Placing security lights where they help
Effective security lighting covers approaches to the home — driveways, walkways, entry doors and the dark sides of the house. Mounting height and angle matter: lights aimed too far out create glare and dark pockets, while well-aimed fixtures light the ground where people walk.
Many homeowners combine lighting with cameras. Floodlight cameras need a solid mounting surface and a box rated for the fixture, and they work best with a dedicated switch or constant power.
What the work typically involves
Walk the perimeter
Find dark approaches and existing power sources.
Select fixtures
Choose motion, photocell or camera fixtures suited to each spot.
Wire and mount
Add outdoor boxes and wiring, and mount fixtures at the right height.
Adjust sensitivity
Set motion range, timing and aim to cut false triggers and glare.
Common reasons homeowners call
- Dark driveway or detached garage
- Back doors and side gates without light
- Adding floodlight cameras
- Replacing failed motion sensors
- Rural properties with long driveways
Signs your security lights need service
- Motion lights that stay on or won't trigger
- Floodlights that flicker
- Water in fixture housings
- Fixtures mounted on siding without a proper box
- Lights that trip a GFCI
Safety considerations
Watch overhead lines. Floodlights are often mounted high on eaves. Ladder work near service drops and overhead lines is dangerous — keep ladders well clear of power lines.
What an electrician will check
- Mounting box and weather sealing
- Circuit and switch configuration
- Motion sensor range and aim
- Distance from service drop
- GFCI requirements
Related electrical problems
Related residential services
Outdoor Lighting
Exterior lighting for porches, patios, decks, driveways and walkways — wired and rated for outdoor use.
Landscape Lighting
Low-voltage path, garden, tree and facade lighting with properly installed transformers and outdoor outlets.
Smart Home Electrical
Wiring and installing smart switches, thermostats, doorbells, cameras, hubs and connected devices in your home.
Garage Electrical
Garage and workshop circuits, outlets, lighting, EV chargers and subpanels for attached and detached garages.
Frequently asked questions
Common locations are over the garage, at back and side doors, and at the corners of the house facing approaches. Aim them at walkways rather than the street.
Often, if the existing box is suitable and power is constant. An electrician can confirm.
Sensitivity, sensor aim, a failing sensor or a switch wired incorrectly can all cause it. Many are adjustable; failed sensors are replaced.