Commercial and Industrial LED High Bays

What Are LED High Bay Lights?

LED high bay lights are commercial LED fixtures designed to illuminate large indoor spaces with ceilings typically 20 feet and higher. They produce high lumen output with engineered beam angles to provide bright, even light in warehouses, factories, gyms, aircraft hangars, and distribution centers. Compared to metal halide and fluorescent systems, LED high bays use up to 75% less energy and require almost no maintenance over their lifespan.

LED Lighting Supply Commercial and Industrial LED High Bay Lights

Facility upgrades from metal halide and fluorescent systems demand precise matching of ceiling height, lumen requirements, and beam patterns to avoid costly mistakes. Drawing from 17 years of lighting experience in industrial and commercial settings, LED Lighting Supply's Product Specialists have developed proven methodologies that eliminate guesswork and deliver optimal performance for each unique application.

The U.S. Department of Energy reports that LED technology can reduce energy consumption by 75% compared to traditional lighting in commercial and industrial applications. Their research shows that proper LED high bay selection and installation techniques are critical factors in achieving maximum energy savings and operational efficiency in large indoor spaces.

How to Choose the Right High Bay LED Light

Successful high bay LED fixture selection requires balancing four essential factors: ceiling height, lumen output, beam angle, and fixture design. Facilities that follow our systematic approach achieve 65% better light distribution while avoiding costly over-lighting. Our lighting design services create custom photometric layouts that optimize beam angle configurations for your specific environment.

Ceiling Height & Space Requirements

Proper ceiling height calculations ensure uniform light distribution throughout your entire facility:

Voltage and Adjustable Technology

Adjustable technology delivers maximum flexibility for post-installation optimization without fixture replacement:

Based on customer feedback, adjustable high bay LED lights provide facilities with the greatest flexibility for achieving optimal conditions after installation completion.

Metal halide replacements typically benefit from 5000K for enhanced visibility, while fluorescent upgrades achieve the closest color matching with 4000K. Color-adjustable fixtures with onboard switches allow facilities to change temperature post-installation as needs evolve.

Controls, Backup, and Mounting Options

Advanced control integration addresses both performance optimization and safety compliance requirements:

• Motion-sensor compatibility with 0-10V or 1-10V dimming achieves an additional 30% energy savings in task-based zones
• Emergency battery backup (EMB) ensures OSHA egress compliance and safety code requirements
• Multiple mounting styles, including eye hook, pendant, surface, and chain/cable suspension, work with existing infrastructure
• Direct replacement capability maintains identical mounting patterns while reducing amp loads that avoid electrical panel upgrades
• Photocell integration enables daylight harvesting and automatic control, delivering up to 25% additional energy savings

OSHA standards for workplace lighting establish minimum illumination requirements to ensure worker safety and productivity. The agency's construction industry lighting standards specify that adequate emergency lighting systems must be available to provide safe egress during power outages, making battery backup systems a critical safety consideration for industrial facilities.

Certifications and Warranties

Essential certifications and reliable warranty support provide facility managers with confidence in long-term performance:

• Safety certifications include UL Listed and ETL Listed approvals, with DLC Premium eligibility for utility rebates up to 75% of fixture cost
• Standard 5-year warranties backed by US-based support that processes all claims within 48 hours

Our dedicated, US-based warranty team resolves issues promptly when they arise. Customer feedback consistently highlights our warranty response time as exceeding industry standards.

The Design Lights Consortium (DLC) serves as the leading authority for commercial LED lighting quality and efficiency standards. Their Qualified Products List certification program ensures that LED fixtures meet rigorous performance criteria for energy efficiency, photometric performance, and reliability, making DLC qualification essential for securing utility rebates and achieving long-term operational savings.

UFO vs Linear High Bay Lights: Choosing the Right Fixture Type for Your Project

UFO High Bay Lights

UFO fixtures deliver superior versatility across most commercial and industrial areas:

• Compact circular design concentrates point-source illumination for precise light distribution
• Perfect for open warehouses and direct metal halide replacement applications
• Power range spans 60-600W, producing up to 96,000 lumens for extreme high-ceiling requirements
• Engineered for harsh conditions: IP65-rated waterproof and IK08-IK10 impact-resistant construction
• Excels when downward-focused lighting with excellent throw distance becomes critical
• Field-adjustable 60°/90°/120° beam angles optimize distribution after installation

Linear High Bay Lights

Linear fixtures excel when uniform illumination across extended areas takes priority:

• Rectangular profile spreads light evenly across wide coverage zones
• Superior for aisle lighting and fluorescent-style replacement projects
• Power options from 80-500W deliver up to 76,900 lumens with consistent output
• Extended fixture lengths provide widespread, uniform illumination patterns
• Outstanding for production lines and assembly work requiring consistent light quality

UFO fixtures are our most popular choice due to their adaptability and superior light distribution. Our Product Specialists can evaluate fixture selection questions specific to your application requirements.

