How to Choose Industrial High Bay Lighting Fixtures

Choosing the right industrial high bay lighting fixtures can make or break your workspace’s efficiency and safety. At PacLights, we understand the critical role these fixtures play in warehouses, factories, and other large-scale facilities.

This guide will walk you through the essential factors to consider when selecting high bay lighting for your industrial space. We’ll compare different types of fixtures, explore key features, and provide practical recommendations to help you make an informed decision.

What Are Industrial High Bay Lights?

Definition and Purpose

Industrial high bay lights are powerful lighting fixtures designed for large, open spaces with high ceilings. These lights provide adequate illumination in warehouses, factories, and other industrial facilities where standard lighting solutions fall short.

High bay lights deliver bright, uniform illumination across vast areas, typically with ceiling heights ranging from 20 to 45 feet. The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) provides recommended lighting levels for various commercial and industrial spaces, measured in footcandles (lumens per square feet) and lux (lumens per square meter).

Common Applications

You’ll find high bay lighting in various industrial and commercial spaces, including:

Each of these spaces has unique lighting requirements, but they all benefit from the powerful, wide-reaching illumination that high bay fixtures provide.

Key Considerations for Selection

When you choose high bay lighting for your industrial space, several factors come into play:

1. Ceiling height: The mounting height of your fixtures will determine the required lumen output. For ceilings 20-30 feet high, you need 22,000-35,000 lumens. For heights over 40 feet, try up to 47,000 lumens.
2. Energy efficiency: LED high bay lights can save 60-80% in energy costs compared to traditional options like HID bulbs (according to the U.S. Department of Energy).
3. Light distribution: Consider the beam angle of your fixtures. UFO (round) high bay lights typically have a 120-degree beam angle, ideal for wide, open spaces. Linear high bays work well for areas with extensive aisles and shelving.
4. Color temperature: Select the right color temperature for your space. 3000K creates a warm atmosphere, 4000K suits general use, and 5000K enhances visibility in inspection areas.
5. Durability: Look for fixtures with appropriate IP ratings. For example, vapor-tight fixtures with IP67 ratings excel in industrial kitchens or food processing plants where moisture and dust are concerns.

These factors will help you select high bay lighting that not only illuminates your space effectively but also contributes to energy savings and improved productivity. The right lighting solution can significantly impact your bottom line and the overall functionality of your industrial facility.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of industrial high bay lights, let’s explore the different types available in the market and their respective advantages and disadvantages.

Which High Bay Light Is Best for Your Facility?

LED High Bay Lights

LED high bay lights have emerged as the preferred choice for many industrial facilities. They offer unparalleled energy efficiency, potentially reducing energy costs by 60-80% compared to traditional options. LEDs also boast an impressive lifespan, often exceeding 50,000 hours. This longevity results in lower maintenance costs and less frequent replacements.

One of the standout features of LED high bays is their excellent color rendering. With a Color Rendering Index (CRI) that surpasses traditional light sources, LEDs ensure faithful color reflection, which enhances visibility in your workspace. They also produce minimal heat (only about 5% of energy lost as heat compared to traditional bulbs).

Metal Halide High Bay Lights

Metal halide lights have long been a popular choice for high bay applications. They produce a bright, white light that suits large spaces. However, they come with several drawbacks. Metal halide bulbs have a shorter lifespan compared to LEDs, typically lasting between 10,000 to 20,000 hours.

These lights require a warm-up period before reaching full brightness, which can prove inconvenient in spaces that need immediate illumination. They also consume more energy than LEDs and generate more heat, potentially increasing cooling costs in your facility.

Fluorescent High Bay Lights

Fluorescent high bay lights offer a middle ground between LEDs and metal halides in terms of energy efficiency and lifespan. They provide good color rendering and come in various color temperatures. However, their performance can deteriorate in cold environments, and they contain small amounts of mercury (raising environmental concerns).

Fluorescent lights also have a shorter lifespan than LEDs, typically lasting around 20,000 hours. They may require more frequent replacements, especially in 24/7 operations.

Comparing the Options

When selecting the best high bay light for your facility, consider these factors:

1. Energy Efficiency: LEDs lead the pack, followed by fluorescents, with metal halides trailing behind.
2. Lifespan: LEDs offer the longest life, often exceeding 50,000 hours.
3. Color Quality: LEDs provide superior color rendering, enhancing visibility and accuracy in work environments.
4. Instant On: LEDs light up immediately, while metal halides require a warm-up period.
5. Environmental Impact: LEDs and metal halides are mercury-free, unlike fluorescents.

While each type of high bay light has its place, LEDs stand out as the top choice for most industrial applications. Their energy efficiency, long lifespan, and superior light quality make them an excellent investment for facilities aiming to optimize their lighting and reduce long-term costs.

As we move forward, let’s explore the key features you should look for when selecting high bay lighting fixtures for your industrial space.

Key Features to Prioritize in High Bay Lighting

Lumen Output and Efficacy

Lumen output determines the adequacy of illumination in your facility. For ceilings 20-30 feet high, try fixtures that produce 22,000-35,000 lumens. Ceilings exceeding 40 feet require up to 47,000 lumens for effective lighting.

Don’t focus solely on raw lumen output. Pay attention to luminous efficacy (measured in lumens per watt). This metric indicates how efficiently a fixture converts electricity into light. Low bay options offer between 5,000 and 15,000 lumens per fixture, while high bay options provide 15,000 to as much as 100,000 lumens per fixture.

Energy Efficiency and Return on Investment

Energy efficiency directly impacts operational costs. LED high bay lights reduce energy consumption by 60-80% compared to conventional options like metal halide or fluorescent fixtures. This translates to substantial savings on electricity bills.

Consider the initial investment versus long-term savings. LED fixtures may have a higher upfront cost, but their energy efficiency and longer lifespan often result in a favorable return on investment (ROI). Many utilities offer rebates for energy-efficient lighting upgrades, further improving ROI. Check with your local utility provider for available incentives.

Durability and Maintenance

Industrial environments can be harsh on lighting fixtures. Look for robust construction and appropriate IP (Ingress Protection) ratings. In food processing plants or areas with high humidity, select fixtures with an IP65 rating or higher to protect against dust and moisture ingress.

Longevity is another critical factor. LED high bays typically last 50,000 hours or more, which reduces maintenance needs and replacement costs. This proves particularly valuable in facilities with high ceilings where accessing fixtures disrupts operations.

Light Quality and Distribution

Color temperature and Color Rendering Index (CRI) play vital roles in light quality. For task-oriented areas, cooler color temperatures (5000K-6500K) enhance visibility. Warmer temperatures (3000K-4000K) suit ambient lighting in break rooms or office spaces better.

A high CRI (80 or above) ensures accurate color representation, which is important for quality control and detailed work. The Illuminating Engineering Society recommends a minimum CRI of 70 for industrial spaces (but higher is better for most applications).

Consider the beam angle and light distribution pattern of your fixtures. Wide-angle beams (120 degrees or more) work well for open areas, while narrower beams illuminate specific workstations or aisles better.

Customization and Control Options

Modern high bay lighting systems offer various customization and control options. Look for fixtures with adjustable wattage or lumen output to fine-tune lighting levels for different areas or tasks. Some systems (like those offered by PacLights) include optional daylight or motion sensors, which can further optimize energy use.

Advanced lighting controls, such as networked systems, allow for centralized management and scheduling of your lighting. These features can lead to additional energy savings and improved operational flexibility.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right industrial high bay lighting fixtures impacts your facility’s efficiency, safety, and bottom line. LED high bay lights offer superior energy efficiency, longevity, and light quality, making them the top choice for most industrial applications. These fixtures can reduce energy costs, improve visibility, and enhance productivity in your workspace.

We recommend fixtures with adjustable outputs and advanced control options to maximize flexibility and energy savings. Don’t forget to factor in the long-term return on investment, including potential utility rebates for energy-efficient upgrades. The right lighting solution is an investment in your facility’s future, contributing to operational efficiency, worker safety, and overall productivity.

At PacLights, we offer a range of industrial high bay lighting fixtures tailored to diverse industrial needs. Our products include optional daylight or motion control and advanced lighting controls to optimize energy use. We provide free lighting layout designs and ROI assessments to help you make the best decision for your facility.