High Bay Lights: Buying Guide

With a reputation for excellence brought about through years of innovation and quality design, high bay LED shop lights outperform traditional shop lights with ease. High bay LED lights are specifically designed for taller ceilings, typically 20 to 45 feet, and offer enough light intensity to be dispersed over large areas or highly focused on critical spots. With so many options on the market, it can be daunting to decide which lighting fixture will best illuminate your space. Fear not. Our high bay LED lighting buying guide will walk you through the process to help you find the perfect LED light fixtures to suit your needs.

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By Warehouse Lighting

Why Choose LEDs for High Bay Lights?

For years, warehouse, industrial, business and recreational settings have relied on high bay lights in spaces with ceilings ranging from 20 to 45 feet tall to provide sufficient light (no less than 10,000 lumens). High bay LED lights vastly improve upon conventional lighting options— including metal halide, high-pressure sodium and fluorescent bulbs—in many ways.

• Lower Operation & Maintenance Costs. LEDs have a lifespan of more than 50,000 hours, which is four to forty times as long as their conventional counterparts. Not only does this equate to less expense over time on replacement bulbs, but it also means less time (and money) spent on actually changing the bulbs. Replacing high bay lighting bulbs often requires more time and special equipment, like scaffolding, catwalks and hydraulic lifts, to safely reach the light fixtures.
• Outstanding Lighting Performance. One of the biggest draws of LEDs is the exceptional light quality they offer. Light quality is determined by measuring the color rendering index (CRI), correlated color temperatures (CCT) and the foot candle of a light source. By all measures, LEDs outperform conventional light sources. They are able to reflect object colors faithfully (CRI) while offering versatility in color “temperature” (CCT) and impressive light efficiency (foot candle). In addition to this, LEDs are almost instantly on, as opposed to their traditional lighting counterparts, which can take as long as thirty minutes to reach full brightness.
• Unparalleled Energy Efficiency. The cost-saving energy efficiency of LEDs is often the driving factor for businesses to install high bay LED light fixtures. Losing only 5% of their energy to heat, LEDs require far less electricity to generate the same (or better) lumens per square foot (foot candles). In addition to this, most conventional warehouse and factory light sources are omnidirectional, which means they output light in all directions. Much of the light from conventional sources is pointed in areas that do not need direct illumination (like the ceiling). LEDs, on the other hand, waste less light by delivering direct light distribution. These two factors taken together make LEDs some of the most energy-efficient lighting options available.

What are the Different Types of LED High Bay Lights?

High bay LED light fixtures are available in many shapes and sizes, each offering different light qualities and coverages to suit your needs. The type of high bay lights you opt for will depend on your specific space and purpose. High bay LED light fixtures provide different beam angles, allowing you to select the optimal light shape to best illuminate your space. Here are some of the most popular high bay LED light fixture styles.

Round (UFO) High Bay Light Fixtures

Commonly called UFO high bays because of their saucer-like shape, round LED high bay lights have only one contact point with the ceiling, making them the easiest high bays to install. Round high bay LED lights typically provide a circular light beam angle of about 120 degrees. This fairly large beam spread allows for widespread, but powerful, illumination. These are an excellent choice for open areas, like factories, warehouses, sports arenas, grocery and wholesale retailers, and even aircraft hangars. 

Warehouse Lighting offers a wide range of UFO high bay LED lighting fixtures from top names in the industry, including WareLight, MaxLite, Westgate and others.

• Our UFO high bay LED lights range in intensity from a gentle 78 watts all the way up to 220 watts, with voltages ranging from 120-277, and even 480v.
• These LED UFO shop lights give you up to 100,000 hours of illumination.
• They are also wet/damp listed, enabling you to use them in harsh conditions, like those seen in industrial laundries, processing plants and car washes.

Linear High Bay Light Fixtures

Linear high bay lights are commonly seen in grocery stores, wholesale retailers, warehouses and any other wide-open spaces with a lot of aisles or shelving. They provide ideal lighting for conference halls, event centers and fitness centers, too. Similar in appearance to a fluorescent T8, linear high bays are long, with varying widths to offer rectangular illumination to suit your space’s needs. They can be mounted directly to the ceiling or hung with chains or cables, depending on your needs.

We offer a wide selection of linear high bay LED light fixtures from the most trusted brands in the industry, such as Texas Fluorescents, WareLite and more.

• Our linear LED high bays are available in a wide variety of wattages, voltages, lumen outputs, color temperatures and dimensions to accommodate any space where they are needed.
• In some models, linear high bay LED bulbs last for up to 50,000 hours.

High Bay Vapor Tight Fixtures

Sealed and gasketed to protect their internal parts from fumes, dust, moisture, rust and corrosion, LED high bay vapor tight fixtures are commonly used in locations that see a lot of dirt or moisture. In fact, because they are sealed to block out moisture and particulates, they are easily cleaned with a hose or pressure washer. They are typically linear in form, available in 2-, 4- and 8-foot lengths. LED high bay vapor tight fixtures are often installed in car washes, parking garages, industrial kitchens, bakeries, food processing plants, swimming pools and spray down bays.

Warehouse Lighting carries the highest quality LED high bay vapor tight fixtures from the most trusted manufacturers on the market.

• Each of our LED high bay vapor tight fixtures is sealed in a watertight IP67 rated enclosure, making them IP67 Dust and Liquid and UL Wet Location compliant.
• We use only the highest quality components in our fixtures and back each of our ballasts with a 5-year warranty.

Designing a Warehouse Lighting Layout

As you begin outfitting your space with high bay LED light fixtures, the first step is figuring out what type and how many high bays you will need. To do this, you will need to consider the size of the space that you’re lighting, how tall the ceilings are, and how you will be using the space. Different purposes will require different lighting styles.

• Storage — Typically, storage rooms are just used to house goods. Enough to see what’s what, around 300 lux, is all that’s needed.
• Warehouses — Ample light is needed to see the items in the warehouse and to keep employees safe. No less than 500 lux is generally required for warehouse lighting.
• Retail stores — A brighter environment will allow customers to see your products better and make the space feel clean (and safe). Aim for around 800 lux.
• Sports arenas — Lighting standards for sports arenas are set by the governing bodies for each sport (associations, federations, etc.). Depending on the class level for your sports arena, your lighting needs will vary. Lighting requirements can be as low as 75 lux and go as high as 750 lux.

Ceiling Height Ideal Lumen Output High Bay Spacing 20-30 feet 22,000-35,000 lumens 15-25 feet 31-40 feet 35,000-47,000 lumens 19-29 feet 40+ feet 47,000+ lumens 30-40 feet

These estimates give you a sense for what and how many high bay LED lighting fixtures you will need, but each space and purpose will require a unique lighting layout.

Deciding Color Temperature

Color temperature plays a role in creating the right environment for your facility. Color temperature determines whether the light appears warm, neutral, or cool. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

• K (Warm White): Best for spaces like employee break rooms or low-intensity work environments. This warmer light can create a calmer atmosphere.
• K (Neutral White): Ideal for general-purpose lighting. It replicates natural daylight, reducing eye strain and increasing productivity in environments like offices, warehouses, and assembly areas.
• K (Cool White): Perfect for areas requiring high visibility, such as inspection zones, retail spaces, or warehouses. This cooler light is crisp and bright, enhancing contrast and detail.

When choosing color temperatures, think about how the lighting will affect the functionality of your space. If you still aren't sure, we have a plethora of high bays with selectable CCT so you can change the color temperature as needed!

Energy Savings from High Bay LED Lights

One of the most important reasons to use LED high bay lighting is the significant energy savings it offers. LEDs use 60-80% less energy compared to traditional lighting options like HID. This stems from two key factors:

1. Minimal Energy Waste: Unlike traditional fixtures that lose a large portion of energy to heat, LEDs convert nearly all their energy into usable light, making them far more efficient.
2. Targeted Light Distribution: LEDs are designed to direct light precisely where it’s needed, reducing wasted light on ceilings or other non-essential areas like traditional lights do.

These energy savings translate directly into lower electricity bills, especially in facilities that operate lights for long hours. For businesses, this means significant cost reductions over time.

For more information, please visit Lampshining.

Trust Warehouse Lighting to Keep You Illuminated

At Warehouse Lighting, we pride ourselves on carrying only the best lighting fixtures manufactured by the most trusted brands around. We know how important reliable lighting is and will help you select the best LED high bay lights for your unique lighting needs.

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When it comes to lighting large, open spaces like warehouses, gyms, and factories, LED linear high bay lights are often the go-to solution. These lights offer both powerful illumination and sleek, modern designs that fit seamlessly into many industrial or commercial environments. But with so many options on the market, choosing the right LED linear high bay light for your space can be overwhelming. In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential factors to consider to ensure you choose the best lighting solution for your needs.

