Security lighting system and requirements for it

Security lighting is a complex system consisting of several parts. The main purpose is to ensure the safety of property and simplify the work of protecting certain objects. Light can be used both indoors and outdoors, it all depends on the design and purpose for which the system is used.

Security lighting should provide the required level of facility security.

Features of security lighting systems

The equipment used in the security complex is a light source of various configurations, combined into a single system using cables. The complex is connected to the equipment that controls the work.

Lighting can be integrated into any security complex, it often combined with the operation of sound alarms and video surveillance systems. The main goal is the prevention and prevention of offenses, as well as ensuring the safety of the protected object. Lamps perform three functions:

1. Security personnel can control the situation both inside the premises and along the perimeter of the territory. You can see the penetration of intruders in time at night and take action or turn on the alarm.
2. With the help of light, it is easy to create optimal conditions for the operation of video surveillance systems. And you can use different options.
3. Lighting also serves as a deterrent to prevent intruders from entering. Most often, they prefer to bypass objects with high-quality light.

Intruders enter a well-lit area much less frequently.

Lighting can perform not one, but several functions.

Types of security lighting

All options are simply divided into three groups depending on the tasks they perform. You can use one of them or all together, there are no restrictions.

Emergency lighting

This option starts working after turning off the main light, when employees are not at their workplaces. It is designed to see those who entered the premises, as well as to control by visual inspection or using CCTV cameras. There are several aspects to consider here:

1. According to SNiP 23-05-95, it is allowed to use some of the standard fixtures to ensure good visibility in the dark. Most often, it is enough to turn on only 10% of the power.
2. You can also use emergency lights, they will ensure the operation of the security system during power outages on the main line.But for this you should not use equipment with autonomous power sources, as it is used in emergency situations and ensures the safety of people.
3. There are no strict restrictions in the regulations on the type of luminaires used, their characteristics and installation rules. Also, places that need lighting are individually determined, it is not necessary to install equipment everywhere.
4. In the standby light, automatic control systems are not used. In this case, you need to bring out a separate switch that will control the security light.

Emergency lighting with LEDs has a high brightness and at the same time consumes little electricity.

It is best to put emergency lighting switches at the guard post in order to control them from a place.

Perimeter lighting

To protect the boundaries of the site from penetration, use outdoor lighting. It is made according to the rules set forth in RD 78.145-93. In accordance with them, the network must be powered separately from standard lights. You also need to consider the following:

1. The luminaires are arranged so that a continuous band of light from 3 to 4 meters wide is formed along the perimeter. This is the only way to ensure complete security.
2. The minimum illumination should not be lower than 0.5 lux. This is a generally accepted standard, but if photographic and video recording equipment is used along with lanterns, then the lighting intensity is selected for it.
3. The system can work constantly, turning on after dusk. You can set it to start when a motion sensor is triggered. But even when using the automatic option, it should be possible to turn on all the fixtures or part of them manually.
4. If the lights are supposed to light up when the sensor is triggered, then they should use lamps that instantly go to performance. Mercury lamps will not work, you should use incandescent, halogen or LED options. The latter are increasingly used due to their high power, low power consumption and long service life.
5. All security lighting controls are located in one power cabinet to prevent unauthorized entry. It is best if the doors are locked with a key, and the distribution unit itself is located near the security post.
6. Attention should be paid to the lighting of the guards' locations. Standard light is usually made on a common basis, but it should be provided emergency lighting, which starts during power outages.

The perimeter must be clearly visible in all weather conditions.

The height of the lamps can be selected depending on the features of the object. They are installed both on individual poles and on walls and other places.

Lighting of technical means of signaling and control

Now most often the perimeter is equipped with video cameras, so the lighting needs to be adapted to them in order to provide the best shooting. Here you need to remember the following:

1. In the instructions for video cameras, there is always an indication of the minimum level of illumination for normal shooting. But as practice shows, with the minimum allowable lighting, the quality of the video suffers.
2. Optimum illumination indicators are usually equal to 3-5 Lux. In this case, the light should be distributed evenly so that the video is contrasting and of high quality.When using an open lighting option, you need to position the flashlight so that it does not interfere with video shooting.
3. You can make hidden lighting of the site, for this use infrared lamps. To prevent intruders from noticing such a backlight, the infrared wavelength must be greater than 800 nm.

Often a spotlight is placed above the surveillance camera.

If video surveillance is not installed initially, but cameras are planned to be installed in the future, it is better to immediately install lights with the desired brightness so that you do not have to redo the outdoor security lighting later.

