Factors to Consider When Selecting LED High Bay Lights.

There are several factors to consider when choosing LED high bay lights for your facility. These factors include lighting requirements, work surface height, ceiling height, the number of points of light required to minimize shadows, energy efficiency, durability, maintenance, and cost.

Lighting requirements refer to the amount of light needed to adequately illuminate a space, and this is determined by the footcandles required to perform a specific task. Ceiling height is also important considerations, as height determines the optics and wattage required to properly distribute the required amount of light on the work surface without shadows. An Access Fixtures lighting engineer can perform a photometric study to determine the optimum wattage, optics and spacing of the lights to meet the facility’s requirements. 

Two other lighting requirement factors for consideration are the color temperature of the lighting and the color rendering. Color temperature is measured in Kevin and can affect the mood and productivity of workers. Think of it this way. Should the light emitted be colored like the light in a romantic Italian restaurant, 2200 Kelvin, or more like a televised sports event with 5000 Kelvin or 5700 Kelvin? CRI is a measure color rendering. How accurate does the colors rendered by the light need to be? An automotive service bay may only need 70 CRI, but a showroom floor and an auto body shop should have 90+ CRI.

Energy efficiency is another important factor to consider. Every watt required to operate the lights adds up, so be sure to understand the operating expense. Durability and maintenance are also important factors, as LED high bay lighting systems are designed to be long-lasting and require minimal maintenance. An EXTREME-LIFE rated LED high bay light may be more expensive than a basic LED high bay light, but a LED high bay light rated L70 @ 200,000 hours will last a lot longer than one rated L70 @ 50,000 hours. 

Common Applications of LED High Bay Lights

LED high bay lights are used in a variety of settings, including warehouses, industrial facilities, gyms, sports arenas, retail stores, and parking garages. In warehouses and industrial facilities, LED high bay lighting systems are used to provide adequate illumination for workers and equipment. In sports arenas, LED high bay lighting systems are used to provide bright, even lighting for athletes and spectators. In retail stores and supermarkets, LED high bay lighting systems are used to highlight products and create a welcoming atmosphere. Finally, in parking garages, LED high bay lights, sometimes with low profile mounts and called LED low bay lights, emit light with broad optics and are used to provide safe well-lit parking areas.