Introduction
A gun safe is a worthwhile investment for any firearms owner or anyone will valuables, including jewelry, sensitive documents or cash in need of safekeeping. Gun safes of choice will range from small too large, with the larger options typically being a bit difficult to find things in. This is why a good gun safe lighting system is important for your home safe.
Gun safe interior lights, coupled with a great gun safe organizer, will ensure you can easily find materials and documents in your safe and stay organized. It will also allow you to find firearms in a hurry, in case of an emergency.
There are a few things to keep in mind when exploring gun safe lighting ideas –
- LED vs. CFL – Generally you’ll have a choice of two different types of light bulbs, LED and CFL. LED lights tend to last longer and are more energy efficient, but cost more. CFL (fluorescent bulbs most of us are familiar with) work well, but take more energy and aren’t as long lasting, although they are cheaper.
- Motion Sensor vs. Switch – You will have the option to choose a gun safe lighting system that turns on immediately upon sensing motion or upon the door opening. Alternatively you can choose a manual option, with a traditional light switch.
- Power Source – There is the option between AC and DC power sources, which will determine whether or not your gun safe interior lights will require a cord or not. The AC option will need a cord plugged into an outlet, but a DC source is battery powered.
- Mounting – How the lighting kit connects to the safe itself is also important to note. Some kits come with all the necessary hardware needed to install the lights, such as an easy frame. Others will require you make additional purchases.
Cord vs. Cordless
As mentioned above, the type of power source you choose will impact whether you’ll need a cord or not to connect to the gun safe lighting system power source.
The AC power source option will require you to have a cord plugged into an outlet. However, that means you’ll need to drill a hole in your safe, to make room for the cord. This is NOT recommended for fire-safe or waterproof models.
The DC option however, does not require you to plug into a wall outlet, as it’s battery powered. This is advantageous as you won’t need to drill a hole (and the preferred option for waterproof and fireproof safes), however, you’ll need to frequently recharge the batteries.
As with anything, there’s no one “best” answer, you’ll just need to decide what makes sense for you and your safe. If you’re still confused, that’s okay we’ve put together this guide with plenty of gun safe lighting ideas to help you choose one that works for you!
Reviews: Our Top Ideas For Lighting Your Gun Safe
1. Kuled Wireless Gun Safe Interior Lights
This popular design is preferred for a reason, it’s simple, easy to use and lights up a safe in a great way! Similar to lights used in workshops or work benches, you’ll be familiar and comfortable with these gun safe lights.
The frame is extremely sturdy, ensuring durability. The plastic cover allows for maximum illumination and brightness, while at the same time protecting the strong, LED lights. There are 10 bulbs per strip, part of the reason it provides such good light. The kit will include 3 separate strips, allowing you to space them throughout the safe to your preference.
It is also a cordless option, allowing for you to set them up wherever and however you like. This means you can even put a strip in your kitchen or garage, should you not need all three in the safe. The best part about this model however, is the motion sensor. No need to turn a switch as it will illuminate when you come within 3 meters of the sensor, it also turns off after 10 minutes without movement, saving battery life.
Easy to install, great motion sensor and bright LED bulbs make this a no brainer, get yours today.
PROS
- Cordless
- Auto-turn off
- Easy install
CONS
- LED bulbs expensive
- Auto sensor can have issues
2. Liberty Wand Light Kit
In our opinion, the best outlet-powered gun safe lighting system is this one from Liberty. This high quality gun safe lighting system is a great option for those wanting to illuminate your gun safe, without sacrificing too much space. It’s an extremely powerful lighting system that will do the job well, with 1.5 W of lighting per strip, no more feeling around in the dark for your safe valuables.
The kit comes with 5 strips included, making it one of the best gun safe lighting ideas out there and allowing you to illuminate every corner of your safe. It also includes everything you need to install; cords, connections between strips and adhesives. It’s extremely easy to install, with adhesive on each light strip, allowing you to place it in any location of your safe.
As this is a corded product, you will need to drill a hole to install it, not always ideal and not recommend for water or fire proof safes. Otherwise, it’s a high quality product you won’t regret purchasing!
PROS
- High illumination
- 1.5 W of light
- Easy install
CONS
- Corded/requires a hole
- Expensive
3. Lockdown LED Vault Light
In our opinion, the best value gun safe lighting system is this one from Lockdown. This is a great, small, affordable and cordless option, perfect for anyone in search of a low-key option. It’s easily one of the best battery powered gun safe lights on the market and allows you to mount it wherever is convenient in your safe.
With a 75 W light, the power is very high and the LED bulbs will provide maximum illumination. It will require three AAA batteries, which typically last for about 5 hours if kept on continuously. The kit also comes with magnets and screws to aid in mounting the light, making it easy to move later if desired. This flexibility is great, as you can try different positions and angles before deciding one on.
It’s important to note that this is not a motion-sensor light and you’ll need to use the on/off switch. However, the simplicity, ease of installation and movement (if desired), all at an affordable price, cannot be beat!
PROS
- 75 W light
- Battery powered
- Flexible/movable
CONS
- No motion sensor
- Only a single light
4. OxyLED Closet Light
This closet light from OxyLED is a great choice for those wanting a flexible light that can be used as a gun safe lighting system, as well as in other parts of the house. The high quality light is an eco-friendly LED option, activating when you come within 3 meters of the sensor, but turning off after just 15 seconds of inactivity. Thus, you can be rest assured no electricity goes to waste.