Recommended Foot-Candle Levels and Lighting Requirements by High Bay Application

High Bay LED Light Applications

High bay LED lights are used in large indoor facilities where mounting heights exceed 12–50+ feet. These fixtures provide bright, uniform lighting for open areas, work zones, and high-ceiling spaces where traditional lighting systems fail to deliver required illumination levels. The infographic below highlights the most common commercial and industrial applications for LED high bay lighting.

Why LED Lighting Supply High Bay Lights Outperform Traditional High Bays like Metal Halide and Fluorescent Lights

Performance Benefits & Certified Reliability

Customers consistently report dramatic improvements after upgrading to our LED solutions:

Case Study: Conversion of (72) T5 6 tube fixtures to LED Lighting Supply 200 Watt LED UFO Fixtures (one-for-one replacement) in Williston, ND

Before: T5 54W HO Fluorescent Fixtures	After: 200 W LED UFO Fixtures

Lighting Plan We Created for Customer

Lighting Plan	Heat Map

LED High Bays Warehouse Installation Lighting Plan Metrics

• Mounting height: 20 ft
• Fixture Used: 100 / 120 / 150 / 200 Watt Adjustable LED UFO High Bay | 15000 to 30000 Lumens | 5000K | 100-277V | White Housing
• FC achieved: 60.33 FC average
• Uniformity: 1.42

Case Study LED High Bays Warehouse Installation Energy Savings: 200W LED vs 324W Fluorescent Replacement (with ballast)

Assumptions: Based on 18 hours/day, 300 days/year at $0.08/kWh

Common Applications & Customer Success

Large Indoor Spaces - Warehouses & Distribution Centers - Customer selected our 300 Watt UFO Warehouse Light | 45000 Lumens to achieve required foot candle levels with balanced lighting distribution across the entire floor

Industrial Applications - We engineered solutions for this water treatment facility using explosion proof hazardous location fixtures with Class I Division 2 ratings for safe operation

Gymnasiums & Sports Facilities - Even distribution for athletic activities using our wattage adjustable 100 / 120 / 150 / 200 Watt Adjustable UFO Fixture with high impact IK10 ratings for ball strike protection

Aircraft Hangars - Superior lighting for detailed aircraft maintenance using our powerful 240 Watt UFO High Bay | 45600 Lumens to achieve brightness requirements for precision work

Workshops and Garages - Bright workspaces for production facilities using our adjustable wattage shop lights with 5000K color temperature for optimal visibility

Indoor Horse Arenas - Balanced lighting for equestrian facilities using our wattage-adjustable, color-adjustable, optic-adjustable high bay light fixtures for maximum post-installation optimization flexibility

LED vs Metal Halide: Energy Savings Guide

Based on 120 hours per week operation at $0.14/kWh

Why Choose LED Lighting Supply? Let Us Create Your Custom Lighting Plan

Seventeen years of commercial and industrial lighting experience enable LED Lighting Supply to engineer solutions delivering optimal performance for any application. Our Product Specialists recognize that each facility presents unique challenges for mounting heights, light distribution, and operational requirements.

What Our Custom Lighting Plan Delivers

Comprehensive lighting plans eliminate guesswork while ensuring optimal project outcomes:

• Space dimension analysis with mounting height evaluation and specific lighting requirements for OSHA and industry standard compliance
• Cost-effective high bay light fixtures recommendations matching your operational needs and budget constraints
• Detailed lighting layouts ensure uniform coverage while minimizing shadows and dark zones
• Expert consultation maximizing high efficiency and qualifying for available utility rebate programs

Our expertise eliminates costly trial-and-error while delivering professionally designed lighting solutions perfectly matched to your specific application. Request your free custom lighting plan today and let our Product Specialists engineer the optimal solution for your facility.

Professional Support That Delivers Results Before and After Your Purchase

LED Lighting Supply's expert support ensures successful project outcomes from initial consultation through long-term operation. Our experienced Product Specialists provide complimentary energy savings calculations that precisely determine your facility's ROI timeline and annual cost reductions. We deliver detailed photometric analyses showing exact foot-candle levels throughout your facility, ensuring compliance with industry standards while eliminating over-lighting waste.

Unlike typical lighting suppliers, our team maintains direct manufacturer relationships that enable bulk pricing advantages and expedited warranty resolution. Our US-based technical support team responds to product questions within 2 hours during business hours, providing the expertise that facility managers rely on for critical lighting decisions.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

After many years of high bay installations across commercial and industrial facilities, these are the issues that most frequently impact lighting performance, project cost, and long-term reliability.

