Security Lights South Africa | Motion Sensor Quotes

Security lights deter intruders by lighting up walls, gates and dark corners, either from dusk to dawn or the moment a motion sensor picks up movement. OutdoorLighting.co.za is a free quote service. You fill in one form with your property, the areas you want covered and whether you have CCTV or electric fencing, and we pass it to independent local electricians and security lighting installers, who quote you directly. We do not sell, stock or install anything ourselves, and there is no fee or obligation.

Motion sensors and day/night sensors

Outdoor lighting with a sensor comes in two main types, and many systems use both:

PIR motion sensors detect body heat moving across their field and switch the light on for a set time, typically 30 seconds to a few minutes. Range is usually 8 to 12 m.
Day/night photocells switch lights on at dusk and off at dawn, so the perimeter is always lit.
Dim-plus-motion fittings glow low all night and jump to full brightness when movement is sensed.
Microwave sensors see through thin covers and react faster, but may false-trigger on moving trees.

Placement on perimeter walls

Mount security lights at 2.5 to 4 m so they are hard to reach or tamper with, and aim them along the boundary wall rather than straight out. Light the gate, the driveway, side passages and any blind corners. Overlap the beams so there are no dark gaps where someone could climb over. Flood lights suit large yards, while bulkhead lights and outdoor wall lights work in passages and at doors.

Working with CCTV and electric fencing

Good lighting makes CCTV footage far more useful, but bright lights aimed at a camera cause glare and wash out the picture. Keep lights behind or beside cameras, pointing the same way. Many installers combine lighting with electric fencing and alarm beams, so lights switch on when a zone is triggered. Neutral white around 4000 K gives cameras better colour than very cool light, and steady lighting avoids the flicker some cheap fittings cause on video.

Load-shedding and solar security lights

Mains security lights go dark during load-shedding unless they run from an inverter or backup battery. Security lights with solar panels are a simple alternative for gates and remote corners; see solar flood lights. New wired circuits need a registered electrician and a CoC.

If you already run an inverter, ask the installer to put the outdoor security lighting on the backup circuit; efficient LED fittings draw little power, so a handful of perimeter lights adds only a small load. Keep sensor timers short so the battery is not drained by repeated triggers from pets or traffic.

What to include in your request

List the walls, gates and passages to cover
Choose motion sensor, photocell or both
Mention existing CCTV, alarm or electric fence
Say whether you have an inverter or want solar
Ask whether a CoC is included

Security Lights for different properties

Homes: motion sensor lights on the boundary wall, gate, side passages and back door
Estates and complexes: photocell lights along perimeter walls, guardhouses and electric fence lines
Farms and smallholdings: sensor lights over farmhouse doors, sheds, workshops, fuel tanks and gates
Shops and offices: dusk-to-dawn lighting over shopfronts, loading doors and staff parking with CCTV
Industrial sites: perimeter security lighting along palisade fences, gates and container stacks
Lodges, guesthouses and venues: low-glare sensor lights on lodge paths, guest parking and back-of-house areas
Municipalities, schools and clubs: vandal-resistant security lights at clinics, schools, depots and community halls

Frequently asked questions

Does OutdoorLighting.co.za install security lights?

No. OutdoorLighting.co.za is a free quote service and does not sell, stock or install security lights. We send your request to independent local electricians and security lighting installers, who quote directly with their own prices and terms. There is no fee or obligation.

Should security lights be on all night or on a motion sensor?

Both have a place. Dusk-to-dawn lighting keeps the perimeter visible for cameras and neighbours, while motion sensors startle intruders and save power. Many homes use dim-plus-motion fittings or a mix: photocell lights on the walls and sensors in passages and at the back.

Why do my motion sensor lights keep switching on by themselves?

False triggers are usually caused by moving branches, pets, passing cars, or warm air from vents in the sensor's field. Adjusting the sensitivity, angle and range usually helps. A sensor facing the street will react to traffic, so aim it at your own property.

Can I add sensors to my existing outdoor lights?

Often, yes. A separate PIR or photocell sensor can be wired into the circuit to control existing outdoor lights, or individual fittings can be swapped for sensor models. As this is fixed wiring, a registered electrician should do the work and issue a CoC.

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Security Lights in South Africa

Motion sensors and day/night sensors

Placement on perimeter walls

Working with CCTV and electric fencing

Load-shedding and solar security lights

What to include in your request

Security Lights for different properties

Frequently asked questions

Security Lights by province and city

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