Security Lights are a Great Foundation of a Secure Home Security System
[Pictured: Security Lighting Outside At A Pool At A Home.]
Like-minded homeowners and families in Moreton Bay Region often look for ways to improve home security. Its time to get lit, Bellmere! Dark, poorly lit homes have a greater risk of being targeted by intruders, no matter what the size of the property. For this reason, security lights have become so popular to ensure an added measure of protection for homes. It is often the first step homeowners take and is the foundation for home security systems.
What Our Clients Say About Security Lights
Grateful clients sleep better knowing that their concerns about effective security have been addressed through security lighting from the very first night of installation.Ā They have shared experiences of their home security lighting instals:
Client One: Told us that their security camera wasnāt able to catch a close-up of an intruder at their front door because the security lights scared them off before they got to the top of the driveway.
Client Two: Shared that their home has never had a successful intrusion (unlike their neighbours homes) due to their home security lightsĀ automatically ālighting the place up like a battleshipā when intruders come close.
[Pictured: Bellmere Family At Their Home, Outside Spending Time Together Safely.]
Why Security Sensor Lights?
When considering which security system and technology is the most effective first line of defence, I reflect on the hundreds of security system installations that Iāve been involved with, including:
[Pictured: Josh Atkinson, Electrical Contractor In Bellmere, Installing Lights.]
I have found that among these systems, the most basic foundational line of defence in home security is the good faithful āSensor Lightā.
Assuming that the āSensor Lightsā are in optimal working condition and that the positioning angles of the sensors (also referred to as a motion detector) cover all entry points to the home, they can be the most cost-effective and low maintenance, home security option available.Ā
Sensor Lights Could Be The Perfect Solution To Keep Intruders Away
To a burglar, when given the choice between two identical homes, the darker, more poorly lit homes provide a much easier and attractive target for approach. Sensor lights have been tested and proven to be effective over many installations and many happy clients.
They are easily available on the market and can be designed and installed to fit your homeās needs. As an Electrical Contractor, I take the greatest care to design and install your security lights in the hope that you may sleep as safe and soundly as we do at our home with our home security lights.
[Pictured: Home with light and dark contrast, showing a burglar targeting the darkly lit home. Connected Electricians and Cablers Logo Get Lit Bellmere – Security Lighting for your home safety system]
6 Questions to Answer Before Installing Your Security Light System
Here are 6 questions to help you decide what the best security lighting solution is to make your home more secure in the Moreton Bay Region:Ā
Pro tip: Remember, if you can imagine it, and describe it, there is a product and wiring design to implement it. We can help you out with this in Bellmere!
Okay, here are the 6 questions to help you out:
How large is your home frontage and back yard? (Motion detectors have a maximum range of detection from 3m up to 18m)
What are the possible entry points that burglars could approach your doors and windows? (Think Home-Alone-Style burglars)
What objects are available for intruders to use as cover? (motion detectors need line-of-sight to trigger)
What additional features could you use for your security lighting? (For example, do you need access lighting to automatically provide illumination along pathways and driveways for visitors? Or functional task lighting to help when hanging out the washing? Or lights for servicing the pool equipment after dark?)
Is your home already lit up well enough outside and therefore only needs the additional functionality of motion detectors to be added and connected?
How much control would you like to have of your security lighting?
Depending on how you answered these questions, each homeowner will have specific security lighting needs. We can help you design and install the best type of security lighting for your home. It will provide you with the preferred coverage level of motion detection and a sufficiently bright level of illumination.Ā
Popular Security Lighting for Smaller Homes
A popular security lighting layout for smaller homes is to add LED downlights under the eaves and soffits at the front, rear and sides of a home. Then, we connect two separate motion detectors covering the front and back door. This is effective to stop intruders in their tracks when they approach from either door. All of the connected lights are triggered when motion is detected.
Popular Security Lighting for Larger Homes
For a larger home with long driveways and big yards, two motion detectors and LED downlights alone might not provide enough motion detection coverage and light āfloodingā of the space.
It would be ideal to connect additional motion detectors and carefully positionedĀ LED flood lights or spotlights to the small home security lighting system that was outlined above. This will provide adequate lighting coverage to protect your property.
