Security lights

[Amadeus]

I'm looking to get a couple of motion-detecting security lights for my new house (move in a couple of weeks).

I've been looking around and there seem to be a number of considerations - metal or plastic, halogen or LED.
My electrician said that he would prefer metal, and LED is expensive (and I assume not as bright and I want them bright). Having said that, if I don't have to get up a ladder every now and again to change a bulb (I'm scared of heights), I could live with the additional cost of LED.

So, anyone recommend a manufacturer (or even a model), and a manufacturer to avoid?

Many thanks

[yorkie_chris]

LED not as bright?

Depends on the LED...
60W of LED:
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff53/Packhorse/Lights/trisphericalbeam.jpg

[Amadeus]

LED not as bright?

Depends on the LED...
60W of LED:
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff53/Packhorse/Lights/trisphericalbeam.jpg

Ok, that looks ok. Do you know if they do the batman logo as an extra? :-)

Will look at 60w led.

Thanks

[yorkie_chris]

That is a custom torch, but just to show where modern LED's are, a far shout beyond the little glow worms that don't light owt up.

Look for the ones with few single LED's inside, they look like little yellow squares (the "dies"), rather than the ones with 50+ small LED's ganged together.

[embee]

You don't have to use integrated ones. You can use a stand alone PIR detector and then choose whatever type of light fitting you wish. This can give you more flexibility.

I have a stand-alone PIR outside connected to a light inside the house. It tells me when someone comes onto the drive and might give more of an impression of occupancy (maybe?).

Just check that the PIR is suitable for switching different types of load (most are these days, early ones didn't like fluorescents sometimes).

If you're bothered about power/energy costs, I have a low energy 26W flouro flood for my back garden, "warm-up" takes a short time but it's pretty bright straight away and coverage is excellent. Like this (http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Lighting_External_Index/Lighting_Floodlight_Index/Floodlights_Smartflood/index.html#Floodlights_Smartflood), similar things available elsewhere (Screwfix etc). Not really intended for short burst use, but it'll do it. Mine (from that link) is polycarb/stainless steel and very nice quality.

Look further down that link page for LED versions, I've had stuff from TLC-direct and been very happy with them as a supplier (no connection).

[Amadeus]

Great info - thanks chapa

[Amadeus]

Lookign at some Steinel non-LED devices (from TLC direct - I'd come across them in my random Google searching but good to hear that at least one person has foudn them to be ok), will wait for the LED devices to come down in prices a bit!

thanks for the info guys - mch appreciated.