Ir illuminators are used in areas where light is not sufficient for security cameras to give a clear image. They are generally used with ir sensitive cameras since these cameras have greater sensitivity to infrared light. Some Color cameras that switch to black and white at night are coupled with IR illuminators for night time surveillance, making them suitable for both day and night viewing.
Infrared illuminators use light emitting diodes, or LEDs, to transmit infrared light. Since this light is transmitted on 850 nano meters it is invisible to the naked eye. As a result people are unaware they are being recorded at night. A single LED produces only a small amount of light so banks of LED’s are used. Led's last up to 100,000 hours. LEDs are economical and efficient way of illuminating the surveillance area.
