Advanced Lighting has New Role in Perimeter Security

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 Intelligent lighting products may very well lead the next-generation of perimeter security systems, offering strong deterrence and detection features while enhancing existing camera surveillance systems.

Fence-mounted sensors and other perimeter intrusion detection systems are increasingly being used to protect utility sites. They are field-proven, difficult to defeat and work reliably in all-weather conditions. 

However, an intelligent security lighting can expand the capabilities of perimeter intrusion detection systems by enabling additional deterrent and assessment capabilities: Basic site or perimeter illumination, and immediate and visible alarms, indicating to would-be intruders that they are detected and their exact location is known.

Despite being widely used, indiscriminate security lighting has substantial costs and some drawbacks, according to utilitymagazine.com.au. While traditional technologies such as high-pressure sodium (HPS) and metal halide (MH), are expensive to install, require periodic maintenance, and cannot be switched on and off rapidly, they usually remain on all night, following a simple time-based schedule. 

In addition, these technologies, as well as their newer LED-based replacement fixtures, generate light pollution due to their wide coverage area. Light pollution can be a significant concern for facilities located near sensitive areas like protected nature reserves or airports. The first step to reducing light pollution is to use low-voltage engineered LED lighting that directs light downwards and along the fence line. Targeted, top-shielded luminaires minimize light escaping upwards or horizontally. In addition, lights must be dimmable and minimize blue light emissions.

Avoiding nuisance alarms generated by weather, animals and lawful people is critical to the overall success of a perimeter security system. A perimeter security system should be designed from the outset to minimize nuisance alarms. 

It should also integrate with other systems for effective, multi-layer security. 

The mainstream adoption of low-voltage LED-based lighting combined with low-cost embedded processors has revolutionized the lighting industry, with new applications being introduced every day. The physical security market is benefitting from these advancements and can expect many new cost-saving products, all which can benefit from mature detection and nuisance alarm rejection algorithms.