Warehouse LED High Bay Lighting: Expert Selection & Buying Resource

Backed by 15+ Years of Real-World Experience Designing LED Warehouse Lighting Systems

Choosing the right LED high bay lighting for a warehouse isn’t just about picking the brightest option. It’s about finding the right balance of performance, energy efficiency, brightness, balance, and layout to meet your facility’s needs. Our product specialists share the same approach we use in real warehouse designs to help you make confident, cost-effective lighting decisions.

Customer wanted to replace their 400 Watt Metal Halide fixtures with LED. Our 100 / 120 / 150 / 200 Watt Adjustable UFO High Bay | 15000 to 30000 Lumens provided bright and balanced lighting

How to Choose the Best LED High Bay Lights for Your Warehouse: Our Professional Advice

Based on thousands of commercial and industrial installations, we focus on four core factors:

• ceiling height (determines fixture type and spacing)
• required foot candle levels (typically 10-50 FC)
• fixture type, UFO high bay or Linear high bay
• operational requirements - motion sensors, dimming, emergency backup systems

Step 1: Match Your Lighting to Ceiling Height

We've outlined lighting recommendations based on warehouse ceiling heights. These numbers reflect real installation results and lighting plans we’ve delivered for clients.

Low Bay Applications (10-20 Feet)

• Ideal Output: 8,000 to 15,000 lumens
• Beam Angle: 120° for wide coverage
• Fixture Spacing: 12 to 15 feet apart
• Best Fit: Linear high bays or low-profile UFOs
• Common Applications: Small warehouses, fulfillment areas, retail storage

Medium Bay Applications (20-30 Feet)

• Ideal Output: 20,000–30,000 lumens
• Beam Angle: 90° to 120°
• Fixture Spacing: 15 to 19 feet apart
• Best Fit: UFO high bays or high-output linears
• Use Cases: Manufacturing floors, larger storage zones

High Bay Applications (30+ Feet):

• Ideal Output: 30,000+ lumens
• Beam Angle: 60° to 90° for focused coverage
• Fixture Spacing: 19 to 40 feet apart
• Best Fit: High-output UFOs with narrow optics
• Typical Projects: Aircraft hangars, industrial warehouses, logistics centers

Step 2: UFO vs. Linear High Bays – Which One Is Better?

UFO High Bay Lights - Best for replacing metal halide fixtures or illuminating open warehouse space

• Design: Compact, circular, downlight-style
• Wattage Range: 60W–600W, up to 96,000 lumens
• Advantages:
  • High lumen density for tall ceilings
  • IP65+ and IK-rated for tough environments
  • Easy installation with hook or pendant mount
• Pro Tip: UFOs are our go-to recommendation for ceiling heights of 20 to 65 feet.

Linear High Bay Lights - Ideal when replacing fluorescent fixtures or lighting aisles

• Design: Long rectangular format for even distribution
• Wattage Range: 80W–500W, up to 76,900 lumens
• Advantages:
  • Better coverage for narrow or racked aisles
  • Supports chain, pendant, or surface mounting
  • Excellent uniformity over large areas
• Pro Tip: Great for ceiling heights 15 to 40 feet, especially in warehouses with racking layouts.

Step 3: Calculate Lumens Using Proven Formulas

Here’s how we determine how much light you really need, based on industry best practices and photometric modeling.

