Crown Security - Security & Safety Systems In Joondalup

Do Infrared Floodlights Assist With CCTV Night Vision Capabilities?

CCTV cameras are a crucial component of both domestic and commercial security systems but capturing quality footage in low light conditions can be a challenge.

One solution is to add more visible lighting, but many people don’t want bright, power-hungry lights on all night around their home or business premises.   

Luckily, there are alternatives. 

Many CCTV cameras come with built-in infrared LED lighting which illuminates the area directly in front of the device, but these are often insufficiently powerful and don’t extend very far.  What’s more, the coverage isn’t always even.  

By enhancing your CCTV camera system with quality standalone infrared lights, you can be sure that any unwanted guests will be clearly visible on camera - even if they’re lurking in the darkest corners.   

Infrared lights give you the peace-of-mind that intruders can’t elude the CCTV cameras just because it’s night time.  

Intruders may think they are under cover of darkness, but because infrared lights are so powerful and so effective, the high resolution footage will be crystal clear even when the night is pitch-black.  Best of all, you won’t have to put up with any annoying bright spotlights which can make a property look like a Christmas tree.

Intruders will also have no idea whether the infrared lighting is working or not.  That’s because infrared lighting is invisible to the human eye which makes them a discreet yet highly effective source of light for your CCTV cameras.  What’s more, they consume very little electrical power whilst providing a more extended range than white light, so you get the benefit of better efficiencies and reduced energy costs whilst significantly improving your safety and security. 

Infrared lights come in a range of configurations (such as wide angle, narrow beam, long-range etc) to suit any application.  You do however, need to specify the correct illuminator so that you don’t ‘waste’ any light on areas which aren’t covered by the camera lens.  Plus you need to position the lighting correctly to avoid any shadows or image bleaching.  It’s also important to ensure that your CCTV cameras can cope with the extended range of the IR illumination and you may need to upgrade your standard lenses to infrared-corrected ones.  

An infrared illuminator with a standard 850nm wavelength is sufficient for most CCTV applications, but the light source does emit a faint red glow.  If you want the light source to be completely invisible to the naked eye (such as applications where it cannot be interpreted as any kind of signal or where surveillance has to be totally discreet), then you need a 940nm wavelength.  However, be aware that only a few CCTV cameras are sensitive to this wavelength plus its illumination range is between 30 and 40% shorter than the 850nm wavelength.

Here are some simple tips when using infrared floodlights:

  • Avoid pointing the light at vegetation as it will absorb the radiation and make it difficult for the light to reach the target. 
  • Choose the right lens for your CCTV cameras
  • Specify the right illuminator.  Choose one with the appropriate power rating and beam angle for your particular needs.  For example, a long-range illuminator with a narrow beam angle is great for driveways or outbuildings, whilst a lower power consumption unit with an ultra wide beam angle is great for wider areas such as a backyard.  
  • You may want to consider products that are vandal-resistant.
  • A combination of white light and infrared lighting may be the best solution for deterring intruders and protecting a property, but avoid creating light ‘pollution’ with too many lights.
In summary, an infrared floodlight is a reliable, economical and highly effective solution for optimum night surveillance and there are plenty of different options to choose from. 

A professional security company such as Crown Security has the experience and expertise to help you make wise decisions about safety and security - decisions which won’t cost the earth but which will provide you with total peace-of-mind that your property, your assets and your loved ones are protected 24/7. 

Crown Security is recognised as one of the leading providers of commercial security solutions and home alarms in Perth and they have all the answers with regards to infrared lighting and CCTV cameras.  They carry an extensive range of quality yet affordable products and all their technicians are fully licensed with decades of industry experience.  Find them at www.crownsecurity.com.au or call them on 08 9400 6000 for an obligation-free, friendly chat about your Perth security needs.

Crown Security - Security & Safety Systems In Joondalup
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