1. Determine Your Lighting Requirements

The first step in choosing LED linear high bay lights is understanding the specific lighting needs of your space. Consider the following:

• Brightness: How bright does the space need to be? For example, warehouses with fine details or production areas may need higher lumen output for task-oriented lighting, while general lighting in a storage facility may require less intense illumination. The brightness of a light is measured in lumens, and the higher the lumens, the brighter the light.
• Purpose: Will the lights be used for general lighting or more focused tasks? For general lighting, you may want a broader beam angle, while for task lighting, a more focused beam may be necessary. Linear high bay lights are particularly useful for providing even and direct lighting across a long, wide area.

2. Consider the Ceiling Height

The ceiling height of your space is one of the most important factors when selecting LED linear high bay lights. The higher the ceiling, the more powerful the light should be, as it needs to cover a larger area.

• For ceilings 10-20 feet high: A standard LED linear high bay light with moderate lumen output (between 10,000 to 20,000 lumens) will work well for general lighting. You can space these fixtures about 10-12 feet apart, depending on the beam angle.
• For ceilings 20-40 feet high: High-output LED linear high bay lights are necessary for areas with high ceilings. Look for lights with a higher lumen output (20,000-40,000 lumens) and ensure that they are spaced 12-15 feet apart.
• For ceilings above 40 feet: You’ll need more powerful fixtures with a lumen output of over 40,000 lumens, and the lights may need to be spaced further apart to provide uniform lighting without overlighting the space.

3. Lumen Output and Efficiency

Lumen output is a key indicator of a light’s brightness, but it’s also important to consider the efficiency of the light. More efficient lights provide the same level of illumination while consuming less power, reducing energy costs.

• Wattage: When choosing an LED linear high bay light, you’ll often see wattage as an indicator of energy consumption. Generally, the higher the wattage, the brighter the light. However, it’s essential to ensure that the light's lumen output justifies the wattage.
• Lumens per Watt (lm/W): A more efficient light will have a higher lumens per watt rating. Look for LED linear high bay lights with a higher lm/W to get the most illumination for the least energy usage.

For instance, a 100-watt LED linear high bay light that provides 14,000 lumens will offer much better efficiency than a 100-watt traditional high bay light that only provides 8,000 lumens.

4. Beam Angle

The beam angle refers to how wide the light spreads. For LED linear high bay lights, choosing the right beam angle is important for ensuring even coverage across your space. A wide beam angle works best for broad, open spaces, while a narrow beam angle is ideal for specific, task-oriented lighting.

• Wide Beam Angle (120°-180°): Provides general illumination for large, open areas like warehouses or gymnasiums. This type of angle helps disperse light evenly and covers a larger area without creating harsh shadows.
• Narrow Beam Angle (90°-120°): Better for focused or task-oriented lighting, such as over workstations, assembly lines, or specific areas in a warehouse that require more concentrated lighting.

5. Color Temperature

LED linear high bay lights come in various color temperatures, which can dramatically impact the ambiance and functionality of your space. Color temperature is measured in Kelvins (K), and it affects the tone of the light emitted.

• K - K (Warm White to Neutral White): This range is ideal for areas where warmth is preferred, such as retail stores, showrooms, or warehouses where a more inviting atmosphere is desired.

• K - K (Daylight White): Best for industrial spaces, warehouses, and factories where high brightness and clear visibility are needed. These color temperatures replicate natural daylight and help reduce eye strain in environments that require precision work.

6. Durability and Quality

In industrial or commercial spaces, LED linear high bay lights need to withstand various environmental conditions, such as temperature fluctuations, humidity, or dust. Look for lights that are rated for durability and environmental resistance.

• IP Rating: The IP rating indicates how well the light is protected against dust and water. For outdoor use or harsh environments, look for lights with a higher IP rating (IP65, IP66), which ensures that the lights are dustproof and resistant to water splashes.
• Material: The materials used in the housing and structure of the light should be durable and heat-resistant. Aluminum housings are common in high bay lights because they are lightweight and help with heat dissipation.

7. Dimming and Control Options

Some LED linear high bay lights have dimming capabilities or smart features like motion or daylight sensors. These features can help reduce energy consumption and increase the lights' lifespan by ensuring they only operate when needed.

Are you interested in learning more about Wholesale Linear LED High Bay Lights? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

• Dimmable Lights: Use spaces where you may want to adjust the lighting levels based on the time of day or activity.
• Motion Sensors: Ideal for areas where lighting only needs to be activated when movement is detected, such as storage rooms or corridors.

Conclusion