Security lighting design code

Before you start installing the system, you need to carry out the correct preparation and make a competent project that will provide for everything to the smallest detail and will comply with regulations. In the Russian Federation, the standards GOST R 5000962000, SNiP 23-05-95, RD 78.36.00362002, SP 52.13330.2016, as well as the requirements of the PUE (rules for the construction of electrical installations) are used. Here it is important to consider the following:

1. First of all, consider what options will be used for security lighting. In fact, two separate projects are needed, one for the exterior, the second for emergency lighting in the premises, which is switched on after all employees leave their workplaces.
2. It is not necessary to install a separate security circuit in the premises; emergency or general lighting can be used for this purpose (10% of the power is enough to save electricity). It is important to foresee which elements will be involved and in what mode. It is better to use manual switching from the guard's post so that the light starts working when needed.
3. For the perimeter, SOOP is being developed - a perimeter security lighting system.When planning the location of the lamps, it must be remembered that the norm of light intensity at 3-4 meters from the border of the territory is at least 0.75 Lx.
4. Choose fixtures that allow you to change the angle of illumination in order to adjust them if necessary. At the same time, the ceiling lamps must be securely fixed in the desired position so that the settings do not go astray from gusts of wind and precipitation.
5. It is best to use a system with motion sensors so that the light turns on when needed. If the area is small, it is better that all the lights are lit at the same time. In large areas, it is more reasonable to break the lighting into several segments, which will turn on when the sensor is triggered.
6. Choose the location of the electrical panel, which will be designed exclusively for security lighting. It is best if it is locked and under an alarm, so that when opened, an alert is triggered on the security console.
7. Based on all the information, a detailed project is drawn up, which will reflect all the elements of the system. This will greatly simplify the calculations, the purchase of the necessary materials and components. And then it will be possible to quickly find the problem and fix it.

If there are large buildings on the territory, they should also be illuminated around the perimeter.

For outdoor installations, choose luminaires with a steel or aluminum housing, they resist damage better and can withstand even large hail. If possible, place ceiling lights under cover to better protect them.

security lighting requirements

In order for the system to work without breakdowns and failures, it is necessary to ensure that a few simple requirements are met when designing, choosing fixtures and installing them. Take into account:

1. Reliability and fault tolerance of the system. Firstly, you need to choose high-quality fixtures that will last a long time, and secondly, if one element fails, the rest should work as before. If possible, place the lights in such a step that if one stops working, then a dark sector does not appear in the perimeter, ideally it should be blocked by neighboring lights.
2. Economical consumption of electricity. In this regard, it is better to use LED equipment, since its electricity consumption is 10-12 times lower than that of incandescent lamps. Also, LEDs give a good bright light without flickering, they light up instantly, and they last an average of 25-30 times longer, which also saves money.
3. Uniform illumination of the perimeter and the absence of dark, poorly visible areas. In this case, not only the power of the lamp is of great importance, but also the type of reflector, as well as the correct position of the lamp.
4. Protection from external influences. For this reason, the distribution cabinet must be securely closed and located close to the guard post.

The intensity of the light flux depends on which lamps are used.

If there are frequent power outages, then for autonomous operation it is worth equipping a battery pack or installing a generator that is triggered when the power supply is cut off.

Features of use as part of video surveillance systems

If street lighting will work in conjunction with video cameras, you need to take into account several important recommendations to ensure a high-quality image and eliminate any problems:

1. When designing, it is necessary to place the lantern on the same axis as the camera installation site. This is the ideal solution for achieving the best light quality. In this case, you can put the lantern both above the video object and below it.
2. Always check the picture quality at night. Any violations can lead to the formation of highlights or blackouts in the image. If necessary, make adjustments to the position of the elements.
3. Select the intensity of illumination according to the requirements of a particular model. It is better to use a higher quality light than indicated in the documentation, since with minimal illumination the camcorder will shoot much worse at night.
4. You can use hidden infrared lighting, in which the shooting is carried out with high quality, but at the same time the attackers do not know about it. In some systems, conventional light is supplemented with infrared.

One light on the corner can illuminate the space for two cameras located in different directions.

Security lighting is a separate system that allows you to control the premises and the perimeter of the territory in the dark. It is important to design the arrangement of elements in accordance with regulatory requirements. When using video cameras, you can simultaneously monitor the perimeter, which is very convenient.

Video presentation of the report: "Organization of perimeter lighting"