LED High Bay Lights

What Are LED High Bay Lights

Commercial LED high bay lighting fixtures are designed for large indoor spaces with ceilings typically 20 feet or higher. They deliver high lumen output with engineered optics to provide bright, even illumination in warehouses, factories, gyms, aircraft hangars, and distribution centers. High bay lights are the most common LED commercial lights for indoor applications.

LED Lighting Supply Commercial and Industrial High Bay LED Lights

Facility upgrades from metal halide and fluorescent systems require the right match of ceiling height, lumen output, beam pattern, voltage, and fixture type. Drawing from 15+ years of lighting experience in industrial and commercial settings, LED Lighting Supply's Product Specialists help customers select LED high bay fixtures for warehouses, factories, gyms, aircraft hangars, distribution centers, and other large indoor spaces.

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. Proper LED high bay selection and installation are important factors in achieving energy savings, consistent light levels, and long-term performance in large indoor spaces.

Large indoor spaces, warehouses, and distribution centers benefit from properly planned LED high bay lighting. This customer selected our 300 Watt UFO Warehouse Light | 45,000 Lumens to achieve the required foot-candle levels with balanced lighting distribution across the floor.

Need help choosing? Read our Buyers Guide to LED High Bays for foot-candle targets, lumen planning, optics, and fixture selection.

Use the selector above to narrow LED high bay lights by fixture style, wattage, lumen output, voltage, color temperature, controls, and mounting options. Before ordering, confirm ceiling height, target foot-candle levels, fixture spacing, voltage, and any environmental or emergency-lighting requirements.

Choosing LED High Bays by Fixture Type and Replacement Application

Most high bay projects start with two practical questions: what type of fixture fits the layout, and what type of existing light is being replaced. UFO high bays are commonly used to replace metal halide fixtures in open areas, while linear high bays are often used to replace fluorescent or strip-style fixtures in aisles, rows, and production spaces.

Both UFO and linear high bays can meet the same foot-candle targets, but they distribute light differently. UFO fixtures concentrate light from a compact round housing for strong downward delivery. Linear fixtures spread light across a longer rectangular body, which can improve visual comfort and uniformity in rows, aisles, and production layouts.

UFO High Bay Lights

Best for open areas, strong downward throw, and metal halide replacement. UFO LED high bay lights are compact, durable, and commonly used in warehouses, gyms, aircraft hangars, distribution centers, and broad production spaces. They are often the simplest replacement path when upgrading from round or pendant-mounted metal halide high bays.

• Common replacement for metal halide: Strong fit for HID retrofit projects in open industrial and commercial spaces
• Best layout fit: Open floor areas, gyms, hangars, distribution centers, and general warehouse lighting
• Light distribution: Compact point-source design provides strong downward delivery and flexible fixture placement
• Fixture options: Available in a wide range of lumen packages, optics, voltages, controls, and environmental ratings depending on model

Linear High Bay Lights

Best for aisles, rows, uniform coverage, and fluorescent-style replacement. Linear high bays spread light across a longer source, which helps reduce striping and improve consistency over racks, production lines, and rectangular work areas. They are often the better replacement path when upgrading fluorescent strip fixtures or older linear high bay systems.

• Common replacement for fluorescent fixtures: Strong fit for strip, row, or linear high bay retrofit projects
• Best layout fit: Aisles, high-rack storage, production lines, assembly areas, and long rectangular spaces
• Light distribution: Wider rectangular profile helps improve row coverage and work-plane consistency
• Glare and comfort: Often appears visually softer than compact point-source fixtures because the light is spread across a longer surface

Mixed-use facilities may use both fixture styles: UFO high bays for broad open areas and linear high bays for aisles, racks, and production lines. Upgrading from HID or fluorescent to LED high bays can improve efficiency, light quality, startup time, and maintenance cycles. Results vary by operating hours, fixture type, control strategy, and facility conditions. A photometric plan can confirm fixture count, spacing, optics, and expected light levels before ordering large quantities.

Recommended Foot-Candle Levels by High Bay Application

Use the tool below to find general starting foot-candle ranges by application. Light-level targets should be based on the work task, facility standards, OSHA requirements where applicable, and lighting guidance such as ANSI/IES RP-7 for industrial environments. Final fixture selection and layout should be verified with a photometric plan, especially for larger facilities, racking layouts, code-sensitive areas, or safety-critical applications.

Step 1: Find your foot candle levels

Step 2: Estimate your fixture count and space

Voltage, Controls, and Adjustable Options

High bay lighting often needs to be matched to the building's electrical service, control strategy, mounting conditions, and future layout changes. Adjustable high bay LED lights can give facilities more flexibility after installation without replacing fixtures.

