The primary purpose of this publication is to establish guidelines for the design and implementation of security lighting.* It addresses security illumination but does not give advice on construction practices. The objective is to provide guidance for designing security lighting systems for new facilities and for evaluating existing facilities and systems. This publication is intended for the use of property owners and managers, crime prevention specialists, law enforcement and security professionals, risk managers, lighting specifiers, contractors, the legal profession, and homeowners who are concerned about security and the prevention of crime. Crime, its prevention, and the application of lighting to help minimize criminal activity, are considered in a less technical and user-friendly manner for the benefit of property owners, but illuminating engineers, architects and other professionals should find the concepts useful to review with their clients.

The primary measurement references throughout this document are metric, with the English equivalent in parenthesis. For example, 1.5 meters will be displayed as 1.5 m (5 ft), and 100 lux will be displayed as 100 lux (10 fc). These conversions are approximate, but considered sufficiently accurate in this context.

In this publication will be found a discussion of basic security principles, illuminance requirements for various types of properties, a protocol for evaluating current lighting levels for different security applications, and security survey and crime search methodology. The guidelines are based on consensus among members of the IESNA Security Lighting committee and other security experts.

Suggestions are given for exterior and interior security lighting practices for the reasonable protection of persons and property. This document also promotes a concept of best practice, which takes into account the following lighting design issues:

• Economics (including cost, maintenance and operational costs)

• Environmental issues (including light pollution, light trespass and the adverse effects of light on animals and plants)

• Municipal lighting ordinances, by-laws or codes

• Energy conservation, and maintenance requirements

Minimum guidelines for the safe movement of persons and equipment and for performing specific tasks can be found in other IESNA publications. This document is intended to provide specific guidelines where it has been determined that security is an issue, and where security is an important determining factor in the design or retrofit of a given property.

Note that throughout this guideline the phrase when security is an issue is used to differentiate the lighting design suggestions presented herein from those contained in other IESNA publications. While these other publications may make reference to security, in G-1 it is the only issue. Note too that when security is an issue, not only lighting, but all measures and system components are increased and/or strengthened; for example, personnel, surveillance, gates, locks, and fences.

Security lighting, as part of a well-balanced security plan, should have the following objectives:

1. Provide a clear view of an area from a distance and enable anyone moving in or immediately around it to be easily seen

2. Deny potential hiding spaces adjacent to frequently traveled foot routes

3. Permit facial identification at distance of at least 9 m (30 ft), and create the perception of being identifiable

4. Facilitate the proper use of other security devices available on the property

5. Deter crime against persons or property

6. Enhance the public's feeling of comfort in accessing spaces and increase night-time pedestrian traffic.

* Note the distinction made in this document between security lighting and lighting for safety. Security lighting is intended to protect people and property from criminal activities. Lighting for safety is intended to provide safe working conditions, safe passage and identification of hazards or obstructions.