Foot Candle Guidelines

• General warehouse storage: 10-20 foot-candles
• Active picking/packing areas: 30-50 foot-candles
• Quality inspection zones: 50-75 foot-candles
• Loading docks: 20-30 foot-candles
• Warehouse aisles: 15-25 foot-candles

Professional Formula: Required Lumens = (Desired FC × Square Footage) ÷ Light Loss Factor (0.7-0.8)

Check out our Indoor Fixture Count Lighting Calculator

HID to LED Conversion Chart (Based on 15+ Years of Installation Data):

• Replace 250W Metal Halide → 60-100W LED (9,000-15,000 lumens)
• Replace 400W Metal Halide → 150-200W LED (18,000-25,000 lumens)
• Replace 1000W Metal Halide → 300-400W LED (40,000-55,000 lumens)
• Replace 4-tube T5HO Fluorescent → 80-120W Linear LED (10,000-15,000 lumens)
• Replace 6-tube T5HO Fluorescent → 120-200W Linear LED (15,000-25,000 lumens)
• Advanced High Bay LED Features for Warehouse Applications

Advanced Features to Look For in Warehouse LED High Bays

Today’s commercial-grade LEDs offer more than just efficient light — here’s what we recommend to maximize performance.

Voltage Options and Adjustable Features

• Voltage
  • Standard Commercial: 120-277V with automatic driver adjustment
  • Industrial Applications: 277-480V for single-phase and three-phase systems
  • Driver Technology: Constant current drivers with power factor >0.95
• Wattage Adjustable Models
  • Toggle switches provide field-adjustable power settings and allow you to optimize energy usage without fixture replacement. These allow you to fine-tune light levels after installation.
  • Typical ranges: 100W/150W/200W or 200W/250W/300W
• Color Temperature Selection / Adjustable Options
  • 3000K Warm White: Retail environments, customer-facing warehouse areas
  • 4000K Neutral White: General commercial applications, fluorescent replacement
  • 5000K Bright White: Industrial warehouses, metal halide replacement, precision work
  • Onboard toggle switch on some models allows you to change the color temperature post-installation
• Beam Angle Adjustment (UFO Models)
  • Rotating lens systems: 60°/90°/120° field adjustment. No tools required for beam angle changes.
  • Optimize light distribution based on mounting height and spacing to meet your needs and requirements.

Example. This high bay fixture is very popular for warehouse installations. It is wattage adjustable and color temperature adjustable

120 / 150 / 200 Watt Adjustable UFO High Bay | 19800 to 33000 Lumens | 4000K / 5000K | 100-277V | White or Black Housing
Watts	Lumens
120	19800
150	24750
200	33000

Smart Control Integration for Warehouse Efficiency

• Motion Sensors:
  • PIR (for open spaces)
  • Microwave (better in dusty or dynamic environments)
  • Detection Range: 15–25 feet
  • Dimming Support: 0–10V, 1–10V (10% to 100%)
• Emergency Battery Backup:
  • Integrated or external packs
  • 90-minute runtime
  • 10W–40W output options available
  • OSHA-compliant for egress

Pro Tip: Motion sensors work extremely well with LED lights. LED lights are dimmable, so you can select the light levels when the light dims (even turn it off). LED lights do not degrade or lose life by cycling them on and off. And nothing saves more energy than a light that's off or dimmed to 10% when an area is void of activity

Light Quality & Distribution

• Color Rendering Index (CRI): 70+ standard.
• Flicker-Free Operation: No flicker for comfortable work environments (and no humming from old ballasts)
• Instant Performance: 100% light output immediately (vs 15-minute warm-up for metal halide)
• Cold Weather Performance: Full brightness even in cold weather, unlike fluorescents that take minutes to warm up to full power.

Pro Tip: 70 CRI is adequate unless you are doing fine detail work or need high color recognition in your process

Environmental Durability for Warehouse Conditions

• IP Ratings (Moisture Protection - UFOs Only)
  • IP65: Dust-tight, water jet resistant (standard warehouse applications)
  • IP66: Dust-tight, powerful water jet resistant (wash-down warehouse areas)
  • IP69K: High-pressure/high-temperature wash resistant (food distribution centers)
• IK Impact Ratings (UFOs only)
  • IK08: 5 Joule impact resistance (standard warehouse applications)
  • IK10: 20 Joule impact resistance (high-impact warehouse environments)

Pro Tip: If you need either moisture protection or high impact ratings, choose a UFO fixture

Professional Certifications & Compliance

• UL / ETL Listed: Electrical safety compliance for commercial and industrial facilities
• DLC Certified: Utility rebate eligibility
• FCC Compliant: Electromagnetic interference standards
• RoHS Compliant: Environmental safety standards
• Warranty: at least 5 years on all our lights

Pro Tip: If you have a warranty claim, we will work with you to make it right. All warranty claims are processed by us. We don't send you to a third party.

