Security Lighting Checklist

Criminals hate light. They want darkness, confusion, and places to hide. Good exterior lighting removes those hiding spots, makes cameras perform better, and gives you clear visibility around your property. This checklist handles placement, coverage, and tuning so your lighting actually works as security—not just decoration.

For more outdoor security coverage, see Security Cameras Audit Checklist, Backyard Security Basics, and Backyard Safety Checklist.

1. Coverage and Placement

[ ] Check that every entry point—front, back, side doors, and garage—has lighting.
[ ] Light up walkways, driveways, and paths used at night.
[ ] Position fixtures to eliminate blind spots in camera views.
[ ] Avoid placing lights where they shine directly into cameras, neighbors' windows, or your own eyes.

2. Fixture Type and Brightness

[ ] Use LED fixtures for longevity, brightness, and low energy use.
[ ] Aim for 1000–1500 lumens for security floodlights.
[ ] Use 3000–5000K color temperature for clear visibility without looking clinical.
[ ] Install weather-rated fixtures (at least IP44) for outdoor durability.

3. Motion Sensor Tuning

[ ] Adjust sensitivity to detect humans, not leaves and small animals.
[ ] Fine-tune detection zones to avoid street traffic.
[ ] Set shutoff times between 30 seconds and 3 minutes depending on the area.
[ ] Verify that motion lighting covers walk-up paths and high-risk zones.

4. Timers, Schedules, and Automation

[ ] Use dusk-to-dawn sensors for consistent nighttime coverage.
[ ] Link lights to smart home timers or schedules if available.
[ ] Ensure porch lights stay on at night, not just motion-activated.
[ ] Test automated lights every few months to confirm reliability.

5. Reducing Glare and Improving Visibility

[ ] Aim lights downward and away from eye level.
[ ] Use diffusers or shields if glare is excessive.
[ ] Adjust angles so fixtures don’t blind guests or wash out camera footage.
[ ] Balance light levels—avoid overly bright spots next to dark areas.

6. Electrical Safety and Wiring

[ ] Inspect wiring for cracking, exposed copper, or rodent damage.
[ ] Use outdoor-rated junction boxes and sealed connections.
[ ] Confirm fixtures are properly grounded.
[ ] Replace lightbulbs with matching wattage and type to prevent overheating.

7. Landscaping and Obstructions

[ ] Trim bushes and trees that block light coverage.
[ ] Keep branches away from fixtures to avoid false motion triggers.
[ ] Ensure plants don’t cast large shadows on walkways or doors.
[ ] Reassess lighting after major landscaping changes.

8. Nighttime Test and Fine-Tuning

[ ] Walk your property at night and note dark areas.
[ ] Check camera performance under your lighting setup.
[ ] Adjust all fixtures until paths and entry points are fully visible.
[ ] Replace damaged fixtures or unreliable sensors immediately.

9. Annual Review Items

[ ] Clean lenses, bulbs, and fixtures from dust and spiderwebs.
[ ] Re-tighten mounting hardware.
[ ] Update timers after daylight savings changes.
[ ] Include lighting checks in your Home Safety Annual Review.

Good security lighting isn’t about turning your yard into a stadium—it’s about visibility, consistency, and eliminating hiding spots. Tune your lighting once and maintain it regularly, and you’ll dramatically boost your home’s nighttime security.