11-28 IES LIGHTING HANDBOOK

PROTECTIVE LIGHTING
Protective lighting is used by industry as an aid in the prevention of
accident, theft, and sabotage. In many instances, it may reduce fire
risk and provide useful illumination for outdoor work at night. The most
effective aid to persons intending malicious property damage is darkness,
and it is the object of protective lighting to eliminate this ally of the in-
truder. An American War Standard, Protective Lighting for Industrial
Properties (A-85-1942),* discusses the subject rather completely.
There are two basic systems of protective lighting which may be used.
Frequently, the most practical and effective solution involves a combination
of both.
The first method is to light the boundary approaches or fence lines.
This method should be used only where the property is served by a sub-
stantial guard corps. The second method involves the lighting of large
areas and applies particularly to those cases where buildings account for
a relatively small part of the total property area. In such cases, boundary
areas and fences, areas between buildings, vulnerable locations, and general
yard areas should be illuminated. (See Fig. 11-21.)
Searchlights operated by guards are useful for protection and they should
be employed with either system. They permit illumination of areas under
suspicion and can supplement existing lighting at any given point at times
of emergency.
Protective lighting, to be effective, should:
1. Discourage or deter attempts at entry by intruders. This may be ac-
complished by providing illumination in such a manner that a potential
intruder will believe detection inevitable. Although lighting is an effec-
tive tool it should not be used alone. It should be employed with other
measures such as fixed or patrolling guards, fences, alarms, etc. Glare
alone should not be relied upon to keep the intruder away. He may be
able to shield his eyes enough to effect an entrance.
2. Make detection certain should entry be effected. Protective lighting
measures should not be confined merely to border areas unless a substantial
guard is maintained.
3. Avoid glare in the eyes
of
the guard. In every possible manner, use
light to aid the vision of the guard and hinder the vision of the intruder.
4. Provide complete reliability. Wiring and controls should be arranged
for complete reliability. The lighting layout should be designed so that
failure of a single lamp will not leave a dark spot vulnerable to entry.
5. Provide adequate illumination. The amount of light required depends
upon the accessibility and vulnerability of the property. Table 11-13
includes recommended levels for various locations.
*
Obtainable from the American Standards Association, New York.