Mounting & Installation Options

• UFO High Bay Mounting
  • Eye Hook: Quick installation with adjustable cables
  • Pendant Mount: Rigid stem mounting for stable installations
• Linear High Bay Mounting
  • Chain/Wire Suspension: Standard mounting for most applications
  • Pendant Mount: Rigid mounting for stable installations
  • Surface Mount: Direct ceiling attachment where clearance is critical

Warehouse LED High Bay ROI Analysis: Real Financial Impact and Savings!

200W UFO Warehouse LED vs 400W Metal Halide Replacement (with ballast)

Based on 12 hours/day, 365 days of operation at $0.13/kWh

System	Annual Energy Cost	5-Year Total Cost	5-Year Savings
Metal Halide (460W)	$261.92	$1309.62	-
UFO LED (200W)	$113.88	$569.40	$740.22

Single Fixture Annual Savings: $148.04 | ROI Timeline: UFO LED fixture investment recovered in less than 9 months

Energy Reduction: 57% | 5-Year ROI: 579% | LED Hours: 50,000+ vs 15,000 MH

300W UFO Warehouse LED vs 1000W Metal Halide Replacement (with ballast)

Based on 12 hours/day, 365 days of operation at $0.13/kWh

System	Annual Energy Cost	5-Year Total Cost	5-Year Savings
Metal Halide (1150W)	$654.81	$3274.05	-
UFO LED (300W)	$170.82	$854.10	$2419.95

Single Fixture Annual Savings: $483.99 | ROI Timeline: UFO LED fixture investment recovered in less than 9 months

Energy Reduction: 74% | 5-Year ROI: 633% | LED Hours: 50,000+ vs 15,000 MH

Warehouse in Rhode Island upgrade with our 200 Watt UFO fixtures. Customer realized energy savings of 50%+ over his old metal halide fixtures

Professional Warehouse Lighting Design Process - How Many High Bay LED Fixtures Do You Need?

Professional Calculation Method

Space Analysis: Measure total square footage, ceiling height, and identify different lighting zones
Task Assessment: Determine foot-candle requirements for storage vs active work areas
Photometric Calculation: Use professional lighting software (AGI32) for precise fixture placement, determine average foot candles, and determine how balanced the lighting is.

General Guidelines (Professional Starting Point)

• Warehouses typically require: 20-30 lumens per square foot
• High-activity areas require: 40-50 lumens per square foot
• Spacing varies by ceiling height: 12-35 feet on center

Pro Tip: We provide custom, complimentary lighting plans. We have created 1000's of lighting plans over 15+ years of business. You get to see how well your area is lit before you purchase.

Why Choose LED Lighting Supply for Warehouse High Bay Lighting

Proven Warehouse Lighting Expertise

• 17+ Years: Commercial and industrial high bay lighting specialization.
• 5,000+ Installations: Verified performance across diverse commercial and industrial applications.
• High Customer Satisfaction: Proven track record across all project types - look at our reviews!
• Lighting Engineers on Staff: A Professional lighting design team will provide you with a complimentary report.

Ready to upgrade your warehouse lighting? Contact our warehouse product specialists for a free consultation and professional photometric design. Our certified lighting engineers will create a custom solution that maximizes energy savings, improves safety, and delivers measurable ROI for your warehouse operation.

Completed Commercial Warehouse Projects Using LED Lighting Supply Warehouse Fixtures

LED Warehouse Lights FAQ

What are the Benefits of Using LED Warehouse Lights Over Fluorescent and Metal Halide Fixtures?

