How does security lighting installation cost? If you are planning to install security lights within the perimeters of your home or property, this may be the first question that pops into your mind.
The presence of security lighting is crucial for home and property security. It doesn’t just discourage potential intruders but also offers comfort and safety for residents and visitors by lighting up dark areas around a property. When contemplating the installation of security lighting, one of the initial questions homeowners raise is, “What is the price of installing security lights?” The answer is not always simple as it relies on various factors, which we will delve into in this article.
With so many options available, it’s important to note that not all of them are suitable for your property. Considering several elements, it is impossible to know the exact cost of setting up security lighting if you’re unaware of what to consider. As a result, let’s provide the specifics and analyze the security lighting installation cost based on the factors that influence the overall price.
How Much Does Security Lighting Installation Cost?
The typical security lighting installation cost is approximately $425 when installed for the first time. Nevertheless, the cost can vary between $350 and $500 based on factors such as the type of motion-sensor light, the installation’s ease of access, and the specific kind of motion-sensor light.
Security Lighting Installation Cost According to Types
There are various kinds of security lights, ranging from decorative to those that also function as security cameras, and each type has its own security lighting installation cost.
Cost of Outdoor Security Spotlight Installation
Security Lighting Installation Cost and Price – Outdoor Security Spotlight Installation
Outdoor security spotlight project beams in a single direction, similar to the kind of spotlight used in a play or show. The average price of a spotlight is approximately $30, which comes to around $200 after including installation costs. Depending on the size and brightness of the light, you may spend anywhere from $15 to $65 for the light itself and $50 to $250 for installation.
Rather than being narrowly focused and illuminating a small area, these spotlights tend to spread out more and light up a specific direction. These lights are useful for areas of the home with limited visibility from the front, such as the side of the house near the garage or trash cans.
Cost of Security Floodlight Installation
Security Lighting Installation Cost and Price – Security Floodlight Installation
Security floodlights can cost anywhere from $20 to $400, while the total cost after installation ranges from $250 to $600. Most people consider floodlights as the traditional type of security outdoor lights. These lights are actually a combination of smaller lights pointed in various directions, illuminating a much larger area than spotlights.
Motion-Activated Security Light Installation Cost
Security Lighting Installation Cost and Price – Motion-Activated Security Lighting Installation Cost
Motion-activated security lights operate when they sense motions or movements within the area. There are many options for motion-activated security lights available that blend in nicely with other outdoor lighting fixtures. On average, anticipate paying around $40 to $110 for just the light and around $250 to $350 including labor. The main difference between motion sensor security lights and other floodlights is that they may not be as bright.
Smart Security Light Installation Price
Two of the best ways to enhance the security of your home are by installing outdoor lighting and security cameras. Smart security lights combine these two security features into one. You can expect to spend about $100 to $300 per light. Considering installation, the final cost ranges from around $200 to $500.
These smart lights will also send you notifications based on your preferences, from every time the lights are triggered to only when the camera detects activity.
Factors Influencing Security Lighting Installation Cost
Similar to pendant light installation cost, the exact security lighting installation cost on your property depends on other factors, such as the type of light fixture, labor cost, size of your property, power source, and other upgrades and security features.
Type of Security Light
Although you might be familiar with LED and incandescent bulbs, there are many other types of bulbs available. Depending on the type of bulb you choose, the cost of your security light will increase or decrease accordingly.
Common bulb types for security lights include (security lighting installation cost):
Fluorescent: $2-$15
Halogen: $3-$12
Compact fluorescent lights (CFL): $3-$15
LED: $5-$50
High-intensity discharge (HID): $10-$30
Labor Cost – Security Lighting Installation Cost
In addition to the initial cost of purchasing the security lighting system, the fees charged by the electrician for their services will also impact the total cost. Electricians usually charge by the hour, and the fees vary depending on your location and the complexity of the installation. Generally, labor cost for security light installation ranges from $50 to $200 per hour.
Property Size and Coverage
The size of your property is a determining factor in the security light installation cost. This takes into account the area you want to cover and the number of lights you will require. A larger area with more lights will result in higher costs, while a smaller space with fewer lights will likely cost less.
Certain parts of the house pose unique challenges for security light installation, potentially leading to higher costs.
Security lighting installation cost is increased if the property size & coverage increases.
Rooflines and Second Stories: Installing lights at high points on the corners of rooflines or second stories requires additional effort, specialized ladders or scaffolding, and extra safety measures. This will increase the installation cost due to the time and risk involved.
Dense Landscape Areas: Areas with dense landscaping, such as trees and shrubs, can complicate installation. The installation team may need to trim or remove parts of the landscaping to ensure the lights have clear coverage and are accessible for future maintenance.
