LED Lighting for Aircraft Hangars

Understanding LED Aircraft Hangar Lighting Solutions

Aircraft hangars present unique lighting challenges with their vast open spaces and soaring ceilings. Our Product Specialists understand that proper illumination is critical for both safety and operational efficiency in these demanding environments. With over 15 years of experience in hangar lighting projects, LED Lighting Supply's expertise ensures you get the right solution for your specific facility needs.

Our LED high bay lights deliver the concentrated power and lumens necessary to effectively illuminate large hangar spaces. We've found that facilities using our fixtures with 60-degree beam angle optics achieve optimal light distribution on tall ceiling applications, ensuring adequate illumination reaches both aircraft surfaces and floor work areas below.

Proven Benefits of LED Fixtures for Aircraft Hangar Applications

Extended Service Life: Our fixtures provide 50,000+ hours of maintenance-free operation without lamp or ballast replacements, dramatically reducing ongoing maintenance expenses and operational disruptions.

Substantial Energy Cost Reductions: LED Lighting Supply's customers frequently tell us they achieve 60% to 75% energy cost reductions compared to traditional metal halide and fluorescent systems. Adding occupancy sensors can increase these savings even further, making LED hangar lights an economically smart choice for energy efficiency.

Advanced Control Integration: We engineer solutions that include motion and occupancy sensors on select high bay models. These systems automatically adjust to full power when activity is detected and dim or turn off during periods of inactivity.

Rapid Return on Investment: The energy savings our lights generate typically result in 1-2 year payback periods. Higher utility rates per kWh accelerate this return on investment even more.

Optimized for High-Ceiling Performance: Our Product Specialists understand the challenges of lighting spaces with 20-80 foot ceilings. We offer multiple optic packages and power levels engineered to deliver effective light distribution and create properly illuminated work environments.

Enhanced Safety and Reliability: Our LED fixtures provide consistent, high-quality illumination over their entire lifespan, unlike metal halide and fluorescent systems that experience significant light degradation and unexpected failures.

Immediate Full Output: LED Lighting Supply's fixtures reach 100% brightness instantly upon activation, eliminating the warm-up delays associated with traditional hangar lighting.

Streamlined Installation Process: Our hangar lights are designed for straightforward installation and wiring in both new construction and retrofit applications. Complete instructions are included, and the reduced electrical load often eliminates the need for electrical panel upgrades.

We upgraded this aircraft hangar with our 60 / 80 / 100 Watt Adjustable UFO High Bay | 8400 to 14000 Lumens LED UFO High Bay fixtures

Industry-Standard Illumination Levels for Aviation Facilities

Our Product Specialists understand that different hangar activities require specific lighting levels to ensure safety and productivity. Based on industry standards and our extensive project experience, we recommend these illumination targets:

• General Work and Storage: 30 foot candles
• Aircraft Maintenance with Basic Tasks: 30-50 foot candles
• Aircraft Maintenance with Detailed Work: 70-100 foot candles
• Drilling, Riveting, and Fastening Operations: 75 foot candles
• Final Assembly Work: 100 foot candles
• Quality Inspection Tasks: 50-200 foot candles
• Welding Operations: 50 foot candles
• Aircraft Storage Only: 30-50 foot candles

Our 480 Watt UFO High Bay Light | 76800 Lumens High Bay fixtures delivered exceptional illumination for this overseas helicopter hangar project

Choosing the Right LED Hangar Lighting Solution

With over 15 years of experience, our team has identified the optimal fixture types for different hangar applications and requirements:

UFO Round Hangar Lights: These circular LED fixtures excel as direct replacements for metal halide and HID systems. Built with high-impact ratings and waterproof construction, they perform exceptionally well in high-ceiling applications from 20-80 feet. Our UFO fixtures range from 60W to 300W with multiple beam angle options to match your specific mounting height and coverage needs.

Linear Rectangular Lights: LED linear fixtures provide excellent light distribution for ceiling heights up to 40 feet, making them ideal replacements for fluorescent and T5 systems. We stock linear fixtures from 120W to 400W, allowing you to match or improve upon existing fluorescent installations.