LED warehouse lights are significantly more energy-efficient with energy savings of 50% or greater and have a longer lifespan with no bulbs or ballasts to replace and dispose of. They provide a higher light quality and can reach full brightness instantly. They work well with lighting controls like motion sensors.

Why are LEDs Better than Fluorescent Lighting for a Warehouse?

Many of the same benefits listed above apply here. Cost savings and maintenance savings are large. But the benefits of fluorescent tubes include:

• No humming ballasts, and no flickering/strobing tubes.
• No expensive recycling costs with LED.
• Environmentally Friendly. They do not contain mercury.
• Works perfectly with motion sensors with no lumen degradation.

What Type of Lighting is Best for a Warehouse?

To choose the right LED warehouse lights, consider the required brightness (foot candles), color temperature, mounting height, beam angle, durability, and whether you need dimming or motion sensors. It's also important to compare the price and value of different lighting options to ensure you get the best product for your budget. However, there is no one standard 'best light', but there is a light that is best for your needs. A lighting plan will sort out the selection of the perfect light, providing you with the light levels and light balance you need.

Can LED Warehouse Lights be Integrated with Sensors?

Yes, LED warehouse lights can be integrated with motion sensors and dimming options. This allows you to turn off or down the lights when the area is void of activity.

What is the Difference Between UFO and Linear High Bay Lights for Warehouse Applications?

UFO high bay lights are round and ideal for open areas with high ceilings, offering a wide light distribution. They are the perfect replacement for metal halide fixtures. Linear high bay lights are rectangular, and suitable for aisles and narrow spaces, providing more directional lighting. They are the perfect replacement for fluorescent fixtures.

How Many Lumens Do You Need for a Warehouse?

We would recommend a range of 30 lumens per square foot (for storage areas) up to 100 lumens per square foot (for assembly and production areas). The amount of lumens varies by the use and task of the area.

What's the Best Way to Avoid Shadows with Industrial Warehouse Lighting?

Shadowing is caused when the light levels in between lights dip significantly so that it's noticeable to the eye. This is caused by having the lights installed too far apart or the optic on the light being too tight and therefore does not light up a large enough space under the light. A lighting plan will determine if the light chosen will cause shadows. You can avoid shadowing by creating a lighting layout and choosing the light that will give you the best combination of foot candles and light balance - uniform illumination. Our team helps design high bay lighting plans and provides a range of options suitable for different types of warehouses.

Do Linear Fixtures Give Better Light Coverage than UFO Fixtures in a Warehouse?

Yes - there is a slight advantage due to the design of the fixture. Groupings of LEDs in UFO fixtures are typically close together. Strips of LEDs are installed in linear fixtures and tend to have a wider spacing arrangement. However, this advantage becomes less clear at higher mounting heights. In fact, in high-ceiling warehouses, UFOs have the advantage. Installed narrow beam optics can better focus the light on the floor where it's needed.

How Much Light Do You Need for a Warehouse?

This depends on how the warehouse is used. Warehouses used primarily for storage need less light. A warehouse used for manufacturing needs more. You measure High Bay LED light levels in terms of foot candles on the ground. Foot candles are a result of the lumen output a fixture has and watts produce the lumen output. The more lumens per watt, the better your energy savings will be. And energy savings will mean lower utility bills. At the lower end, you should try to hit a target of 20 to 30-foot candles. Depending on what your needs are, you can always increase that. The goal of many of our warehouse lighting plans is to achieve proper lighting with an average of 30 to 40-foot candles and balanced light distribution.

How Far Apart Should You Mount LED Lights in a Warehouse?

This depends on the mounting height of the fixtures. The lower the height, the closer the fixtures need to be to each other. The higher the fixture, the further apart they can be. The goal is to avoid shadows between fixtures and hot spots (too much light) under a fixture.