• CCT selectable: 3000K / 4000K / 5000K via onboard switch on select models
• Wattage selectable: Adjust output after installation to fine-tune light levels on select models
• Optics options: 60 deg / 90 deg / 120 deg options for distribution control, depending on the fixture
• Voltage options: 120-277V and 277-480V drivers available; verify on the selected product specification
• Dimming and sensors: 0-10V or 1-10V dimming, motion sensors, and photocell options may be available depending on model
• Emergency backup: Emergency battery backup can support egress and emergency illumination requirements when properly specified for the application. Separate emergency circuits, controls, testing equipment, or local life-safety requirements may apply.
• Mounting styles: Eye hook, pendant, surface, chain, and cable suspension options are available depending on fixture type

Metal halide replacement projects often use 5000K for enhanced visibility, while fluorescent upgrades may use 4000K for a closer color match. Color-adjustable fixtures with onboard switches allow facilities to change color temperature after installation as needs evolve.

Gymnasiums and sports facilities need even distribution for athletic activities. Our wattage-adjustable LED gymnasium light options include high-impact IK08-rated models for ball-strike protection.

Aircraft hangars need strong, even lighting for detailed aircraft maintenance. Our LED aircraft hangar lights help facilities meet brightness requirements for precision work.

OSHA standards include minimum illumination requirements for certain work areas and egress conditions. The agency's construction industry lighting standards specify that adequate lighting must be available for work areas and safe egress. Emergency lighting and egress requirements may also involve NFPA 101, local life safety codes, occupancy requirements, emergency circuits, and inspection requirements, so confirm the final design with a licensed professional when required.

High Bay Certifications, Rebates, and Warranty Support

LED high bay lights from LED Lighting Supply carry a safety listing such as UL, ETL, or CSA, depending on product. Many high bay models are DLC or DLC Premium listed for utility rebate support where available. Rebate requirements vary by utility, region, and product listing, so confirm eligibility on the selected product specification before ordering.

Most LED high bay lights include a 5-year warranty unless otherwise specified, with USA-based warranty support. Before purchase, review the selected product specification to confirm certifications, DLC status, voltage, dimming, controls, mounting method, emergency backup options, environmental ratings, and whether the fixture is right for your space.

High Bay Lighting Case Studies

Real project examples help show how LED high bays perform in warehouses, gyms, arenas, and large industrial spaces. Review these installations to see fixture choices, replacement scenarios, and application-specific results.

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 the Customer

Lighting Plan	Heat Map

LED High Bays Warehouse Installation Lighting Plan Metrics

• Mounting height: 20 ft
• Fixture Used: MLLG-LED-HBC-200-5-120: 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 (Avg/Min): 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

Fluorescent (373W)	Annual Energy Cost: $160.96 5 Year Energy Cost: $804.82 5 Year Savings: $0.00
LED UFO Fixture (200W)	Annual Energy Cost: $86.40 5 Year Energy Cost: $432.00 5 Year Savings: $26,842.75
Savings & Payback	Single Fixture Annual Savings: $74.56 72 Fixture Annual Savings: $5369 ROI Timeline: Under 19 months
Performance Summary	Energy Reduction: 46% 5-Year ROI: 22,648% Lamp Life: 50,000+ (LED) vs 30,000 (fluorescent)

Case Study: Replacement of 1500 Watt Metal Halide Lighting with 480 Watt LED UFO High Bays in Lagos, Nigeria

After: 480 Watt LED UFO High Bay Light | 76800 Lumens

Lighting Plan We Created for the Customer

Lighting Plan	Heat Map

Aircraft Hangar Lighting Installation Plan Metrics

• Mounting height: 35 ft ft
• Fixtures Used: MLLG-LED-HB5-480-5-60: 480 Watt LED UFO High Bay | 76800 Lumens | 5000K | 100-277V
• FC achieved: 167 FC average
• Uniformity (Avg/Min): 1.51

Case Study: Conversion of 400 Watt metal halide lighting to LED Lighting Supply 160 Watt LED UFO High Bay at Tri-City College Prep in Prescott, AZ

Before: 400 Watt Metal Halide High Bays	After: 160 Watt LED UFO High Bay | 26400 Lumens

Lighting Plan We Created for the Customer

Lighting Plan

Gymnasium Lighting Installation Plan Metrics

• Mounting height: 24 ft
• Fixture Used: LLS-HB-200A-CC-[C]: 120 / 160 / 200 Watt Adjustable UFO High Bay | 19800 to 33000 Lumens | 4000K / 5000K | 100-277V | White or Black Housing
• FC achieved: 52 FC
• Uniformity (Avg/Min): 2.25

Case Study: Creekside Stables Outdoor Covered Arena using LED Lighting Supply 200 Watt LED UFO High Bay Lights in Franklin, TN

After: 200 Watt LED UFO High Bay | 30000 Lumens	After: 200 Watt LED UFO High Bay | 30000 Lumens

Lighting Plan We Created for the Customer

Lighting Plan	Heat Map

Covered Riding Arena Lighting Installation Plan Metrics

• Mounting height: 40 ft
• Fixture Used: (12) MLLG-LED-HB4-200-[Color]-[Beam]: 200 Watt White LED UFO High Bay | 25000 lumens | Replaces 400 Watt Metal Halide
• FC achieved: 62.94 fc average
• Uniformity (Avg/Min): 1.63

Request your free custom lighting plan today and let our Product Specialists help match the right optics, output, and configuration to your application.

