For a warehouse, the best LED lighting options are almost always high-bay fixtures, but the specific choice hinges on your ceiling height, aisle layout, and whether you need features like extreme temperature tolerance or smart controls.
The Main Choice: UFO vs. Linear High Bays
Your floor plan dictates the shape of the light. The two dominant styles are UFO (round) and Linear (rectangular) high bays.
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UFO Round High Bay: The best fit for open floor plans with general storage or flexible layouts. They offer a wide beam (90°–120°), are compact, and are direct replacements for old metal halide fixtures. They are cost-effective and easy to install.
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Linear High Bay: Ideal for narrow aisles, racking, and assembly lines. Their rectangular shape aligns light down long, narrow spaces, improving uniformity and reducing shadows on rack faces. They are also preferred for cold storage because the longer body handles thermal swings better.
For a facility with both open areas and racking, a hybrid layout using UFOs over the shipping floor and Linears over the pick aisles is common.
Match Wattage to Ceiling Height
Wattage needs scale with mounting height. Using a fixture that is too weak creates dark spots, while too much power wastes energy and causes glare.
| Ceiling Height | Recommended Wattage | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| 20–25 ft | 150W | Warehouses, distribution centers |
| 25–30 ft | 200W (Most Common) | Manufacturing, large warehouses |
| 30–40 ft | 240W | High-ceiling factories, hangars |
| 40–50 ft | 300W+ | Heavy industrial, bulk storage |
These are guidelines for standard ceiling heights. If you have high racks, you may need to consider vertical illuminance on the rack faces as well.
Essential Features for a Warehouse Environment
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Certifications (Non-Negotiable): Look for UL or ETL listing for safety compliance. For utility rebates, DLC Premium qualification is key—it often unlocks rebates 20–50% higher than standard listings.
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Color Temperature (CCT): 4000K or 5000K are the industry standards. 5000K provides a cooler, brighter light often preferred for task-oriented picking areas.
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Color Rendering (CRI): A CRI of 70+ is generally sufficient for warehouses, though 80+ helps in areas where color distinction matters (e.g., inspecting goods).
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Ingress Protection (IP): For general warehouse use, an IP65 rating (dust-tight and protected against water jets) is the baseline. Cold storage or wash-down areas may need IP66 or higher.
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Surge Protection: Warehouses with large motors or conveyors are prone to power spikes. Integrated surge protection (like 6KV) helps prevent driver failure.
Controls and Rebates
Adding occupancy sensors (PIR or microwave) and 0-10V dimming can cut lighting energy use by an additional 30–60%. Microwave sensors are often better for warehouse aisles because they can detect movement through racking.
Before purchasing, ask your supplier for a photometric plan. This simulation proves the layout will hit target foot-candle levels and is often required to claim utility rebates.
Call +1 718-688-9188 to speak with a US-based lighting professional expert or browse LED warehouse Lighting at www.jcelighting.com