Better yet, the sensor has three different settings, including auto (on/off with sensor) and the standard on/off options. So, you can choose what works best for you. These are fully battery powered LED gun safe lights, allowing you to recharge using a common USB cable, certainly an easy option.
These lights are easily removable, should that be desired and making it much easier once it’s time to recharge. However, keep in mind a locking mechanism will keep it safe and secure in the meantime. This is a great option for small to medium sized safes, as it comes in at about 7.5 inches and 20 LED ultra bright.
PROS
- Eco-friendly
- 3 sensor settingss
- Easy recharge
CONS
- Small
- Must be charged often
5. IllumiSafe Gun Safe Light
This simple and efficient smaller option is perfect if you want a no-frills solution to illuminate your gun safe. The battery powered LED gun safe lights from IllumiSafe easily sticks on to your safe door and can be easily moved, should you want to change positioning later. You can stick it to the ceiling, wall and even the floor.
The flexibility is thanks to the magnet located inside the light, which allows you to easily position it inside the safe to your liking. Thus, you can easily use this in other parts of your home as well, such as the hallway, closet or kitchen. The motion sensor will turn the light on whenever someone comes within 5 meters of it and turns off after 60 seconds of inactivity.
You will need three AAA batteries to power it, making it easy to set up. This easy-to-install battery operate light is a great quick fix to any safe or home lighting issue, don’t miss out!
PROS
- Battery powered
- Motion sensor
- Easy install
CONS
- Small/may need multiple
- Waits a full minute before auto-shut off
6. Stack-On Gun Safe Lighting System
This gun safe lighting system from Stack-On is one of the most versatile on the market, with multiple lights that can be installed at various points in your gun safe. It includes four different LED light strips, which are mounted using hook and loop strings, both included in the kit. Thus, it’s easily installed using common household tools.
There are a total of 120 LEDs in the kit, evenly distributed between the four strips, with 30 in each, ensuring your safe will be illuminated to maximum capacity. The sensor turns on whenever the safe door is open, or whenever your hand comes within 12 inches of the light strip.
Keep in mind this is not a cordless option and you’ll need to drill a hole to run the plug through the safe. A bit of a disadvantage, but it also means you’ll never have to remember to charge the lights. If you require versatility and a fully lit safe, this is certainly the choice for you!
PROS
- 120 LEDs included
- Versatile
- Auto-sensor
CONS
- Requires a cord
- A bit of an installation process
7. Mind and Action Gun Safe Interior Lights
These gun safe interior lights from Mind and Action are wonderful additions to any gun safe. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the high quality brightness that prevents you from fumbling around in darkness, but doesn’t hurt the eyes.
With three light strips and a total of 12 LED lights, you can be rest assured you’re getting good value for money. The kit also allows for three different installation methods; screws (for wood and/or drywall), magnets (for metal) and loop and hook (for carpet). Thus, this gun safe lighting system is perfect for all types of safes.
The light lens are rotatable, so you can position them to your liking. The sensor will automatically turn the lights on and shut off after either 30 or 60 seconds, depending on the option you choose. You’ll need three AA batteries to power, meaning no cord is required. Definitely an all-around great choice.
PROS
- Eye-friendly lights
- Rotatable lens
- 3 installation options
CONS
- Requires batteries
- In-depth installation method
8. Legal Battery Stick On Lights
These all-around lights are perfect for anywhere in the house, including your gun safe. Made up of 6 strips of high-quality LED lights, you’ll be able to easily illuminate your safe in no times.
The sensor will automatically light up the safe after entering within 10ft of it and shuts off after 25 – 30 seconds of no activity. You’ll need 4pcs of AAA batteries to power the strips and they won’t illuminate if light is already detected in the space, ensuring a long battery life.
The stick-on adhesives ensure easy installation with minimal effort. So, if you want a quick and easy solution to your safe lighting problems, without sacrificing quality, this is one of your best bets!
PROS
- 6 strips of lights
- Auto-sensor
- Stick on installation
CONS
- Not easy to move after installation
- Requires batteries
FAQs
Is a motion sensor in my gun safe lighting system necessary?
In our experience, yes it is typically favorable to have a motion sensor in your gun safe interior lights. This is because gun safes typically house firearms and other valuables, so you are often in a hurry when trying to locate things in the safe. Thus, it’s best to illuminate your gun safe immediately upon entry, which motion sensors help with. Additionally, if you have your hands full it’s especially helpful.
Are battery powered gun safe lights better than those connected to an outlet?
In our opinion, there are many benefits to battery powered LED gun safe lights. These include not needing to drill a hole in the safe and run a cord through the space. Battery powered systems are especially a good fit for fire and waterproof safes, where it is not advisable to drill a hole through. However, depending on your model and preferences, a power-outlet system also works well.
Can I use gun safe interior lights in other parts of my home?
In our experience, yes gun safe interior lights work well in closets, hallways and workshops. This is because they’re typically easy to install and private maximum illumination in traditionally dark spaces, whether that be a closet or gun safe.
Looking to buy a gun safe? We review the top Homak gun safes here.
References:
https://www.reddit.com/r/guns/comments/fnpccx/if_you_are_contemplating_lighting_up_your_safe_i/
https://www.reddit.com/r/Gun_Safes/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BATJ1dxkuU