Security Lighting Control
One aspect of security lighting that is often neglected is the controls. The best solution provides the owner with full control of the sensor lights at all times. It also has added flexibility of disabling them with a flick of a switch.Ā
[Pictured: Smart Lighting And Control, Install Smart Lighting And Control Onto Your Already Existing Lights And Electrical Equipment Of All Types.]
Before you order your security lights, consider asking your installing electrician to add a 3 position switch so that you can easily bypass the motion detectors to:
Disable the outside lights (for example during a party when you want to light the birthday candles.)Ā
Turn all the outside lights on permanently (for example when you have visitors coming and you want to leave the lights on so that your house is easy to find.)
Sensor Control Mode – the lights will only switch on and off automatically when motion is detected in the detection areas.
Perfect Security Lighting Solution for You
No matter if you live in a smaller home, or whether you have an acreage or bigger property, there are many available options for outdoor home security lights. You may find that many are very cost effectiveĀ too. We can help you design anything you need for your unique security lighting idea and home security system.
Pro tip: Bang for Your BuckĀ
To get the most bang for your buck, and the lowest cost for ongoing maintenance, make sure that you only purchase quality motion detectors and lights
Pictured: House At Night With Many Outside Lighting. Quote Saying: Make Sure You Only Purchase Quality Motion Detectors And Lights From Reputable Manufacturers.]
from reputable manufacturers. Many manufacturers offer on-site warranties for their motion sensors and lights, so that you can rest assured that if they fail (which some unfortunately do), you wonāt be out of pocket getting them repaired or replaced. Also, be sure to look for an Electrical Contractor that offers a lifetime guarantee on their workmanship!
Lights are Burglars’ Enemy
A pro tip: Look out for your lights or security lighting suddenly not working outside.
āLights are burglarsā enemy,ā says Joel Logan, COO of Las Vegas-basedĀ Reliance Security. āIn lights, they can be seen.ā A thief whoās planning to break in might unscrew the bulbs around your house so they donāt turn on and reveal the burglar. Check the bulbs if your lights stop working suddenly. If theyāre unscrewed but arenāt burnt out, a thief might be scoping your home.
Conclusion: Get Lit
To wrap things up, I love installing security systems, and especially security lighting for customers. They provide peace of mind to families and scare the living daylights (excuse the pun) out of intruders. If you have any questions about the best option for you, be sure to contact us for help on:
WhatsApp
Social Media
Email or give us a call.
FOLLOW us on our socials for more tips, tricks, must-knows and HOW-toās for all things electrical.Ā
We are happy to help you find the perfect home security lighting solution for you. And remember, be sure to look into all the options before you purchase your security lighting system.Ā
Keep well and be well connected with us in the Bellmere and Moreton Bay region.
A ‘Cashy’ from a Licenced electrician could end up costing you more!
Why hire a Licenced Electrical Contractor? It’s very tempting to pay for āa cashy jobā AKA a ācheap jobā when you require new powerpoints or lights in your home. Workmen who offer such deals might not be able to provide the required documentation to comply with your insurance provider or those required by law for electrical work in QLD, because it is illegal to do electrical work for others in QLD without giving them a certificate (like this one, shown below), it could cause you, your family and your wallet harm in the long run.Ā
Example Certificate From A Licenced Electrical Contractor
Why are some Electrical Quotes so cheap?
When comparing prices from others, you may be shocked to learn that some quotes could be less than half the cost of other quotes. There are many factors that go into pricing for electrical work. To help you decide who is the best option for the job, and what price is right, here are 5 VITAL questions you must ask about before hiring an electrician, or a seemingly unbeatable price could be a lesson hard learned for you and your wallet.Ā
Here are five questions to ask your electricians before you ask for a quote.
If the answer is NO to any of the following questions, be aware, this might end up costing you more in the long run.
1. Are you a Licenced Electrical Contractor?
There are major differences between a Licenced Electrical Contractor and a Licenced Electrical Worker.
To become a Licenced ElectricalĀ Contractor,Ā it requires extra experience and qualifications. Once licensed electricians have put in the time and work to become an Electrical Contractor, they are more qualified and are able to build a team that works together for electrical operations.
Licenced Electrical Contractors take on additional responsibility including the following:
Become a āNominated Electrician in chargeā who oversees the creation of safe systems of work and the supervision and training of all electricians and apprentices working for them (referred to as the ‘Qualified Technical Personā in the Electrical Safety Act 2002)
Are awarded certification by a registered training organisation after completing additional prescribed courses and practical assessments to qualify for nomination, which are above and beyond those required of licenced electrical workers.
