Security Lighting and CPTED Flashcards

Which security lighting type activates only when a sensor detects movement, and what is its PRIMARY limitation in a high-security application?

Answer: Motion-activated (standby) lighting; an intruder can observe the detection zone boundary and avoid it

Motion-activated standby lighting reveals the exact boundaries of the sensor's detection zone to a patient observer, allowing intruders to map and avoid triggering the lights.

A security consultant is assessing an industrial facility and notes that bright security lights illuminate the parking lot but cast deep shadows behind large equipment stored near the perimeter fence. What term describes this lighting problem?

Answer: Shadow pooling / contrast shadow effect

Shadow pooling occurs when bright direct lighting creates deep, dark shadows behind objects, providing concealment opportunities that outweigh the benefits of the bright areas.

In a CPTED second-generation (2nd Gen) assessment, what factor is evaluated in addition to the physical design elements assessed in 1st Gen CPTED?

Answer: Social dynamics, community cohesion, and the human behavioral dimension of space use

2nd Gen CPTED expands beyond physical design to include social dimensions — community programs, social cohesion, and behavioral norms that affect whether physical CPTED measures are effective.

According to IES standards, what is the recommended Color Rendering Index (CRI) minimum for security lighting where human identification and camera performance are important?

Answer: CRI ≥ 80

IES recommends a minimum CRI of 80 for security applications where facial identification and camera color accuracy are required, as lower CRI distorts colors making identification harder.

What is the CPTED concept of 'activity support' and how does it improve security?

Answer: Programming legitimate activities and uses into spaces to increase natural surveillance through user presence

Activity support programs legitimate uses (benches, food carts, exercise areas) into otherwise empty or underused spaces to generate regular foot traffic, increasing natural surveillance and deterring crime.

A PSP candidate is asked to recommend security lighting for a vehicle inspection gate that operates 24 hours. The design must allow guards to see inside vehicles and also read license plates at night. What illuminance level is typically recommended?

Answer: 20-50 foot-candles (215-540 lux)

Vehicle inspection areas require 20-50 foot-candles (per IES RP-33) to enable guards to see inside vehicles, read documents, and for cameras to capture legible license plates at night.