You’re here because you’ve got a problem: how to keep your outdoor spaces well-lit and secure. While the darkness may be a burglar’s best friend, outdoor security lights can easily make your home a less attractive target. One crucial aspect to consider? Lumens! And if you're wondering how LED flood lights fit into the picture, stick around.
Lumens are the measure of how much light a bulb emits. More lumens mean a brighter light; fewer lumens mean a dimmer light. Simple, right? But when it comes to security, you need the right balance of brightness to effectively illuminate your outdoor areas.
You might be tempted to stick with traditional incandescent bulbs, but the real star these days is LED. LED lights are not only brighter but also more energy-efficient, which is perfect for long-term use.
For outdoor security lights, recommendations generally start at 700 lumens. However, this can vary depending on several factors like the size of the area and the purpose of the lights.
How to Calculate Required Lumens
To calculate, you can use the formula: Area in square feet × Foot-candles. Foot-candles are a measure of light intensity. For example, for a 100-square-foot area requiring 10 foot-candles, you'd need 1000 lumens.
LED flood lights are a powerhouse when it comes to energy efficiency and durability. They also offer a higher lumen output for a fraction of the wattage, which is a win-win situation!
Remember, more light isn’t always better. Over-lighting can contribute to light pollution and energy waste. Plus, it can be blinding and counterproductive.
Adding motion sensors or smart technology can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of your security lights. It adds an element of surprise for intruders and saves energy.
While LED lights are more expensive upfront, their long lifespan and energy efficiency make them cost-effective in the long run.
You can go the DIY route or hire professionals. Either way, ensure safety measures like turning off the electricity supply during installation.
LED lights rarely need replacing, but a routine check-up and cleaning can extend their life even further.
Selecting the right lumen count for your outdoor security lighting is a delicate balance between brightness and energy efficiency. LED flood lights offer the best of both worlds, making them the perfect choice for most homeowners.
How do I calculate the lumens I need?
Area in square feet
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Foot-candles
Can I use traditional bulbs instead of LED?
What is light pollution?
Is professional installation necessary?
How often should I replace my LED flood lights?
Flood lights are usually installed for security purposes. There are many flood lighting types meant to light specific spots outside your home. Wall pack lights are installed to illuminate pathways, while area lights are made to light larger areas such as parking lots and entire yards.
If you need to light a pathway, fewer lumens are required for those types of flood lights, while area lights, as the name would suggest, need more lumens for brighter and more wide-spread illumination.
Flood lights require 700 to 1300 lumens. The brighter the lights are, the more lumens they emit, and the more secure your space.
Motion sensor flood lights require between 300 and 700 lumens. These lights have ranges, so brightness may vary. They also illuminate a space when an object crosses their path. If you want the beam of light that motion sensor lights emit to be brighter, go with a bulb that has higher lumens.