Security Lighting and CPTED Flashcards

According to ASIS and IES (Illuminating Engineering Society) guidelines, what is the minimum recommended horizontal illuminance level (in foot-candles) for a security perimeter fence line?

Answer: 0.5 foot-candles

IES RP-33 (Lighting for Exterior Environments) recommends a minimum of 0.5 foot-candles (5.4 lux) for perimeter fence lines to support security patrol and camera surveillance functions.

What type of security lighting provides continuous, even illumination at night specifically designed to reveal intruders against a lighted background — even if the intruder attempts to extinguish individual lights?

Answer: Continuous lighting

Continuous lighting provides steady, even illumination throughout a protected area all night, making intruders visible regardless of their attempts to use darkness as cover.

In CPTED principles, what does 'territorial reinforcement' mean and how is it applied?

Answer: Using design features to create a sense of ownership and legitimate use that deters potential offenders

Territorial reinforcement uses design elements (landscaping, walkways, signage, lighting) to distinguish private from public space, creating a psychological sense that the area is owned and monitored.

Which lighting technology offers the BEST combination of energy efficiency, long lifespan, and instant-on capability for security applications, replacing older HID and fluorescent systems?

Answer: LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting

LED lighting offers 50,000-100,000+ hour lifespan, 60-80% energy savings over HID, instant full-brightness activation, and superior color rendering for camera performance.

What is 'glare projection' (or controlled lighting) in perimeter security lighting design?

Answer: Using floodlights aimed outward to blind potential intruders approaching the perimeter

Glare projection lighting aims bright lights outward from the perimeter to temporarily blind approaching intruders while keeping guards in relative darkness, giving defenders a tactical advantage.

According to CPTED principles, what is the recommended maximum height for foundation plantings (shrubs) near building entry points?

Answer: 4 feet (1.2m) maximum

CPTED guidelines typically recommend shrubs near entries remain below 4 feet (1.2m) so they cannot provide concealment for a crouching person while still providing aesthetic landscaping.