2 8 · d e t e k t o r i n t e r n a t i o n a l
2 8 · d e t e k t o r i n t e r n a t i o n a l
Special Feature: Perimeter Surveillance
A high-security site typically uses cameras and other
security devices around the perimeter, requiring high-
quality illumination for effective day and night surveil-
lance. Detektor International interviewed Callum Ryder,
product manager at Raytec, a global leader in LED
lighting for safety and security, about the importance of
lighting for perimeter surveillance.
Vario2 is Raytec's range of LED illuminators designed to enhance the performance of
any security system.
Callum Ryder, product manager at
Raytec.
The importance of using the right
lighting for perimeter surveillance
2 8 · d e t e k t o r i n t e r n a t i o n a l
Editor: Lennart Alexandrie
From private properties to large
critical infrastructure sites, the
types of sites requiring perimeter
protection are wide and varied,
but all tend to have common
security goals, and lighting is
usually an important tool in the
security system.
What is the most common light
type for perimeter surveillance?
"Infrared (IR) illumination is
the most common type of light
used around a perimeter fence
line. IR emits zero light pollu-
tion (so as not to disturb the
surrounding area), but crucially,
it allows the camera to capture
nighttime images covertly, with-
out alerting potential intruders or
giving them light to work by."
When and why is white light
used in perimeter protection
applications?
"Once the camera has de-
tected an intruder, the site may
choose to raise an alarm. This
is where white-light is often de-
ployed--automatically triggered
as a flashing deterrent to ward off
an intruder or used to provide
accurate positive identification of
the intruder."
Is a hybrid lighting solution
a mix of IR illumination and
white light?
"Yes, hybrid illuminators pro-
vide an all-in-one solution, com-
bining both IR and white-light
into a single unit. This means one
illuminator can be used for both
covert surveillance and as a white-
light deterrent."
Can a hybrid lighting solution
really offer the same performance
as two dedicated illuminators?
"As a 2-in-1 solution, Raytec's
Vario2 Hybrid doesn't compromise
on performance, achieving the
same power and distance as two
dedicated illuminators."
Raytec has a method for specify-
ing and comparing illuminators
to help customers get a true rep-
resentation of the performance
their lighting will deliver. Why
was this necessary?
"Perimeter fence lines often
cover large areas, so the distance
and coverage of an illuminator
are crucial factors for a specifier to
consider. Despite claimed figures,
distances and image quality can
vary between manufacturers.
That's why Raytec developed and
launched Powers--the industry's
first video surveillance lighting
standard. Powers highlights the
relevant criteria to consider, ena-
bling security professionals to more
easily specify and reliably compare
the performance of different il-
luminators."
Why is hot-spot reduction tech-
nology (HRT) important when
choosing illuminating devices?
"One way to help ensure a
good image is to select an illumina-
tor that uses technology to reduce
hot spots and provide an even im-
age across the entire scene. Raytec's
Vario2 range uses Hot-spot Reduc-
tion Technology (HRT) to deliver
a highly diffused, elliptical beam
shape that targets the light where
it's needed. This supports longer
distances, minimizes light wastage,
and ensures even distribution of
light throughout the scene.
The HRT system also prevents
overexposure of foreground ob-
jects; light uniformity is crucial in
ensuring hot spots are minimized."
IoT is here to stay do you
have any advice when it comes
to choosing network lighting
devices?
"Modern perimeter surveillance
systems often consist of several IP-
enabled devices, intended to work
together to provide high levels of
security. For applications using
these kinds of devices, specifying
an IP-enabled illuminator capable
of providing an automated lighting
response is essential."
Is lighting still important in
perimeter surveillance when
cameras adapted for low-light
conditions are using AI and
analytics to detect and visualise
events?
"More and more sites are using
cameras with video analytics as
part of their perimeter surveillance
systems to detect unwanted or
suspicious behaviour within the
camera's field of view. However,
camera analytics are only as effec-
tive as their ability to provide a
consistent, clear image, which is
where lighting plays an important
role. We're often asked to provide
additional lighting for applications
using low-light cameras, or those
with built-in IR, as they require
more light for camera analytics to
be effective."
Software integration how does
it work for illuminators?
"Specifiers should consider the
security management platform
their site is using to monitor and
control cameras, illuminators,
and other devices across the site.
When specifying an illumina-
tor, it's important to choose one
that can be integrated with the
security management platform in
use. For example, if a site is using
Milestone's Xprotect platform,
the chosen illuminator should be
capable of integrating into that
system, allowing easy control and
automated lighting responses trig-
gered by other detection devices."
Callum Ryder, product manager at Raytec: