Updated: January 6th, 2021
A proper gun safe can be one of the best investments you make, especially if you have firearms, jewelry, or other valuables that you want to ensure that you protect properly. While many safes are rather small in size, there are those that are much larger, allowing you the capability to store such things as long rifles, important documents, external hard drives and other digital media containers, and much more.
The problem with safes is that the more you have inside, the harder everything is to find. This is where the purchase of a safe lighting system could be the ideal choice for you. A gun safe light kit not only allows you to find materials, making you better organized, but ensures that in an emergency where you need to find your firearms quickly, you can locate what you want instantaneously.
Finding the Best Gun Safe Lighting System
Before deciding upon what kind of lighting system you want for your safe, it is important to understand some of the key factors in making a good decision for yourself. Here are some factors you will want to consider:
- LED vs CFL. There are really two different types of bulbs that can be used – LED and CFL. The LED option lasts longer and is significantly more energy-efficient, but they are much more costly. The CFL bulbs are fluorescent bulbs that most of us are more familiar with. They work well, but take up more energy and don’t last nearly as long. However, they are also much cheaper.
- Power source. The two different forms of power you can have are AC or DC. AC power requires that you have a power cord plugged in to a wall outlet. This means you must drill a hole through your safe to be able to accommodate the cord, something you may not want to do if you have a fireproof or waterproof safe. The DC option uses a battery pack, which removes the need for a cord but requires you to recharge or replace the batteries frequently. Many will consider battery powered gun safe lights to be far more convenient.
- Motion Sensor vs Switch. Some LED lighting units will turn on the moment that they detect motion, such as your safe door opening. Others have a switch that you would manually press to turn on the light. This is also largely an issue of convenience, and you need to consider that it is harder to find the light switch when the interior is not lit. Many prefer a motion sensor light for this reason.
Mounting. How the lights connect to your safe is important as well. You should consider if the kit comes with all of the necessary hardware to connect into your safe. Some offer you a frame that you can easily slide or secure to the top or side of your safe. Consider whether there are there other gun safe accessories?
10 Best Gun Safe Lighting System on the Market!
#1 Liberty Safe Clearview WAND LED Light Kit
If you want to add a lot of light to your safe without having to worry about it taking up a great deal of space, this may be exactly what you are looking for. This is a powerful product, that gives 1.5 W of light per strip. Five strips are included, ensuring that you can locate them throughout your safe so that no corner or crevice remains darkened.
Included is all of the hardware you would need to install and activate the product. This includes a cord and connector cords to go between each individual strip. Additionally, it is a lot easier to install than you may think. Each strip comes with its own self-adhesive backing, making it easy for you to connect to any location in your safe for adequate lighting throughout.
The one challenge you will have on installation is that this is a corded product, meaning you are going to have to drill a hole through your safe to be able to install the cord. This may be something you don’t want to do if you have a fireproof or waterproof safe, as it can reduce the efficiency of these features.
Liberty is a brand that you can trust, producing high quality products for quite some time. You will truly be satisfied with this choice if you decide that it is right for you. You will also love the fact the LED strip lights are motion activated and built to last up to 30,000 hours of use. Overall, one of the best options out there for LED strip lighting, which is why it has taken the top spot on our list.
#2 Torchstar Lighting Kit 4 Piece
This is another great lighting system that uses four different 12 inch LED light strips to give you all the light you could need inside your safe. The kit comes with all the different hardware pieces you need, including different cords that go from one strip to another, the cord you need to run into a wall.
The strips easily attach to your safe by using connectors that easily attach the strips to your safe. In a matter of a few minutes, you can have your entire lighting system up and running. Because four different strips are included, you can be sure that every part of your medium-sized safe will be well lit.
The source of power is an electrical cord that plugs into a standard outlet. This will mean that you need to run the cord through your safe and into the strips. This requires that you drill a hole in your safe to enable the cord to slide through. The entire amount of light is 150 lumens per light bar.
You will also like that this comes with a 3-year warranty, assuring you of the quality of the kit. Truly a fantastic option that you can count on to provide the light you need for your safe for decades.
#3 Kuled 10-led Wireless Motion Sensing LED Light
This is a very popular design that many are familiar with because the design is often used for lights that are used in workshops or under workbenches. With a solid frame holding a translucent plastic cover, you get maximum illumination while also getting a product that is durable and where the lights are well protected.
This is a cordless option, providing you with 10 LED lights per strip. Each pack comes with three strips included, allowing you to use in multiple locations. In fact, one of the things that you will truly love about this product is that it is built to be used just about anywhere. It’s perfect for your safe, but you could find it to be a great option in your bathroom, hallway, or garage.
An auto motion sensor illuminates the light, and it will shut back off if there is 10 seconds of inactivity around the sensor. This will help to prevent the batteries from dying out quickly, and helps to preserve energy, making it a great eco-friendly option. The lights turn on when you come within 3 m of the light. This would make it a good addition as an emergency light should you want to be notified if someone is coming around your home at nighttime.
The product is extremely easy to install. A tight suction magnet is included and is all that is needed. No need for screws or any other hardware. Just peel off the tape on the magnets and you are ready to go. This also enables you to remove the light from your safe if you need to use it somewhere else.
#4 Stack-On SPAEL-400 LED Safe Lighting Kit
Maybe what you are looking for is a kit that provides you with multiple lights that you can position throughout your safe. If that is the case, then this is the perfect option for you.This kit includes four different LED lighting strips, ensuring that you get a significant amount of light throughout your safe.
Each strip is mounted using the hook and loop strings, and would take you just a matter of a few minutes to install. It can be installed using handy household tools virtually everyone has in their home.
Each strip has 30 LEDs, giving you a total of 120. The strips use a proximity sensor, activating the light whenever the safe door is open or whenever someone comes close to the safe when it is open. In fact, you will find that when your hand is within 12 inches of the strip, that the lights will turn on.
You will need to run a plug through the safe to a power supply in order to use the LED strips. This is the one disadvantage of using this particular model. And although you reap the benefits of having lights anytime you need them without having to recharge batteries, you must run a cord through the safe or use a power outlet located in the safe.
Despite this one disadvantage, you will love the increased amount of light you receive. This is a fantastic option, especially if you are a person who has a larger gun safe.
#5 LOCKDOWN Cordless 75 LED Vault Light
A good cordless LED safe light can make for the perfect choice, and this is one you will truly enjoy. This is a battery-operated light, which gives you the ability to mount it in several different ways. This includes mounting it to the top of your safe, to the walls, or even at the bottom of the safe if you so desire.
The 75 W LED light gives you plenty of power to be able to see inside your safe, and you will not have to worry about the disadvantages that come with using an LED light that needs a cord to operate. Three AAA batteries are needed, and you will find that they can last up to five hours of continuous use.
You are able to easily mount this light kit in place by using either the magnets or screws that are attached. This allows you to mount the display as you choose, even making it so that you can move it if you need to. This is one of the best features of this light, giving you greater flexibility to move the LED display around if you need to get a better angle.
The only negative to this light is that it does not come with a motion sensor. The on/off switch is located next to the light display, and turns on with a simple flick of the switch, giving you 95 lumens of output. This lack of convenience is a definite consideration upon purchasing this light.
Overall, simplicity is probably the main thing you will absolutely love about this light,. It takes nothing more than attaching the magnets, putting in new batteries, and sticking it to the side of your safe and you are ready to go.
#6 TORCHSTAR LED Safe Lighting Kit
This is similar to the Torchstar option above, but this one includes six strips if you have a bigger safe. This is another great option that employs strips which are connected through a series of power cords, allowing you to customize your lighting system within your safe.
By doing this, you are able to get the maximum use of your kit. Each bar is 12 inches long, and easily attaches to your safe through the use of a magnetic strip.
This product is extremely easy to install, but does require you to drill a hole in your safe to accommodate the power cord which keeps the lighting system illuminated. This may be an issue for those who have a waterproof or fireproof safe, where they don’t want to allow any kind of access into their vault.
Each bar offers 150 lumens, giving you a large amount of light to keep every crevice in crack of your safe well lit. Plus, they are built with a high output LED light that will give you a long-lasting set of lights for years of exceptional output.
The motion sensor detects movement up to 26 feet away, immediately turning on the lights. Plus, the lights automatically turn on when the safe door is open and will shut off when the door closes. If there is not movement detected within four minutes, the lights will shut off as well. This will save you electricity, which also makes these lights more eco-friendly.
This is a magnificent option that you will find is ideal for your safe. Plus, you may find that it is the perfect addition for lighting your countertop, bathroom, or other place in your home.
#7 IllumiSafe Gun Safe Light
If simplicity and efficiency are what you are looking for, then there is truly no better option than this one from IllumiSafe. This product easily attaches to your safe door, and is fully adjustable, allowing you to direct where you would like the light to show. You can attach it to an inside wall of your safe or to the ceiling, as it provides you with the flexibility to get the most out of this lighting product.
A magnet inside the base allows you to attach the light where you desire. This also allows you to move the light very easily, or to use it in other locations around your home. It may work perfectly inside your bathroom, hallway, or in a shed or garage.
A motion detector activates the light whenever the door is opened or whenever someone comes within 5 m of the sensor. The light will stay on until there is 60 seconds of inactivity, reducing the amount of energy used by the product. Three AAA batteries are required to power the light.
This is a very simple product that you can be sure you are going to get the most out of. Add to this the fact that this is one of the least expensive options available, while still giving you a great deal of bang for your buck. If what you value most is flexibility and convenience, then you will most definitely feel this is the right option for your safe or for your home.
#8 OxyLED Motion Sensor 20 LED Gun Safe Light
Getting a safe light that provides a high-quality motion sensor can really be a huge benefit. This is one option that you will find to be of the highest quality. This light illuminates whenever you come within 3 m of the sensor, and will go off after just 15 seconds of inactivity around the sensor. This not only ensures that you get a long life out of it, but that the electricity is not wasted. Definitely an eco-friendly option.
To add to this efficiency, the sensor actually has three different settings. You can choose the auto setting, which activates the light whenever the motion sensor detects movement. You can also choose to simply turn on or off the light as you desire.
There is a battery pack included with the kit, and it is rechargeable. All you need to do is to plug it in using a USB cable and you are able to fully recharge your light.
The design allows you to be able to easily take the light fixture off of the safe, making the recharging process a whole lot easier. However, that does not mean that it will easily come loose when you open and close the door. A locking mechanism holds the light in place until you are ready to remove it to recharge. It only takes a few screws to get you up and running.
Convenience is paramount with this option. Easy to install, easy to remove, and easy to use. Overall, it’s hard to find an option that is more versatile and convenient.
The product is 7.5 inches in length, making it so that it will fit easily into most safes. It has 20 ultrabright LEDs included to give you all the light you need inside your safe. It is also constructed with a high quality aluminum alloy, giving you a durable product for years to come. Plus, you’ll love the fact that you could use this in so many locations beyond your safe.
#9 Liberty Safe Wireless Motion Sensor LED Lights
Here’s another great option from Liberty Safe. They’re a top option in gun safe lighting, and it’s easy to understand why. These are two LED lights which are easy to install within your gun safe, and shine ample light throughout the entire interior of the safe.
First off, these lights are bright. They shine 75 lumens, which ensures that every nook and cranny is properly lit. Each unit requires 3 AA batteries. And while this may seem like a lot, you do get a lot of bang for your buck, as each unit will run for up to 70 hours of continuous use.
The units are convenient, and easy to attach and detach. They come with an attached mounting bracket. All you need to do is attach the bracket, and then you can slide the light in and out of place. There is also the option to install the lights with hook and loop strips, or adhesive magnet strips. The choice is yours.
Finally, these units have convenient motion sensors which detect motion up to 10 feet away. They automatically turn off after 60 seconds of no detected motion. But if you prefer to not use the motion sensors, there is also the option to use an on/off tap lens.
