Effective perimeter protection requires more than just fences, cameras or sensors. The right lighting plays a crucial role in reliably supporting security systems in critical areas. Raytec, a manufacturer of LED lighting solutions for security applications, emphasises the importance of suitable lighting technology and recommends planning lighting as an integral part of a perimeter protection system.
Infrared vs. white light: choosing the right light
Infrared (IR) lighting is primarily used for perimeter security. IR light allows for discreet surveillance at night without potential intruders noticing the cameras. It prevents light pollution while still providing high-quality images for security recordings.
White light is used specifically to deter intruders or to make them visible for clear identification. Automated activation when an alarm is triggered ensures that white light is only used when necessary, minimising light pollution while maintaining a high standard of security.
Hybrid solutions that combine IR and white light offer maximum flexibility. They enable both covert surveillance and deterrence with a single device and allow seamless switching between light types.
Range, image quality and efficiency
A perimeter can cover large areas, so range and illumination are crucial criteria when selecting a lighting device. High-performance illuminators not only enable cost-effective coverage, but also optimise the image quality of the cameras.
Longer ranges can reduce the number of lamps required, thereby lowering installation costs for lighting columns, cables or additional cameras. At the same time, they improve image sharpness, which is crucial for the work of cameras with video analysis.
Integration into hardware and software
For modern perimeter applications, illuminators should be IP-enabled and can be automatically linked to sensors such as PIR motion detectors, laser or fibre optic sensors. If motion is detected, the system can activate white light to enable identification or switch the lamps to deterrent mode.
In addition, integration into security management systems such as Milestone XProtect is important. This allows light reactions to be controlled centrally and alarms from different detection systems to be triggered automatically.
Significance for camera analytics
Video analytics cameras require constant, sufficiently bright lighting to deliver reliable results. Inconsistent lighting or insufficient light intensity leads to noisy images, which impairs analytics and causes false alarms. Modern illuminators avoid hotspots and ensure uniform illumination across the entire field of view.
Lighting design as a key factor
Raytec emphasises that lighting design is an indispensable part of perimeter security. A well-thought-out lighting concept ensures that all relevant areas are optimally illuminated, supports camera performance and serves as an important reference document for installers during installation and commissioning.
Conclusion: The selection and integration of lighting systems is just as important for perimeter protection as the selection of cameras or sensors. Modern LED illuminators that combine IR and white light can be flexibly controlled, improve image quality and play a decisive role in detecting and deterring intruders and efficiently handling security incidents.If you wish, I can also create a compact version of this technical article as a guide for planners and security managers, summarising the most important points and directly applicable to perimeter protection projects. Would you like me to do that?
