location to run the lights based on how close you are to home. The lights come on when you arrive and go off when you leave, so the house is lit when you need it and you are not paying to light an empty one.
Motion sensors, remote control, schedules and a link to your security system all pull in the same direction and make a house safer to leave. M&J Electrical Works supplies and installs smart lighting. Call us if you want to talk through what would suit your place.