Additionally, a LicencedElectrical Contractor also nominates a ‘Qualified Business Person‘ who is in charge of and oversees “the development and maintenance of business systems and processes that ensure the economic viability and risk management relevant to conducting electrical work.” The qualified businessperson has also been certified by a registered training organisation after completing prescribed courses over and above that of electrical licenced workers.
To sum it up for you, Licenced Electrical Contractors can work independently due to their additional qualifications and experience, Licensed Electricians however, cannot legally independently work and need to have all of their work completed within the boundaries set by an electrical contractor. Without these boundaries the work could become potentially hazardous and cost you more down the track.Ā
Ā Ā
2. Is Your Insurance Policy Up to Date?
In Queensland, Licenced Electrical Contractors always hold a minimum ofĀ $5 Million dollars public liability and a $50,000 consumer protection insurance policy. So, if there are ever any accidents on your job and your property is affected (or even worse someone gets hurt), you can be rest assured that you are protected and compensated when this answer is a YES. It should be YES every time.Ā
3. Are Your Staff Licenced and Trained?
Electrical Contractors have a primary duty of care, to ensure that all staff are not only licenced but must also be properly trained for each task that they need to perform.
This means that, with the added potential to be held liable for any injuries and accidents caused by workers, customers have the benefit of knowing that the electricians that are sent out are much more likely to have been adequately trained and are properly supported behind the scenes to provide quality service and solutions.
4. Do You Supply Parts from Reputable Manufacturers with More Than the Minimum Guaranties Required by Consumer Laws?
When parts fail, it costs the Electrical Contractor money (that they cannot charge you) which is an added incentive to provide only the best quality parts that they can install with confidence. Ā For ācashy on the sideā Electrical Workers, there is no incentive to provide quality parts as there are no consumer guarantees that need apply to an āoff the bookā cash sale. Their guarantees finish the moment they walk out the door.
For a quality product and best after sale service, trusted electrical contractors will also have the support of their local electrical wholesalers with replacement stock on hand and ready to go.
5. Do you have a lifetime guarantee on your workmanship?
This one is a BIGGY. When electrical devices stop working, the cause is either a faulty part, or a faulty installation.
If the part has failed because of faulty workmanship (which causes a reduced lifespan of the product), a reputable electrical contractor will use it as an opportunity to improve and update training, and to improve installation procedures within the business.Ā
Others, (those who quote you a cashy, for example) may charge you to fix it and keep doing what they’re doing just to make more CASH. They will keep coming back and dent your walletās lifespan too.Ā
There you have it. To save you in the long run, be sure to hire a Licenced Electrical Contractor who answers YES to all the above questions. You will be in the best hands and have a quality product, installed by someone who will take the time to be thorough, and answer your call if anything goes wrong, long after they have walked out the front door..Ā
If you found this helpful, be sure to FOLLOW us on our socials for more tips, tricks, must-knows and HOW-toās for all things electrical.Ā
We are happy to answer any Qās you may have, so just reach out by email, phone, whatsapp or socials.Ā
Whenever I install power points or lights, one of my duties as a Queensland licenced electrician is to test the installation. Thatās why the FIRST thing I do is to locate the earth stake. Itās important for homeowners to know these three things about Earth stakes.Ā
What is an earth stake?
Usually when I ask the client where to findĀ their earth stake, Iām greeted with a vacant bambi-eyed stare AKA homeowner A (and thatās okay!) I also occasionally get homeowner Bās who know what it is and where to find it. For all you homeowner Aās out there don’t worry, thatās what I am here for! So listen up.
Often, the earth stake is located within a few steps of the main switchboard. Occasionally, it is further away and hidden under a deck or some shrubs.
Earth stakes, also known as āgrounding stakes or grounding rodsā, are an important component of many electrical systems.Ā
They are used to create a safe and reliable connection to the earth, which helps to protect both people and equipment from electrical shocks and damage.
Why are earth stakes so important?