Overall, these are quality lights that are convenient to use and install. You can’t ask for much more out of a light system than that. They are fairly priced, and are an excellent choice for small to medium sized gun safes.
#10 VAULTEK Motion Activated LED Light
We’ll round out our list with one of the most “easy” options available. The VAULTEK Motion Activated Light is easy to install, easy to use, and quite flexible in its usage. This is quite a simple lighting option, and it might work for you if you don’t have the extensive needs of some of the light options above.
This light has basic installation by way of its magnetic backing. You can attach it anywhere within the interior of a steel safe, and move it around at will. This also makes it able to be installed all around the house. If you want to place it somewhere that isn’t magnetic, just pick up some adhesive strips.
This light also has a motion detector that detects up to 10 feet. You can set it and forget it, as it will automatically turn off when no motion is detected. The one thing we don’t like about this product is that it only provides 4 hours of illumination per charge. That being said, because it is rechargeable, it doesn’t require disposable batteries.
Overall, because this is such a simple option, it also has the price tag to match. Definitely one of the most affordable options on our list. Combined with its portability and versatility, this is a top option for those who don’t need anything too fancy.
Comparison Chart
| Gun Safe Light | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Liberty Safe Clearview WAND LED Light Kit |
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| #2 Torchstar 4 Piece Kit |
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| #3 Kuled Wireless Motion Sensing 10-LED Light |
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| #4 Stack-On SPAEL-400 LED Safe Lighting Kit |
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| #5 LOCKDOWN Cordless 75 LED Vault Light |
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| #6 TORCHSTAR LED Safe Lighting Kit |
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| #7 IllumiSafe Gun Safe Light |
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| #8 OxyLED Motion Sensor 20 LED Gun Safe Light |
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| #9 Liberty Safe Wireless Motion Sensor LED Lights |
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| #10 VAULTEK Motion Activated LED Light |
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Most Frequently Asked Questions
While this review has probably answered most of the questions related to purchasing a lighting system for your gun safe, here are some others that may have crossed your mind:
If one is totally honest with you, the answer to this is no. But It is a good idea to have a lighting system for your safe, especially if you have a larger safe where you store a number of materials. However, if you have your safe in a location where it is well lit already, you may find that this an unnecessary purchase.
This is an important question. Having a safe that uses a cord means that your power is always available to you. However, it also means that you have to drill a hole through the safe to enable the cord to slide through. If you have a waterproof or fireproof safe, you are ruining that protection by adding a space where water or heat can enter your safe.
This is a very good question. Some of the products we have reviewed provided as much light as 2250 lumens. That is pretty bright to be honest – maybe even too bright. If your safe is in a location where it is rather dark, you may find this to be a good choice, but if it is in a spot where it is already well lit or if you have a smaller size safe, than this much light can be overkill.
They say that necessity is the mother of all invention, which means that if something works for you there’s really no reason to not use it. These lighting systems are very sophisticated and many give you the ability to stretch them out over an extended space. They’re the perfect choice for someone who wants an under-cabinet lighting system which illuminates their countertops.
A motion sensor is really a convenience more than anything else. It honestly doesn’t take very much for you to turn on a switch to illuminate your safe. However, you may really like the idea that the sensor will shut off your lights when there is an extended period of inactivity, saving you energy.
Gun safe lighting features have actually been created for most safes and almost any safe will allow you to place this on them. When you compare costs, you will notice that it is much cheaper to buy a safe and gun safe lighting features than buying a safe with one already fitted. The reason for this is the battery quality of the built-in gun safe lighting features are usually much better than the separate portable lighting features. But ultimately, it will remain the choice of the gun safe owner to choose the best lighting option for their needs.
Do I really need a lighting system for my safe?
Is the corded option better or should I get a cordless light system?
How many lumens do I need for my safe?
Would it be weird to use these lighting systems in other places in my home?
Is a motion sensor really necessary?
For whom are gun safe lights designed?
