It's that time of year again – daylight saving is ending, and we're all preparing to wind our clocks back. While most of us remember to check our smoke alarms during this biannual ritual, there's another safety check that often gets overlooked – your automated lighting systems.

Remember when adjusting for daylight saving meant simply changing the clocks in your home and workplace, and perhaps the ones in your vehicle? These days, our homes and commercial properties are filled with sophisticated lighting systems programmed to operate on specific schedules – many of which don’t automatically adjust when the clocks change.

Last month, No Shock was called to a commercial property in Onehunga where the exterior security lights activated nearly an hour after sunset. The property manager had adjusted most systems after the previous time change but had overlooked the car park lighting. In the interim, two staff members had reported feeling unsafe walking to their vehicles in the near-darkness, and CCTV footage had become practically useless during that twilight period.

For commercial property managers and body corporate managers, this oversight isn't just an inconvenience – it's a potential breach of your health and safety obligations.

Commercial property – more than just changing bulbs

Body corporate and commercial building managers carry significant responsibilities that extend well beyond collecting rent and arranging maintenance. As one building manager told us: "People forget that we're responsible for legislative compliance. Poor lighting isn't just a nuisance – it's a liability."

The consequences of neglected lighting systems can be far-reaching. Security cameras become practically useless without proper lighting, while poorly lit common areas significantly increase the risk of trips and falls. For example, managers may face substantial liability issues if emergency lighting fails in a fire. There's also the matter of wasted resources when lights operate unnecessarily during daylight hours, driving up energy costs for no benefit.

Modern lighting systems rarely operate on simple timers anymore as most commercial properties use a combination of technologies that need regular checking.

The smart approach to commercial lighting

For body corporate and commercial property managers, daylight saving presents the perfect opportunity to review your entire lighting ecosystem. Consider the interplay between:

Photosensors – These daylight-detecting devices adjust lighting based on ambient light levels – but are they calibrated correctly for the seasonal change? As days shorten, they need checking to ensure they're triggering at the appropriate light levels.

Timers – Even with photosensors, most systems use backup timers. These need manual adjustment when the clocks change.

Motion sensors – These need regular maintenance checks – are they activating properly in lower light conditions? Are they covering all vulnerable areas?

Smart switches – Remote-controlled lighting systems may update automatically, but their programming parameters might need seasonal adjustment.

Homeowners: don't get left in the dark

The risks aren't limited to commercial properties. When the clocks change, homeowners face their own set of challenges.

Sensors should activate when you're walking up pathways or around the property – but they need to be properly set. If they’re run on a timer and you fail to change it – this is when people can slip and fall in the dark.

For homeowners, the changing clock signals a timely reminder to check:

• Garden path lighting timers
• Motion-activated security lights around entry points
• Garage and driveway lighting sensors
• Indoor sensor lights for staircases and hallways
• Smart home lighting schedules

Safety beyond lighting

Good lighting does more than just brighten dark corners—it’s a necessary component of your overall security strategy. Today's integrated systems activate when they detect movement, potentially deterring would-be intruders. LED lighting options provide superior visibility while consuming less energy, making them both safer and more economical.

When properly synced with security cameras, your lighting system becomes even more effective. As a security advisor we know puts it: "The best CCTV in the world is useless without proper lighting. When a camera captures a well-lit incident, identification becomes significantly easier."

The bottom line

Proper lighting isn't just about seeing better – it's about being seen, feeling secure, and preventing accidents before they happen. The cost of updating your lighting schedule takes minutes, but the consequences of overlooking this simple task could last much longer.

Need help adjusting your commercial or residential lighting systems? Contact No Shock Electrical for professional assistance. After all, when it comes to safety and security, timing really is everything.