There are many reasons why they are important. Here are just 3 reasons why they are so important:
1. Protection from electrical shocks
One of the primary purposes of earth stakes is to provide a safe path for excess electrical current to follow, in the event of a fault or surge.Ā
Without an earth stake, this excess current can travel through other conductive materials, such as metal pipes or wiring, potentially causing an electrical shock to anyone who comes into contact with them. By providing a dedicated path to the earth, earth stakes help to prevent electrical shocks and keep you and your loved ones safe!
When an electrical system is properly grounded, it can operate with stabler voltages, which can result in improved efficiency and reliability. Additionally, a properly grounded system is less likely to experience issues such as electrical noise, which can degrade the performance of sensitive equipment. Another reason to check if yours is working properlyā¦ You donāt want to lose that new flat screen or brand-new fridge.
3. Enhanced protection for electrical equipment
Finally, earth stakes can help to protect the electrical equipment itself from damage. In the event of a fault or surge, an earth stake provides a safe path for excess current to follow, which can help to prevent damage to the equipment. This can save money on repairs and replacements, and can help to prolong the life of the equipment.Ā
In conclusion, Earth stake, or earth rod, or grounding rods play a crucial role in protecting both people and equipment.Ā
I also reckon that too much emphasis is placed on having them and not enough emphasis on understanding them.
Every switchboard is different, so how do we know if our safety switches are good enough, and what are some simple steps we can all take without having to call in the specialists? I hope my thoughts below can help! Many times, in my career, Iāve recommended for owners to add more safety switches in their homes, and their reply usually goes something like this: “but I got my home inspected by professionals before I bought it and they said we already have one. I don’t need any moreā
Well, thatās definitely NOT CORRECT even though it may be true that you already have one,
One is not good enough to ensure safety in your home!
These days they are put on every single electrical circuit in your home, but before 2000 most only had them put on PowerPoints!
I repeat, most homes pre 2000 only had safety switches put on power points! There were none put on the lights, the ceiling fans, the ovens or cook tops, the hot water systems or air conditioners, and in many cases even the fridge (an electrical appliance that is touched by all family members hundreds of times a day). Because of this, there is potentially a major safety risk in them.
So, letās discuss how they work and how to test their functionality once they have been safely and correctly installed.
STEP 1:
Go out to your switchboard or box, look for circuit breakers / switches that have a small button (they range in colour / size/ shape so look closely) that has an inscription āTā which stands for test.
STEP 2:
Press the button. You are now testing your safety switches and you will soon KNOW THAT IT IS GOOD or malfunctioning.
STEP 3:
See what happens. Did the switch trip and go to the āoffā position? If so, itās working! Or did the switch do nothing? This would indicate a malfunctioning switch.
And thatās it!
You now know your safety switches better.
Here are some important things to know:
ā”ļø Each of the Safety Switches that you just tested are infinitely more times sensitive than a circuit breaker or rewireable fuse.Ā
ā”ļø Some circuit breakers wouldnāt even trip if you get electrocuted. They would just respond as though you were cooking something in the ovenā¦ but tragically it could be YOU OR A LOVED ONE cooking and the circuit breaker would do nothing but stay on. ā”ļø A safety switch will actually sense an imbalance (ie electricity flowing through a person and not where it’s meant to flow) and instantly STOP THE ELECTRIC SHOCK WITHIN ONLY A FRACTION OF A SECOND – quick enough to prevent your heart from fibrillating.
I recently learned a new name for a safety switch, which I LOVE and you should know:
This name really tells the whole story and helps a homeowner to truly understand the importance of them. With that name attached, why wouldnāt you want an ELECTROCUTION PROTECTION DEVICE on your lights, fans, ovens, cooktops, hot water systems, air conditioners, fridges and so on.Ā
I’m a proud Mum of 4 boys and a dedicated administrator for our new Electrical Contracting business, founded by my Husband and I. My life is a wonderful balancing act between managing my bustling household and supporting the growth of our business. As a Mum, I’ve gotten my organisation skills perfected and I try to bring these skills to our company’s administrative tasks. I have a deep commitment to my family and our business and am excited to be on this journey and will always strive to make everything run smoothly behind the scenes. Thanks for getting to know us and we look forward to serving our local community.
Popular Security Lighting for Smaller Homes
For a larger home with long driveways and big yards, two motion detectors and LED downlights alone might not provide enough motion detection coverage and light āfloodingā of the space. 
Keep well! And be 
1. Protection from electrical shocks
2. Improved electrical system performance
3. Enhanced protection for electrical equipment
