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.

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.

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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LED High bay lights are important for stores as they need more illumination. Finding a high bay light that suits your preferences can be a bit tough but don't worry when we are here!  With all the options available today, Here are some important tips to help you make the best decision in .

Determine Your Ceiling Height 

Begin with your ceiling height measurements. High bay lighting applications are typically 16 ft high or greater. Low bay lighting applications are where lower ceilings are needed. Ceiling height will dictate the wattage and lumen output for proper illumination. Here's a good rule of thumb:

Knowing your ceiling height ensures you pick the right light intensity for your space, maximizing visibility and safety.

Choose the Right Type 

LED high bay lights are the favorite choice nowadays since they offer outstanding value through energy savings, long lifetime, and excellent light quality. LED lights use fewer watts; hence, they generate less heat, ideal for extensive application areas. Compared to the relatively less energy-efficient traditional metal halide and fluorescent high bay lights, which are still good enough according to budgets and lighting needs, the energy efficiency that LED high bay lights give out will be a more significant experience in years to come.

Consider the Lumen Output and Wattage

The lumen output measures the brightness of a light. For high bay lights, you’ll need to consider both lumens and wattage to ensure adequate illumination. Here’s a quick chart to help:

Higher lumens are ideal for tasks requiring precision, while general storage spaces may need fewer lumens. Choose the wattage that balances brightness with energy efficiency.

Opt for the Right Beam Angle

The beam angle will determine how the light spreads across a surface. Narrow beam angles, at around 60 degrees, focus down and are ideal for high bay applications with higher ceilings. For lower ceilings or broader areas, wider beam angles such as 90 to 120 degrees offer better coverage.

Think of it this way: if one is lighting aisles of a warehouse, then he would want the beam as narrow as possible so that most of the light would be concentrated to the area of path. However, if he is illuminating an entire factory floor, he would want a wider beam angle.

Look for Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

Energy-efficient lighting money saved is money made in the long run. Obviously, you know that the consumption of electricity by the LED high bay lights would not be a lot along with having many lifetimes, thereby replacing far fewer lights and inexpensive electricity. Check the lumens-per-watt (lm/W) ratio; the higher the better. For this type of lighting, have lights with at least 130 lm/W to have maximum lumens for your money.

Additionally, consider fixtures with the ENERGY STAR label or DLC (Design Lights Consortium) certification, which meet strict energy efficiency guidelines.

Understand Color Temperature and CRI

Color temperature (measured in Kelvin) will impact the ambient value of your space. For high bay lighting:

K Neutral white light: This will be suitable for retail, gyms, or any such site.

K to K: Bright, daylight-like light. It might be employed in warehouses or manufacturing plants, where emphasis is more on clarity than potential hazards of intense light.

The Color Rendering Index (CRI) is a measure of the ability of light to create colors that closely resemble real colors. A CRI value above 80 is quite good for most applications and causes colors to look generally as they ought to, to most people.

Evaluate Dimming and Controls

Dimming capabilities add flexibility, allowing you to adjust the light levels based on your needs and save on energy. Look for fixtures that support 0-10V dimming or DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) systems for advanced control. Motion sensors and daylight sensors can further enhance energy savings by automatically adjusting lighting based on occupancy and natural light levels.

Factor in Maintenance Costs and Durability

Choose fixtures with a long lifespan to minimize maintenance. LED high bay lights typically offer 50,000+ hours of operation, significantly reducing replacement and labor costs compared to traditional lighting options. Look for lights with robust materials and IP ratings (Ingress Protection) to ensure they can withstand dust, moisture, and other environmental factors.

Calculate Return on Investment (ROI)

High bay lights are more about ROI as you can consider for it the upfront cost and energy savings and the maintenance costs along with their lifespan to determine when your investment would pay itself back. The total investment in LED high bay lighting, though huge, would be almost covered by payback in a few years.

Conclusion: Make the Right Choice in !

Choosing the right high bay lights involves understanding your space, lighting needs, and energy goals. By focusing on these key factors — from ceiling height to energy efficiency and maintenance costs — you can ensure that your investment will provide bright, reliable, and cost-effective lighting for years to come.

Ready to make a purchase? Explore our wide selection of high-quality high bay lights at LedMyplace and schedule a call with our experts to find the perfect solution for your space today!

Contact us to discuss your requirements of LED High Bay Light Solutions. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.