Security Lighting: A Guide for Homes and Businesses

by NuWatt Lighting
Security lighting for homes and businesses

A Brief History of Security Lighting

One of the earliest and most common uses of light was to protect property deter intruders. With the perfection of incandescent lighting, security lighting became available to every home or business that wanted it, but incandescent outdoor security lights still had major limitations. Because they generated significant heat, they could not be fully enclosed. This design left openings that allowed moisture and dust inside, shortening their lifespans and increasing maintenance needs.

More recent advances in security lighting have created LED fixtures that are fully sealed, creating the first true waterproof and dustproof lighting fixtures. LED security flood lights and wall pack lights are also much more energy efficient than their incandescent counterparts, and last for decades longer without needing replacements.

Common Uses for Security Lighting

In commercial settings, wall pack lights is widely used to enhance visibility in parking lots, building perimeters, and walkways. Businesses often rely on LED flood lights and canopy lights to protect assets, deter intruders, and keep employees safe after dark.

For residential properties, outdoor flood landscape lights make outdoor areas safer and more inviting while helping discourage trespassers. Effective security lighting makes driveways and walkways more visible, while leaving no dark spaces for unwanted guests to hide.

How to Choose the Best Security Lights

When selecting outdoor security lighting, here are some essential features to consider:

  • Voltage: Look for universal 120–277V compatibility to ensure flexibility in both residential and commercial applications.

  • IP Rating: Choose fixtures with IP65 rating or better to guarantee waterproof and weatherproof performance in rain, dust, and harsh environments.

  • Materials: Aluminum housings help dissipate heat efficiently, while polycarbonate (PC) lenses provide impact resistance. With UV coating, PC lenses resist yellowing and maintain clarity over time.

  • Brightness: Compare lumens rather than wattage, as higher lumens mean stronger illumination and better light coverage over wide areas.

  • Dimmability: Select dimmable LED flood lights when you want adjustable brightness to suit different applications, from full-strength security lighting to softer landscape lighting.

Security Flood Lighting
NuWatt Outdoor Flood Light — White — 90W, 12,600 lumens

NuWatt Outdoor Security Flood Light | 90W, 12,600 LM

$99.99

★★★★★

Durable weatherproof construction, dimmability, and 120-277 universal voltage makes this floodlight versatile enough to go anywhere.

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NuWatt Product Recommendations

NuWatt offers high-performance options designed for both homes and businesses.

For commercial buildings and areas, LED wall packs with light sensors that automatically turn the light off during the day provide bright, reliable security that also conserves energy.

In carports and gas stations ceiling mounted canopy lights are made to withstand severe weather and dust conditions.

For homes and commercial buildings LED flood lights deliver wide-angle illumination perfect for yards, facades, or large commercial zones. Unlike older incandescent fixtures, these waterproof lights feature fully enclosed weatherproof construction. Plus, their universal voltage (120–277V), ensuring seamless use across residential and commercial systems.