Security Lighting
Security lights protect New Zealand homes and businesses from opportunistic crime by illuminating exterior zones the moment movement is detected. Mounted at entrances, driveways, side paths, and back gardens, motion-activated security lighting deters intruders, supports CCTV camera coverage, and lights the way for residents arriving home after dark. The Lighting Direct NZ security lights range covers LED floodlights, sensor-activated wall fittings, dusk-to-dawn security lighting, and high-output IP65-rated fittings built for full exterior exposure across New Zealand's coastal and high-rainfall regions.
Browse the full security lighting collection online with free shipping on orders over $200, or visit one of our showrooms nationwide for advice on the right outdoor security lights for your property.
How to choose security lights for your home
Choose security lights based on four practical factors: lumen output, IP rating, sensor type, and mounting position. A 1,500 to 3,000 lumen LED security light covers most domestic driveways and back gardens, while larger commercial sites benefit from 5,000 lumen or higher floodlights. An IP65 rating is the minimum for fully exposed exterior positions in New Zealand conditions.
Sensor type also affects performance. PIR (passive infrared) sensors detect movement through changes in heat and work reliably for distances of 8 to 12 metres. Microwave sensors cover larger areas and can detect through light obstacles, making them well suited to commercial properties. Dusk-to-dawn sensors switch the security light on automatically at nightfall and off at dawn, giving constant low-level perimeter coverage.
The key decision factors at a glance:
- Lumen output sized to the area, from 1,500 lumens for small entryways to 5,000 plus for driveways
- IP65 rating or higher for fully exposed exterior positions
- Sensor type, with PIR for residential and microwave for larger sites
- Detection range and adjustable detection angle
- Corrosion-resistant materials for coastal and high-humidity NZ locations
Types of security lights
Security lights at Lighting Direct NZ cover four core formats: LED floodlights, sensor-activated wall fittings, dusk-to-dawn security lighting, and integrated camera security lights. Each format suits a different property layout and risk profile, from compact urban townhouses to lifestyle blocks and commercial premises requiring wide-area perimeter coverage.
Common security light types include:
- LED security floodlights for driveways, back gardens, and commercial yards
- PIR motion-sensor wall fittings for entryways, side paths, and garages
- Dusk-to-dawn security lighting for constant low-level perimeter cover
- Solar-powered security lights for sheds, fence lines, and remote zones without nearby wiring
- IP65-rated fittings in marine-grade stainless steel for coastal NZ properties
Where to install security lighting around your home
Install security lighting at every point of entry and along any zone an intruder could use to approach the property unseen. Front doors, back doors, garage access, side paths, driveways, and rear fence lines are the highest-priority positions. Mount fittings 2.5 to 3 metres above ground level to maximise detection range and reduce tampering risk.
Driveways and front entrances
Driveways and front entrances benefit from a 2,000 to 3,000 lumen LED security light with a wide detection arc. A motion-activated fitting greets residents arriving home, deters anyone approaching after dark, and supports any CCTV cameras covering the front of the property.
Side paths and back gardens
Side paths and back gardens are common entry points for opportunistic intruders and benefit most from PIR motion sensors set to a narrow detection arc. A 1,500 to 2,500 lumen security light mounted under the eaves provides clear coverage without spilling light into neighbouring properties.
Installation should be carried out by a licensed electrician in accordance with New Zealand wiring regulations.
Frequently asked questions about security lights
What is home security lighting?
Home security lighting is exterior lighting designed to illuminate vulnerable zones around a property, deter intruders, and support safe movement after dark. Most home security lights use motion sensors or dusk-to-dawn controls to switch on automatically. Common positions include front and back doors, garages, driveways, side paths, and rear fence lines.
Are security lights a good deterrent?
Yes. Security lights are a proven deterrent to opportunistic crime. Sudden bright illumination removes the cover of darkness that intruders rely on, draws attention from neighbours and passers-by, and signals that the property is monitored. Security lighting works most effectively when paired with secure locks, visible CCTV cameras, and clear sightlines around the home.
What kind of light is best for security?
LED security lights deliver the strongest performance for residential and commercial use. LED fittings produce 1,500 to 5,000 lumens of bright, instant-on light, use roughly 80 percent less energy than halogen alternatives, and last 25,000 to 50,000 hours. A 4000K to 5000K colour temperature gives crisp, clear coverage that supports both human vision and CCTV camera footage at night.
What should you look for when buying a security light?
Look for five core specifications when buying a security light: lumen output matched to the area, an IP65 rating or higher, a reliable PIR or microwave motion sensor, an adjustable detection range, and corrosion-resistant housing for NZ coastal and high-humidity conditions. Adjustable lamp heads and sensor sensitivity controls are also useful for fine-tuning coverage.
Do you need an electrician to fit a security light?
Yes it is recommended. Hardwired security light installation must be carried out by a licensed electrician in accordance with New Zealand wiring regulations. Working with mains power on an exterior wall is a regulated electrical task in New Zealand. A qualified electrician will also confirm the IP rating matches the location and that the sensor coverage is set correctly for the property.