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 can result in insufficient light levels or glare. Use ceiling height, beam angle, and target foot-candles as starting points, then verify with photometrics for larger projects, racking, or safety-critical areas.
• Specifying non-DLC-qualified fixtures in projects where rebates are expected can create rebate problems. Some utility rebate programs require DLC qualification, often DLC Premium, but requirements vary by program. Always verify the rebate rules and match the fixture's DLC listing to your application.
• Overlooking emergency battery backup along egress paths can create compliance issues. Some facilities require emergency illumination along egress paths. Confirm requirements with your licensed professional and local inspector.
• Installing motion sensors without adjusting timeout values can reduce performance or create user complaints. Set occupancy sensor timeouts to match the space. Production zones often need longer delays than storage areas, then final settings can be adjusted during commissioning.
• Ignoring ambient temperature requirements can shorten fixture life in unconditioned, high-heat, or cold-storage environments. Always check operating temperature ratings before selecting fixtures for warehouses, foundries, and cold storage facilities.

LED High Bay Lights Frequently Asked Questions

What Are LED High Bay Lights?

LED high bay lights are designed for large indoor spaces with ceilings typically 20 feet or higher. They provide high lumen output with engineered optics for bright, even illumination in environments such as warehouses, factories, gyms, aircraft hangars, and distribution centers. They are one of the most common fixture types for large commercial and industrial indoor spaces.

When Should I Use LED High Bay Lights?

Use LED high bay lights when the ceiling height, fixture spacing, and target foot-candle levels require a high-output overhead fixture. They are commonly used in warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, gymnasiums, hangars, and large open work areas. LED high bays are also a common replacement for metal halide, HID, fluorescent, or older linear high bay systems when the layout and mounting conditions are a good fit.

When Should I Avoid Using LED High Bay Lights?

Low bay, strip, wraparound, troffer, or architectural fixtures may be a better fit when the ceiling is lower, the space is small, or the application needs lower glare and softer light distribution. High bays may also be the wrong choice for outdoor sports fields, parking lots, hazardous locations, high-temperature areas, washdown spaces, or food processing areas unless the selected model carries the required rating for that environment.

How Do I Choose Between UFO and Linear High Bay Lights?

Choose UFO high bays for open areas, strong downward delivery, and many metal halide replacement projects. Choose linear high bays for aisles, racks, production rows, and fluorescent-style replacement projects where a longer light source can improve coverage and reduce striping. Mixed facilities may use both fixture styles, and a photometric plan can help confirm spacing, beam angle, fixture count, and expected light levels.

What Are the Key Considerations for Selecting LED High Bay Lights?

Start with ceiling height, target foot-candles, fixture spacing, lumen output, beam angle, and fixture type. Then confirm voltage, mounting method, dimming or sensor compatibility, ambient temperature range, emergency backup needs, and environmental ratings such as dust, moisture, impact, or washdown protection where applicable. Larger warehouses, racking layouts, gyms, production areas, and safety-sensitive spaces should be reviewed with a photometric plan before ordering.

What Are the Benefits of LED High Bay Lights Over Traditional Lighting?

LED high bay lights can reduce energy use, improve light quality, provide instant-on operation, and reduce maintenance compared with older HID, metal halide, or fluorescent systems. Actual savings and service life depend on the existing fixture, operating hours, controls, mounting height, ambient temperature, and selected LED model. Depending on the fixture, options may include higher lumen packages, selectable wattage, dimming, sensors, DLC qualification, IP ratings, IK impact ratings, and multiple color temperatures.

What Certifications and Warranties Should I Look For?

Look for safety listings such as UL, ETL, or CSA, depending on the fixture and project requirements. DLC or DLC Premium listings may support utility rebate eligibility where available, but rebate rules vary by utility and product. Many LED high bay fixtures include a 5-year warranty unless otherwise specified; confirm the warranty term, voltage, controls, environmental ratings, and certifications on the selected product specification.

How Can Integrated Controls Enhance LED High Bay Lighting?

Controls such as 0-10V dimming, motion sensors, daylight harvesting, and wattage or CCT selection can help tune light levels and reduce energy use. Motion sensors are especially useful in warehouses, storage aisles, and spaces with changing occupancy, but timeout settings should match how the area is used. Emergency battery backup may help support egress or emergency lighting requirements when properly specified; local life-safety code, emergency circuits, testing, and inspection requirements may apply.