PSP Security Lighting and CPTED

Question 1

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?

Accepted Answer

0.5 foot-candles

Answer

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.

Question 2

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?

Accepted Answer

Continuous lighting

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

Question 4

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?

Accepted Answer

LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting

Answer

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.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Using floodlights aimed outward to blind potential intruders approaching the perimeter

Answer

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.

PSP - Physical Security Professional Practice Test

PSP - Physical Security Professional Practice Test

PSP Security Lighting and CPTED