Outdoor Security Lighting: What to Buy and Where to Put It
PIR floodlights, wall lights and solar lights compared: how bright they should be, where to fit them and which jobs need a qualified electrician.
A dark house is easier to approach unseen. Good outdoor lighting makes visitors, and anyone who should not be there, easy to see. It is one of the simplest ways to make a home feel safer, and it works best alongside good locks, secure gates and windows that close properly.
The quick answer
- Light every entrance: front door, back door, side gate and garage
- Choose brightness for the actual space; lower-output, shielded lights may be better near doors and neighbours
- Choose an outdoor fitting with an IP rating appropriate to its exposure and follow the manufacturer's instructions; IP65 is common for exposed locations but not universally required
- Mount lights high enough that they cannot easily be covered or knocked
- Battery, solar and plug-in lights are DIY-friendly, while hardwired lights need a qualified electrician
Types of outdoor light
| Type | How it works | Best for | Downsides |
| PIR floodlight | Switches on when it detects movement and heat | Driveways, side passages, gardens | Can be triggered by cats or trees |
| Dusk-to-dawn wall light | On automatically from dusk, often low level | Front doors, porches, paths | Uses more electricity |
| Solar light | Charges in daylight, no wiring | Paths, sheds, fences | Weaker in winter |
| Smart or camera floodlight | Connects to an app, can alert you | Front and back of the house | Needs reliable wifi |
Where to fit them
- Front door and the path to it
- Side gates and passageways
- Back door, patio doors and the garden approach
- Garage and shed doors
- Dark corners that cannot be seen from the street or by neighbours
Mount lights out of easy reach, often around 2 to 2.5 metres, and angle them downwards. Point them away from neighbours' windows and the road.
Getting the sensor right
If a light keeps switching on, trees, pets, passing traffic and warm air from vents are common causes. Reduce the sensitivity, shorten the range, change the angle and set a sensible timer.
What you can fit and what you cannot
Battery, solar and plug-in lights are generally fine to fit yourself, with the right fixings for the wall. Hardwired outdoor lights need a mains supply, and outdoor electrical work has particular safety rules. That work, and any new circuit, should be done by a qualified electrician who can certify it.
Cameras and privacy
If you add a camera, check the Information Commissioner's Office guidance on cameras that overlook neighbours' property or public space. If you rent, ask your landlord before drilling into the building.
Other ways to make your home more secure
| Measure | Why it helps |
| Good locks on doors and windows | Most break-ins use doors or windows |
| Secure side gates | Stops easy access to the back of the house |
| Visible alarm or doorbell camera | Acts as a deterrent |
| Timer switches for indoor lights | Makes an empty home look occupied |
| Trim hedges near the house | Removes hiding places |
| Lock away ladders and tools | Stops them being used to break in |
Planning a lighting layout
- Walk round the outside of the house after dark
- Note dark areas near doors, gates, windows and paths
- Decide which areas need light all evening and which only on motion
- Check where power is available and whether you need an electrician
- Choose fittings with the right weather rating and brightness
Being a good neighbour
Bright lights pointing at neighbours' windows or the street cause complaints. Angle lights downwards, use the lowest brightness that does the job and set motion timers to a sensible length.
Energy-efficient options
LED security lights use far less electricity than old halogen floodlights. Motion sensors and dusk-to-dawn sensors mean lights are only on when needed. Solar lights cost nothing to run but are less reliable in winter.
Frequently asked questions
Do security lights deter burglars?
Crime prevention advice generally recommends good lighting at entrances as part of a wider approach that includes locks, secure gates and visible signs someone is home.
How bright should a security light be?
There is no universal lumen rating for homes. Use enough light to see clearly without glare or spill into neighbouring windows; a modest wall light may be better than a powerful floodlight.
Can I swap an old outside light for a new one?
Replacing a like-for-like fitting may be straightforward for a competent person, but if you are unsure, or a new supply is needed, use a qualified electrician.
Are solar security lights any good?
They work well for paths and sheds in summer, but can be weak in winter. Mains-powered lights are more reliable for main entrances.
Where should a doorbell camera go?
At the front door, at a height that captures faces. Check the ICO guidance if it overlooks neighbours or the street.
Related guides
We fit battery and solar lights, brackets and fixings, and make good afterwards, and we will tell you when a job needs an electrician. Call 07444 262522.