LED high bay lights are high intensity fixtures designed to illuminate high ceiling applications (typically 5-20 meters). The higher the ceiling, the more space that needs to be illuminated, so it is important that these fixtures are powerful and able to illuminate very large areas. LED high bay fixtures are often used in commercial and industrial applications for a more robust type of fixture. Ideal for factories, warehouses, garages, gyms.
The difference between high bay and low bay lighting
Both high bay and low bay luminaires are used to illuminate large areas and are mounted on high ceilings to provide more intense light while reducing glare.The intensity of the lighting also varies. Low bay lighting is under 100 watts, while high bay lighting can be over 100 watts. High bays are most commonly found in warehouses, gantries, large stores, or above conference rooms, sports facilities, or anywhere where uniform, bright lighting is needed to maximize visibility and light quality over a large area.
In comparison, high bay lighting is more adaptable to harsh environments, such as above a manufacturing floor, where higher concentrations of airborne particles can block weaker lighting or damage less robust fixtures.
Why Choose High Bay Lighting?
Compared with traditional LED lights, the initial investment for setting up high bay lighting will be higher, but in the long run, high bay lighting is durable and cost-saving, and the energy efficiency of high bay lighting is also much higher. It can be used with microwave or infrared sensors without reducing its lifetime.
And LED lights produce high-quality light that mimics daylight, improving visibility and reducing the likelihood of accidents caused by poor lighting.
In addition, LED high bay lighting generates less heat than traditional LED lighting, reducing the risk of fire and creating a safer working environment.
Types of High Bay Lighting
Round high bays, also called UFO high bays, are the easiest to install of all high bays. They emit a circular beam, typically 110 degrees, providing clear and even illumination of everything below. Most commonly found in factories, warehouses, grocery stores, and airport hangars, they have a lifespan of over 50,000 hours of maintenance-free operation.
Linear high bays are found in grocery stores, warehouses, or other environments with a lot of shelving. They are rectangular in shape and come in a variety of widths and lengths to meet your application needs. They can be mounted directly to the ceiling or suspended from cables or chains. Many also have a high CRI to make it easy to see what is underneath. In the case of a warehouse, this allows workers to move from aisle to aisle without dark spots, reducing the risk of injury.
Recommended height for high bay lights
General guidelines for recommended height based on ceiling height:
For ceilings 15-20 feet high, high-bay lights should be installed at a height of 15-20 feet.
For ceilings 20-25 feet high, high-bay lights should be installed 20-25 feet high.
For higher ceilings, it is generally recommended that the mine light be installed at the same height as the ceiling or slightly lower than the ceiling height.
High bay lighting is used when large interior spaces make it difficult to achieve bright and even lighting throughout the work area. High bay lights are typically powerful fixtures that are ideal for this purpose and can be configured in a variety of settings to meet the exact needs of the user and the environment.
Whichever configuration best suits your needs, remember that efficient lighting is first and foremost a matter of safety and precision. When planning the installation of a high-bay lighting system, it is critical to consider the unique aspects of the environment and the specific nature of the tasks being performed.
Manufacturing facilities: High bay lighting should be installed at a height that provides adequate illumination for machines, workstations, and assembly lines. The recommended height range is 18-30 feet.
Warehouse lighting Recommended altitude range is 20-35 feet
Warehouse lighting is one of the most common high bay lighting applications. The large interior dimensions make these spaces difficult to evenly light. Stacked goods and tall racks can create deep shadow areas that are difficult for many low bay solutions to penetrate.
When installing warehouse high bay lighting, there are dozens of different configurations to choose from. Given that many of these workplaces operate 24 hours a day, LED high bay setups have become very popular due to their ability to significantly reduce operating and maintenance costs over time.
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The initial cost is usually higher than traditional lamps. However, LEDs require replacement much less frequently and consume only a fraction of the power while providing a more intense and consistent quality of light.
Traditional incandescent, fluorescent, or metal halide lamps are also suitable choices for many aspects of typical warehouse lighting. However, keep in mind that all of these alternatives require more frequent replacement and consume more power than their more efficient LED counterparts.
Sports Facilities: High bay lighting should be mounted at a height that provides consistent, high-level lighting throughout the playing field. Recommended heights range from 30-150 feet, depending on the size and purpose of the facility.
Shop lighting
One of the most common setups in high bay shop lighting today is the widely used T5 or T8 fluorescent tube lamp. They are frequently mounted high above the shop floor, usually recessed beneath a large concave reflector. This helps them provide bright and even lighting over a large area. They are especially common in environments with smooth, polished or reflective surfaces. This suits the flat, neutral colour and widely dispersed light quality of fluorescent lamps.
Industrial High Bay Lighting
Industrial high bay lighting is another area where modern LED configurations have gained a lot of attention in recent years. This is mainly because safety, precision and quality are key issues in all industrial environments. Instant-on functionality and the suitability of microwave-activated sensors are both significant advantages of LED industrial high-bay lighting.
Adaptable lighting setups are also valuable in industrial environments. LEDs are far ahead of traditional lamps in this regard, often allowing subtle adjustments to be made on the fly. This allows users to create vastly different lighting qualities and intensities in different areas of a workspace.
Similarly, the 24-hour nature of many industrial and manufacturing facilities often means that the higher initial investment in LED lighting is quickly offset by its much lower running costs. Lifetime and reliability are greatly improved and downtime is minimized, another consideration on fast-paced production lines.
Loading Area Lighting
Powerful, safe and efficient loading docks are one of the most critical links in a smooth supply chain for any warehouse, industrial, logistics or large retail space. With 24/7 access to these busy work areas, the installation of a powerful, well-planned loading dock lighting solution is essential. A proper dock lighting system must effectively illuminate all general cargo handling, traffic, and transfer areas to maximize worker safety and efficiency.
It is also important to consider where additional features may be needed to meet the stringent requirements of multi-space docks. For example, adjustable dock guide lights can be very helpful in illuminating the interior of vehicles, crates, and containers. This helps reduce the risk of damage or injury as products are loaded and unloaded.