Night Camera
Use Infrared and White LED Lights to Improve Your Camera Security System
This article looks at two lighting types; Infrared and White LED illumination that are extremely useful when surveillance during night hours is a primary focus of the CCTV system. Each illumination type can benefit camera quality and depending on the lighting environment and particular application one lighting technology may be preferred. Manufacturer’s also offer “hybrid” light which combines the two types of lighting and can offer better video performance when used properly for your camera system.
First we will look at infrared lighting. This equipment has been used in video camera systems for many years. Cameras that only produce color cannot detect the infrared light spectrum but B&W cameras can. Today’s CCTV manufacturers offer a camera that is color during the day and B&W at night. They do this by shifting the IR cut filter in the camera. Shifting the IR cut filter allows the camera to see the infrared light produced from the illuminator. Using a “Day/Night” camera combined with an infrared illuminator these cameras can see in almost complete darkness. The human eye cannot see the infrared light so to a future intruder this light in nearly invisible. Using an infrared light is ideal for concealed application or when lighting an area may not be an option.
White LEDs are rather new equipment being used in CCTV camera systems. White LEDs are white light that can be seen just like conventional lights. The white light they produce is visible to both a color camera and the human eyesight. White LED lights offer a number of benefits compared to traditional lighting systems.
1. Power Consumption - White LEDs use lower voltage and require less power compared to traditional 120, 240 or even 480 Volt outdoor light fixtures. Lower power utilization provides an energy efficient or a “green” result that saves on power expenses.
2. Lower Installation Expenses - Since these light fixtures are low voltage they can be installed by the security camera company at the same time the CCTV cameras are being installed. This leads to a lower cost of the system and a single point of contact for the LED lights and cameras.
3. Integrated Photocell - These lights come with a built-in Photocell that automatically turns the lights on when it gets dark. This further saves on system costs.
White LEDs also offer payback over infrared illumination because they allow the CCTV system to still produce a color image. Color cameras are far superior than B&W ones and can offer far more forensic details. Allowing a Day/Night camera system to remain in its color form will improve the videos worth and provide details that would otherwise be missed by the security system. Visible light and well lit areas are always a crime deterrent so using White LED’s for illumination can provide protection of property and assets.
For the best scenario there are “hybrid” light fixtures. These fixtures have both IR and White LED lights. They work by providing IR light when it is dark and there is no motion. This allows live viewing of the camera by guards or anyone wishing to remote monitor the camera. When motion is detected the White LED lights turn on and the area is lit up. The camera system will produce a color image and can potentially ward off a potential intruder or vandal.
When surveillance during night hours is your goal then exploring the use of these light fixtures is critical to the success of the camera system. Select the lighting type that best suits your cameras system goals and ensure that the cameras work flawlessly with the lighting chosen.
About the Author
Daniel Cogan is the president of Access Security Corp. which is a member of the PSA security network. He has over 15 years experience is the design, installation and servicing of camera systems and specializes in integrated security systems. Access Security is certified in numerous CCTV surveillance systems and provides complete installation and service of security systems.
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