How Many Lumens Do Outdoor Security Lights Need?

If you’re planning to install LED floodlights, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how many lumens you need based on the size of the area you want to illuminate, and how to select the most suitable outdoor lighting solution for your specific application.

What Are Lumens?

Lumens (lm) measure the total amount of visible light emitted by a light source per second. Simply put, lumens indicate brightness—the higher the lumen rating, the brighter the light output. Understanding lumens also allows you to better evaluate lighting efficiency, especially when considered alongside power consumption measured in watts (W).

Choosing the correct lumen level is essential for properly illuminating different outdoor spaces. That’s why knowing how to accurately calculate your required lumens is a key step in achieving effective, efficient lighting—something we’ll cover in detail later in this guide.

How many lumens is recommended for outdoor security lighting?

So, how many lumens for outdoor security lighting? We’ve created the table below to help:

What Is a Good Wattage for Outdoor Security Lights?

Wattage refers to the amount of power a lighting fixture consumes. For outdoor security lighting, the ideal wattage for LED floodlights typically ranges from 30W to 100W, depending on the specific application and the size of the area you need to illuminate. Larger spaces require higher wattages, while smaller residential areas can often be effectively lit with lower-power fixtures.

This is where LED lighting truly stands out.

LED floodlights are an excellent choice for outdoor security applications thanks to their low energy consumption, high efficiency, and long service life—especially when compared to traditional lighting technologies such as halogen or fluorescent lamps. For example, a 30W LED floodlight can deliver the same brightness as a 300W halogen floodlight, while using only a fraction of the electricity.

Are Watts and Lumens the Same Thing?

Watts and lumens are often confused, but they measure two completely different things. Watts indicate electrical power consumption, while lumens measure actual light output (brightness). The confusion largely stems from older lighting technologies, where higher wattage generally meant brighter light. As a result, people used to choose bulbs based on wattage alone.

However, with modern LED technology, brightness is no longer tied directly to power usage. Instead, lighting performance is measured in lumens per watt (lm/W), which reflects how efficiently a light converts electricity into visible light.

That's why when selecting outdoor security lighting today, you should always focus on the lumen output listed on the label—not just the wattage. This ensures you get the right level of brightness without unnecessary energy consumption.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Outdoor Lighting

When choosing outdoor lighting, there are several important factors to consider:

Area size – Larger and wider areas require more lumens to effectively illuminate the space. Smaller areas will need less light output.

Purpose – The purpose of your outdoor lighting will affect the type of fixture you choose. Is the lighting mainly for security, or simply to brighten and enhance an area?

Location – Consider whether you need to illuminate secluded areas, high-traffic areas, or both. Different locations will have different lighting needs.

Power source – Think about how your outdoor lighting fixtures will be powered. They must be connected to a suitable power source, which requires proper planning in advance.

Colour – Outdoor lighting is available in different colours, most commonly warm white and cool white, while RGB colour options are also available.

Lumens & Outdoor Security Lighting FAQs

How do I calculate the lumens I need?

A general rule of thumb for calculating the required lumens is to use the following formula:
Area (square feet) × Foot-candles (measure of illuminance)
For example: 120 square feet × 10 foot-candles = 1200 lumens.

How bright should my outdoor security light be?

The required lumens depend on the type of outdoor lighting you want. In general, outdoor security lights should be at least 700 lumens. However, this can vary based on factors such as area size and the purpose of the lighting.

Is professional installation necessary?

While it is possible to install outdoor security lighting yourself, professional installation is recommended to ensure the job is done safely, efficiently, and correctly. This reduces the risk of errors and allows you to enjoy your lighting sooner.

How often should I replace my outdoor security lights?

Choosing LED outdoor lighting solutions means you benefit from long-lasting performance and less frequent replacements compared to other lighting types. Outdoor LEDs can last up to 50,000 hours, although wear and tear and harsh weather conditions may affect their lifespan.

What is the difference between watts and lumens?

Watts measure the amount of power used, while lumens measure the amount of light emitted by a light source. Both values can be considered when choosing outdoor lighting to determine if it meets your needs.

Do I need to maintain my outdoor security lights?

LED lights require very little maintenance, but regular cleaning and basic upkeep can help extend their lifespan even further. This helps reduce the need for frequent replacements.