Hard-To-Reach Areas: Some areas of the house, such as garages, sheds, or other outbuildings, are difficult to reach due to their location or the terrain around them. They may require additional staff or special equipment to complete the installation.
Areas with No Existing Wiring: Areas without outdoor wiring, such as a newly-built patio or pool area, will be more time-consuming and costly to fit with security lights. Electricians must run new wiring from the electrical panel to these areas, often involving drilling holes, running conduits, and patching walls.
Historic or Custom Homes: Historic or custom homes present unique challenges due to their distinct architecture, older electrical systems, or special preservation requirements. Therefore, the installation process will not be straightforward and may require additional time, expertise, and materials, leading to increased installation costs.
Power Source – Security Lighting Installation Cost
There are three main types of power sources available: hardwired power delivery, battery-powered, and solar-powered. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and you should consider factors, such as maintenance preferences and the specific location where you want the security light.
Here’s a brief overview of the costs associated with each power source:
Hardwired: $15-$200 per light
Battery-powered: $20-$100 per light
Solar-powered: $25-$300 per light
Upgrades and Special Features
Do you want to make sure your dog doesn’t trigger the lights when they go out for a bathroom break? Or perhaps you want the option to turn on the light and adjust the settings as needed. Regardless of the special feature, it will add to the overall costs.
Expect to pay the following prices for upgrades:
Pet sensitivity: extra $15-$40
Floodlight arcs: extra $50-$100
Custom settings: extra $50-$200
Cost for Maintaining Security Lighting
While it’s important to focus on the initial security lighting installation cost, it’s also crucial to take into account the ongoing maintenance costs for your lighting fixtures. This encompasses the expense of replacing bulbs, repairing or substituting damaged fixtures, and conducting regular inspections to ensure that the lights are functioning properly.
This security lighting installation cost accumulates over time depending on the type of lighting you select. For example, halogen lights have shorter lifespans and may necessitate more frequent bulb replacements, while LED lights have longer lifespans but generally incur higher repair or replacement costs.
To answer the question, the cost of maintaining security lights in the US typically ranges from $25 to several hundred dollars per year, depending on the extent of maintenance and repairs required. This includes routine inspections, cleaning, bulb replacements, and any necessary electrical repairs.
DIY vs. Professional Security Light Installation
When considering the installation of security lighting, opting for professional services over a DIY approach can ensure higher quality, reliability, and compliance with local electrical codes.
Professional installers bring specialized expertise and experience to the task, which is crucial in setting up a system that covers all critical areas of a property without creating excessive light pollution or electrical hazards. They are equipped to handle a variety of installation environments and can recommend the best fixtures, including landscape lighting or smoke detectors, for example, and strategic placement that DIY enthusiasts might not be aware of. This expertise also extends to integrating security lights with existing home security systems, ensuring a cohesive and functional setup.
Moreover, professional installation often comes with warranties and guarantees that DIY installations do not offer. This can provide homeowners with peace of mind, knowing that any malfunctions or issues with the installation will be handled without additional costs.
Safety is another significant advantage, as working with electrical systems can pose serious risks. Professional installers are trained to manage these risks effectively, ensuring that all installations are safe and secure. In the long run, the initial higher cost of professional installation can prove to be a more cost-effective solution due to the durability and effectiveness of the professionally installed lights, minimizing the need for frequent repairs or adjustments that might be necessary with less expert installations.
Frequently Asked Questions - Security Lighting Installation Cost
Different types of security lights include motion-activated lights, floodlights, and solar-powered lights. Motion-activated lights are energy-efficient and only light up when they detect movement, making them ideal for deterring intruders. Floodlights provide broad illumination and are suitable for lighting up larger areas such as driveways and backyards. Solar-powered lights are environmentally friendly and cost-effective since they rely on solar energy.
Security lights should be placed in strategic locations to maximize their effectiveness. Key areas to consider include all entry points (doors and windows), pathways, and driveways. Ensure that the lights are installed at a height that prevents tampering but is low enough to effectively illuminate the ground and surrounding areas. Avoid placing lights in a way that could cause glare or blind spots, which can actually help intruders hide more effectively.
While DIY installation can be a cost-effective option for those with electrical experience, hiring a professional is advisable for most homeowners. Professional installation ensures that the setup is safe, compliant with local building codes, and optimized for coverage and efficiency. Professionals can also provide valuable advice on the best types of lights and their placement to enhance your home’s security.
Regular maintenance of security lights is crucial to ensure they function properly when needed. Check and clean the light fixtures periodically to remove any dirt or debris that could impair illumination. Replace bulbs as needed, especially if you notice dimming or flickering. For systems integrated with sensors or connected to smart home systems, periodic checks to ensure all components are communicating correctly are essential. Consider setting a maintenance schedule to routinely check these aspects.
