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. We process all warranty claims. 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!

150W LED vs 400W Metal Halide Replacement (with ballast)

Based on 16 hours/day, 365 days/year at $0.15/kWh

Metal Halide (460W)

Annual: $402.96 | 5-Year Cost: $2014.80 | 5-Year Savings: –

LED UFO Fixture (150W)

Annual: $131.40 | 5-Year Cost: $657.00 | 5-Year Savings: $67890.00

Single Fixture Annual Savings: $271.56 | 50 Fixture Annual Savings: $13578 | ROI Timeline: Under 5 months

Energy Reduction: 67% | 5-Year ROI: 61618% | Lamp Life: 50,000+ (LED) vs 15,000 (MH)

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

Based on 16 hours/day, 365 days/year at $0.15/kWh

Metal Halide (1150W)

Annual: $1007.40 | 5-Year Cost: $5037.00 | 5-Year Savings: –

LED UFO Fixture (300W)

Annual: $262.80 | 5-Year Cost: $1314.00 | 5-Year Savings: $186150.00

Single Fixture Annual Savings: $744.60 | 50 Fixture Annual Savings: $37230 | ROI Timeline: Under 7 months

Energy Reduction: 74% | 5-Year ROI: 48251% | Lamp Life: 50,000+ (LED) 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.

LED Warehouse Lights FAQ

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

LED warehouse lights deliver 60-80% energy savings compared to metal halide and fluorescent systems. They feature 100,000+ hour lifespans with no ballast failures or lamp replacements. LEDs reach full brightness instantly and integrate seamlessly with motion sensors and photocells without lumen degradation.

Why are LEDs Better than Fluorescent Lighting for a Warehouse?

LEDs eliminate ballast hum, flickering tubes, and mercury disposal costs entirely. They're mercury-free and require no expensive recycling fees. Unlike fluorescents, LEDs work perfectly with 0-10V dimming controls and motion sensors without performance loss. Auto-adjusting voltage drivers ensure consistent operation across varying power conditions.

What Type of Lighting is Best for a Warehouse?

The best warehouse lighting depends on mounting height, required foot-candles, and application type. UFO high bays with Type 90 degree or 1200 degree optics work well for open storage areas at 20-40 feet. Linear high bays excel in aisles and production zones. A professional lighting plan determines proper fixture spacing and optics selection for your specific layout.

Can LED Warehouse Lights be Integrated with Sensors?

Yes, warehouse LEDs integrate with microwave motion sensors, PIR sensors, and photocells using standard 0-10V dimming. Dual-level switching reduces lights to 10-20% output during low activity periods. Motion detection provides instant full brightness without warm-up delays.

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

UFO high bays feature circular LED arrays ideal for replacing 400W metal halide fixtures in open areas. Linear high bays use distributed LED strips that replace T8 fluorescent systems effectively. UFOs excel at 25+ foot mounting heights, while linears perform better in lower ceiling applications and narrow aisles.

How Many Lumens Do You Need for a Warehouse?

Storage areas require 30-50 lumens per square foot, while active work zones need 75-100 lumens per square foot. This translates to 20-30 foot-candles for storage and 40-75 foot-candles for assembly areas. High-efficacy fixtures delivering 140+ lumens per watt optimize energy costs.

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

Proper fixture spacing and optics selection prevent shadowing between lights. 120 degree optics provide wider distribution for closer spacing, while 60 and 90 degree optics focus light over higher distances. Maintaining spacing ratios between 1.2:1 to 1.5:1 (spacing to mounting height) ensures uniform illumination without hot spots.

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

Linear fixtures provide slight coverage advantages at mounting heights below 25 feet due to distributed LED placement. At higher mounting heights, UFO fixtures with narrow beam optics deliver superior light control and reduced light spill. The choice depends on ceiling height and aisle configuration.

How Much Light Do You Need for a Warehouse?

Target 20-30 foot-candles for basic storage areas and 40-75 foot-candles for active work zones. Light levels depend on task requirements and safety standards. DLC Premium fixtures delivering 140+ lumens per watt maximize energy savings while meeting illumination requirements.

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

Spacing depends on mounting height and optics type. At 20-foot heights, space fixtures 24-30 feet apart using Type 5 optics. At 30+ foot heights, 35-45 foot spacing works with Type 3 optics. Proper spacing maintains uniform foot-candle levels without creating shadows or excessive overlighting.