A well-lit building is a proven, cost-effective deterrent against crime and a valuable amenity. Lighting contributes to the safety of your staff and can enhance the appearance of your site, as well as providing appropriate levels of lighting for your CCTV system. Safety and security along with performance and appearance are the main objectives in designing any effective exterior lighting system. Reference should be made to BS 5849 to ensure that designated routes are adequately illuminated for pedestrian and vehicular use. For general access, amenity and security lighting it is usually enough to consider the type of luminaire and light source, the level of illumination, the acceptable level of glare and the critical plain

It is important to remember that lighting schemes dedicated to security need to take into account uniformity of illumination at a level that is required by the observer or the equipment. When using CCTV colour cameras will require a higher level of illumination than mono. With infrared equipment and am infrared floodlight illuminating the area no visible light will be required. The types of light sources available vary considerably depending on the intended use and each has its advantages and disadvantages. The illuminance range and the critical plane (vertical or horizontal) will also vary depending upon the application: general amenity; casual sports training; car parks; roads etc. Mounting positions need to be carefully considered and the level of protection required against ingress by dust or moisture considered. If vandalism is a potential problem armoured glass reflectors or polycarbonate covers may be appropriate.

Computer software packages are available from several sources to facilitate the design process but professional guidance should be sought when embarking on the design of floodlighting or complex amenity lighting schemes. The following check list may be helpful with simple schemes:

Decide on the level of illumination required
Select the light source and luminaire(s) to provide that illumination
Check the mounting locations for the luminaires
Ensure that each luminaires location will not give rise to undo glare
Ensure that each luminaire has the correct protection for its location
Check that its vandal resistant qualities are suitable for its use
Check that the required illumination could not be provided by using a less expensive or use a less power consuming light source
Ensure that installation is to the manufacturers recommendations
Ensure that the luminaires can be maintained with the minimum cost and consider the running costs of the unit.
Ensure that the electrical installation is carried out to BS 7671 by competent personnel