Sourcing Report: Security Products

R&D emphasis placed on designs that blend well with home décor.

The security light manufacturing industry is a unique segment in mainland China. The sector has 50 to 100 makers of security lights who are allowed to manufacture but not export their products. There are, however, 10 to 20 makers - usually manufacturers of home-use decorative lights - who have long-term export capability. They assemble security lights using PIR sensors that they buy from local or foreign suppliers. About 20 percent of the makers source PIR sensors from Taiwan and Japan. Two or three companies closely related with universities or research institutions develop the PIR sensors and make the security lights themselves.

Most makers can integrate infrared lights with security systems, and are capable of meeting buyers' requests for wireless and other integration modes.

Product range includes indoor and outdoor security lights. For outdoor applications, the lights are usually fixed in the grass. Halogen bulbs are the major trend, although some makers use incandescent lamps. Indoor security lights are designed as ceiling lamps. To avoid strong eye stimulation, makers often use LED or energy-saving bulbs.

There is fuse in sensors to cope with power outage, but there is no backup light available. Some lamps have dimmer or gradual lighting function to minimize the effect of power fluctuation.

In Taiwan, outdoor sensor lighting is currently the most popular type of security light on the market. There is a strong demand for halogen lighting, lanterns with sensor, PIR sensor and RF devices. Halogen bulbs are cheap and durable, so their demand remains stable. Lanterns with sensor have higher quality design, and are practical for home use, while PIR sensor and RF devices are practical for both home and commercial uses. Stainless steel and die-cast aluminum lanterns last longer, since they can withstand any weather condition.

Makers have enhanced security light functions by incorporating alarm capability through integration of home automation systems or wireless doorbells. Security lights can also be dimmed to save energy.

Security lights from mainland China are priced at $4 to $10 and usually packaged in foam plastic bags. Taiwan's FOB prices range from $5 to $20, and are expected to stay stable for the rest of the year.

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