SECURITY LIGHTING

Requirements for security lighting at activities will depend upon the situation and the area to be protected. Each situation requires careful study to provide the best visibility that is practical for such guard duties as identifying personnel and vehicles, preventing illegal entry, detecting intruders, and investigating unusual or suspicious circumstances.

The type of security lighting may be either the continuous or the standby type. The continuous type, as the name implies, is on all the time during the hours of darkness. The standby type is activated either manually or automatically when suspicious activity is detected.

SECURITY AREA CLASSIFICATION

The installation of security lighting is set forth in OPNAVINST 5530.14A, United States Navy Physical Security Manual. It provides specifications on searchlights and minimum footcandle requirements under given situations. The illumination of boundaries, entrances, structures, and areas must be according to the security manual.

LIGHTING CONTROL

Each security lighting system is designed to meet a particular activity's needs. The design is such that it provides the security required at maximum economy.

Multiple circuits may be used to advantage here. The circuits are so arranged that the failure of any one lamp will not darken a long section of the area. The protective lighting system should be independent of other lighting systems and protected from interruption in case of fire.

The switches and controls of the system should be locked, and/or guarded at all times. The most effective means is to have them located in a key guard station or central station similar to the system used in intrusion alarm central station installations.

ALTERNATE POWER SOURCES

In general, any security area provided with protective lighting should have an emergency power source located within that security area. The emergency power source should be adequate to sustain all security requirements and other essential service required within the security area.

Provisions should be made to ensure the immediate availability of the emergency power in the event of power failure. Security force personnel should be capable of operating the power unit. If technical knowledge prevents this, plans must provide for responsible personnel to respond immediately in times of emergency. In addition, battery-powered lights and essential communications should be available at all times at key locations within the secure area.