Floodlight Instructions

Home and Garden Tungsten Halogen 'Security' Floodlights - how to use them effectively and safely, and without disturbing neighbours and wildlife.

A Smartflood or Glarebuster energy-saving cutoff security light can pay for itself within a year from savings in reduced running costs. However, if you're already using a cheap halogen security floodlight, you probably aren't getting the best from it, are wasting a lot of money, and are having problems with glare, light trespass and wildlife habitat disturbance.

Here are some tips for best usage of your halogen security floodlight, and remember - go for the lowest wattage that is practical for your needs. 150w will be plenty for most, 300w is rarely needed, and a 500w floodlight is simply far too powerful for normal homes or small offices. If you already have a 500w or 300w light, replace its bulb with one of lower power. Overlighting doesn't improve safety or visibility - it simply creates more glare and wastes even more money.

Download 'Making the Most of your Floodlight' in PDF format (only 55k).

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Making the Most of Your Floodlight

Your floodlight can enhance your sense of security and the convenience of your property if used sensibly. However, a badly aimed floodlight can upset your neighbours through glare, light pollution and light trespass, and can also disturb night-time wildlife. The three steps below can help you get the best from your floodlight, ensuring that it provides safe and beneficial lighting, and can also help reduce running costs too.

1) Keep it down:
Minimise blinding glare and avoid wasted light shining into the sky or neighbouring property by tilting the floodlight down as far as possible. Only the area to be lit should be covered by the beam. Site the floodlight as high as is practical, as this enables less tilt and provides safer, more even lighting that cannot be tampered with by intruders. This can save money too by letting you use a lower wattage bulb - 100w instead of 300w or 500w.

2) Keep it controlled:
A passive infra-red sensor (PIR) connected to your floodlight can help by triggering light only when it's needed, reducing running costs and pollution, as well as alerting you to potential intruders.

Prevent your PIR ‘crying wolf’ by siting it away from heat sources and areas used by straying pets. These can trigger the light accidentally creating an annoyance and costing you money.

3) Keep it off when not needed:
Most PIR sensors can be adjusted to keep the light on for 2 to 20 minutes once triggered. Adjust your PIR to the shortest time that suits your needs.

This will save you money, reduce potential glare problems for neighbours and pedestrians, and allow everyone to enjoy the night sky when the light is off.