LED Equivalent Chart

LED lighting is widely recognized for energy efficiency and cost savings in commercial and industrial applications. For facility managers and engineers, the key question isn’t whether LEDs are efficient, but rather “How much can I potentially save?” This analysis compares LED high bay lighting with traditional metal halide systems.

LED vs Metal Halide Performance Comparison

The above chart compares typical performance specifications between metal halide and LED high bay fixtures under standard operating conditions. Actual performance may vary based on specific products and installation factors.

Key Performance Factors

1. Optical Efficiency and Light Loss

Traditional metal halide fixtures experience light loss through their reflector systems. Since metal halide bulbs emit light in all directions, they require reflectors to direct light downward. Each reflection reduces light output – aluminum reflectors typically retain about 90% of light with each bounce, meaning 10% is lost per reflection.

Multiple reflections compound these losses, reducing the effective light reaching work surfaces. LED fixtures are inherently directional, eliminating the need for reflectors and delivering more efficient light distribution.

2. Lumen Maintenance Over Time

While some metal halide fixtures may initially produce higher lumen outputs, this advantage diminishes rapidly. Metal halide lamps typically experience 30% lumen depreciation within the first 10,000 hours of operation.

Quality commercial LED fixtures maintain consistent output for 50,000+ hours before reaching similar depreciation levels. This means LED performance remains more predictable throughout the fixture’s service life.

3. Energy Conversion Efficiency

Metal halide lamps convert significant energy into heat rather than visible light, including infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths that don’t contribute to useful illumination. This reduces overall system efficiency.

LED technology converts a higher percentage of input energy directly into visible light, with minimal heat generation. This improved energy conversion contributes to lower operating costs and reduced HVAC loads in conditioned spaces.

4. Color Rendering Performance

Color Rendering Index (CRI) measures how accurately a light source reveals colors compared to natural sunlight. While metal halide lamps may initially offer good color rendering, their CRI degrades as the lamp ages and lumen output decreases.

LEDs are available in various CRI ratings, allowing facility managers to select appropriate color rendering for specific applications while maintaining consistent performance throughout their operational life.

Potential Cost Savings and Benefits

The combination of improved efficiency and longer service life can result in substantial operational savings. Based on typical utility rates and operating schedules, converting a single metal halide fixture to LED may save $200-$400 annually in combined energy and maintenance costs.

Note: Actual savings vary significantly based on local utility rates, operating hours, maintenance costs, and specific products selected. Use our savings calculator for estimates specific to your facility.

Most industrial facilities and commercial buildings operate hundreds of high bay fixtures, making the cumulative savings potential substantial. Beyond energy savings, LED fixtures typically offer:

• Reduced maintenance costs due to longer service life
• Improved light quality and consistency
• Better controllability with dimming and smart systems
• Lower heat output reducing HVAC loads

For facility managers evaluating lighting upgrades, these factors collectively demonstrate why LED technology has become the preferred solution for most commercial and industrial high bay applications.