How much does security lighting cost to install in the UK? This guide covers typical prices from £100 to £600, PIR floodlights, dusk-to-dawn lights, CCTV power supply, IP ratings, SWA cable routes, and planning permission considerations.
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Security lighting is one of the most effective and affordable home security measures. A well-positioned PIR floodlight deters intruders, illuminates paths and driveways for safety, and is visible confirmation that a property is protected. For electricians, it is reliable bread-and-butter work with quick turnaround and good margins.
A typical security light installation costs £100 to £600 depending on the type of fitting, the cable route, and how many lights are being installed. A simple single-light installation is at the lower end; a multi-light perimeter system with SWA cable runs is at the higher end.
This guide covers the costs, fitting types, IP ratings, cable selection, and regulatory considerations for domestic security lighting installations in the UK.
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The following table shows typical costs for security lighting installation in the UK. All prices include materials and labour unless stated otherwise.
Like-for-like replacement
Replace existing PIR floodlight, reuse existing cable
£80 – £120
New single PIR floodlight
Cable run from junction box or consumer unit, mounting, testing
£150 – £250
3–4 PIR floodlights on one circuit
Perimeter lighting, cabled from consumer unit
£300 – £600
Dusk-to-dawn path/driveway lights
2–3 bollard or wall lights with photocell, SWA cable
£300 – £500
CCTV power supply (per camera)
Fused spur or PoE switch, cable run to camera position
£80 – £200
LED PIR floodlight (materials only)
10W from £13, 20W from £21, 30W from £30, 50W from £40 trade price
£13 – £56
Material costs for LED security lighting are low. A 10W LED PIR floodlight costs approximately £13 at trade price, a 20W PIR floodlight approximately £21, and a 30W PIR floodlight approximately £30. The 50W PIR floodlight (for larger areas) costs approximately £56. The majority of the installation cost is labour for cable routing, mounting, connection, and testing.
PIR (passive infrared) floodlights are the standard choice for domestic security lighting. The PIR sensor detects heat from moving objects (people, vehicles, animals) and activates the floodlight for a preset duration:
When positioning PIR floodlights, consider the approach routes to the property. The PIR sensor should face the direction of approach so that the intruder walks across the sensor field (side-on detection is more reliable than head-on). Mount the light at 2 to 3 metres height for optimal PIR performance and to make the light difficult to tamper with.
Dusk-to-dawn lights use an integrated photocell to switch on automatically at sunset and off at sunrise. They provide continuous low-level illumination throughout the hours of darkness, making them ideal for:
Bollard lights or low-level wall lights along a driveway or garden path provide safe passage for residents and visitors. The continuous illumination also deters opportunistic intruders by eliminating dark hiding spots. LED bollard lights with photocells cost £30 to £80 each at trade price. Running costs are minimal — a 5W LED bollard running for 12 hours costs approximately 1p per night.
A dusk-to-dawn wall light at the front door provides welcoming illumination and security. A dusk-to-dawn night light pack (trade price from approximately £15 for a 2-pack) provides low-cost ambient lighting for porches and entrance halls. For a more substantial fitting, a coach light or lantern with an integrated photocell costs £20 to £60 at trade price.
Dusk-to-dawn lights can be combined with PIR floodlights for a layered security approach — the dusk-to-dawn lights provide constant low-level illumination while the PIR floodlights activate at full brightness on detecting movement.
Security lighting installations often include provision for CCTV cameras. Electricians are increasingly asked to install the power and data cabling for CCTV as part of a security lighting package:
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All external security lighting and associated wiring must be suitable for the outdoor environment:
Planning permission is not normally required for domestic security lighting. However, there are important considerations:
The Institution of Lighting Professionals (ILP) publishes guidance document GN01 "Guidance Notes for the Reduction of Obtrusive Light" which provides recommendations for domestic lighting installations. Following this guidance demonstrates good practice and helps avoid disputes.
Security lighting is quick, profitable work that often leads to additional jobs. A homeowner requesting a PIR floodlight may also want CCTV preparation, garden lighting, an outdoor socket, or a consumer unit upgrade. Always survey the full requirement before quoting.
Size cables for security lighting circuits with the cable sizing calculator. Check voltage drop on long SWA runs to remote lights.
Price security lighting installations with Elec-Mate's quoting app. PIR floodlights, SWA cable, RCBO, glands, fixings, CCTV preparation, labour, and testing — all itemised with your margins. Send a professional PDF quote from the survey.
Complete the Minor Works Certificate on site after testing the security lighting circuit. Instant PDF export and digital delivery to the homeowner.
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