• Using lumen packages that do not match the mounting height results in insufficient light levels. As a practical reference: 15,000–20,000 lumens for 20–25 ft, around 25,000 lumens for 25–30 ft, and 30,000+ lumens for heights above 30 ft.
• Selecting incorrect beam angles for the ceiling height or racking layout. General guidelines: 120° optics for ceilings under 25 ft, 90° for 25–35 ft, and 60° for 35+ ft applications.
• Ordering fixtures with voltage drivers that do not match the building’s electrical service. Always verify whether the facility uses 120–277V or 277–480V, and choose universal drivers when uncertain.
• Specifying non-DLC-qualified fixtures in projects where rebates are expected. DLC Premium certification is typically required to secure utility incentives and maintain expected ROI.
• Improper fixture spacing that leads to uneven distribution or unnecessary energy use. A common planning rule is to space fixtures at roughly 1.2 to 1.5 times the mounting height unless a photometric layout indicates otherwise.
• Overlooking the need for emergency battery backup units along egress paths. Facilities must maintain code compliance by ensuring emergency illumination during power loss.
• Installing motion sensors without adjusting the timeout values to the application. Production zones generally require longer delay settings (about 15 minutes), while storage areas can use shorter delays (around 5 minutes).
• Ignoring ambient temperature requirements when selecting fixtures for unconditioned or high-heat spaces. Always check operating temperature ratings, especially for warehouses, foundries, or cold storage.

Commercial and Industrial LED High Bays Frequently Asked Questions

What's the Best High Bay LED Light for 20-Foot Ceilings?

For 20-foot ceiling heights, fixtures delivering 20,000-30,000 lumens with 90-120° beam angles provide optimal coverage. Space fixtures 15-19 feet on center for uniform distribution. UFO-style high bays work best for most applications due to their superior throw distance and adjustable beam angle options.

How Many Lumens Do I Need for LED High Bay Warehouse Lighting?

Lumen requirements depend on ceiling height and application type. 10-20 foot ceilings need 10,000-15,000 lumens per fixture, 20-30 foot ceilings require 20,000-30,000 lumens, and 30+ foot heights demand 30,000+ lumens. Industrial precision work may require 50% higher output for adequate task lighting.

What's the Difference Between UFO and Linear High Bay Lights?

UFO high bays provide concentrated point-source illumination with excellent throw distance, making them ideal for open warehouses and metal halide replacements. Linear high bays spread light evenly across wide coverage zones, excelling in aisle lighting and fluorescent replacement applications where uniform distribution is prioritized over focused intensity.

How Much Can I Save Switching from Metal Halide to LED High Bays?

LED conversions typically achieve 50-75% energy reduction with payback periods under 12 months. A 200W LED replacing a 400W metal halide saves $148 annually per fixture at $0.13/kWh. Facilities with 20 fixtures save approximately $2,961 annually while eliminating maintenance costs and improving light quality.

What Beam Angle Should I Choose for My High Bay Application?

Beam angle selection depends on mounting height and coverage needs. 60° beam angles work best for heights above 30 feet requiring focused light, 90° angles suit most 20-30 foot applications, and 120° wide angles provide broad coverage for lower ceiling installations. Field-adjustable optics allow post-installation optimization.

Do LED High Bays Work with Motion Sensors and Dimming Controls?

Most LED high bays support 0-10V or 1-10V dimming and integrate seamlessly with motion sensors for additional 30% energy savings. Emergency battery backup (EMB) options ensure OSHA compliance, while photocell integration enables daylight harvesting for up to 25% additional savings in facilities with natural light exposure.

What Certifications Should I Look for in Commercial High Bay Lights?

Essential certifications include UL Listed or ETL Listed for safety compliance and DLC Premium qualification for utility rebates up to 75% of fixture cost. Look for IP65 ratings for moisture protection and IK08+ impact ratings for durability in industrial environments. NSF certification is required for food processing facilities.

How Long Do LED High Bay Lights Last Compared to Metal Halide?

LED high bays provide 50,000-100,000 hours of flicker-free operation versus 15,000 hours for metal halide systems. This translates to 15-20 years of typical commercial use with instant full brightness and no warm-up delays. Standard 5-year warranties backed by US-based support provide additional reliability assurance.

Why Should Electrical Contractors Choose LED Lighting Supply for High Bay Projects?

LED Lighting Supply's 17 years of expertise and 25,000+ completed projects provide contractors with proven solutions and technical support that ensures successful installations. Our Product Specialists create custom photometric layouts, provide detailed energy calculations, and offer consultative guidance beyond just selling fixtures, helping contractors deliver optimal results for their clients.

What Makes LED Lighting Supply Different from Other High Bay Suppliers?

Our consultative approach combines 15+ years of commercial lighting expertise with comprehensive technical support including free custom lighting plans, photometric analysis, and energy savings calculations. Unlike typical suppliers, we provide 2-hour response times for technical questions and maintain direct manufacturer relationships that enable competitive pricing and expedited warranty resolution.

Can LED High Bays Handle Harsh Industrial Environments?

Industrial-grade LED high bays feature IP65-IP69K protection for moisture and dust resistance, plus IK08-IK10 impact ratings for mechanical durability. Temperature ratings from -40°F to 185°F accommodate extreme conditions, while vibration-resistant construction handles heavy machinery environments. Explosion-proof options meet Class I Division 2 requirements for hazardous locations.