Dimmable LED Options: Available in both UFO and linear styles, these fixtures include dimmable LED drivers with 0-10V or 1-10V compatibility. Dimmable hangar lights work particularly well when paired with motion sensor controls for maximum energy efficiency.

Motion Sensor-Equipped Fixtures: We offer both microwave and PIR infrared motion sensor technologies. LED Lighting Supply's expertise ensures you get the right sensor type for your environment. For dusty conditions, our microwave motion sensors provide superior reliability compared to traditional PIR sensors.

Wattage-Adjustable Solutions: These fixtures feature onboard switches allowing you to select optimal wattage and lumen output after installation. When customers need flexibility to fine-tune light levels, we recommend wattage-adjustable fixtures for maximum adaptability.

Color Temperature Adjustable Lights: Onboard controls allow selection between color temperatures typically ranging from 3000K to 5000K. Our customers frequently tell us that 3000K provides warm, comfortable lighting, while 5000K closely matches traditional metal halide output. 4000K offers lighting similar to fluorescent systems.

We illuminated this customer's hangar using 100 / 120 / 150 / 200 Watt Adjustable UFO High Bay | 15000 to 30000 Lumens high bay fixtures.

Quantified Energy Savings and Maintenance Cost Reductions

Our hangar LED installations consistently deliver 60-75% energy savings compared to metal halide and fluorescent systems. The maintenance cost reduction proves equally impressive, with traditional metal halide fixtures requiring lamp replacement every 2-3 years and ballast replacement every 5-7 years. Our LED fixtures eliminate these recurring expenses with 50,000+ hour lifespans.

We've found that facilities using our solutions in typical 50,000 square foot hangars save $15,000-25,000 annually in combined energy and maintenance costs. The payback period typically ranges from 2-4 years, depending on local utility rates and operational patterns.

Performance Comparison: 150W LED vs 400W Metal Halide System

Based on 12 hours daily operation, 365 days annually at $0.12/kWh utility rate

Metal Halide System (460W total with ballast)

Annual Cost: $241.78 | 5-Year Cost: $1,208.88

LED UFO Fixture (150W)

Annual Cost: $78.84 | 5-Year Cost: $394.20 | 5-Year Savings: $16,293.60

Single Fixture Annual Savings: $162.94 | 20 Fixture Annual Savings: $3,259 | ROI Timeline: Under 9 months

Energy Reduction: 67% | 5-Year ROI: 14,848% | Service Life: 50,000+ hours (LED) vs 15,000 hours (Metal Halide)

Performance Comparison: 300W LED vs 1000W Metal Halide System

Based on 12 hours daily operation, 365 days annually at $0.12/kWh utility rate

Metal Halide System (1150W total with ballast)

Annual Cost: $604.44 | 5-Year Cost: $3,022.20

LED UFO Fixture (300W)

Annual Cost: $157.68 | 5-Year Cost: $788.40 | 5-Year Savings: $44,676.00

Single Fixture Annual Savings: $446.76 | 20 Fixture Annual Savings: $8,935 | ROI Timeline: Under 11 months

Energy Reduction: 74% | 5-Year ROI: 11,504% | Service Life: 50,000+ hours (LED) vs 15,000 hours (Metal Halide)

Maintenance Cost Elimination: 400W Metal Halide vs 150W LED Analysis

LED Lighting Supply's expertise ensures you understand the complete cost picture when upgrading from 400W metal halide to 150W LED fixtures. The maintenance cost reduction alone justifies the investment for most facilities.

Why Maintenance Costs Drop Dramatically

• Metal Halide Maintenance Requirements
  • Lamp replacement every 2-3 years due to rapid lumen degradation reaching 30% within the first year
  • Ballast replacement every 5-7 years as components wear out from heat stress and electrical cycling
  • High labor and equipment costs for accessing fixtures mounted 20-60 feet high, requiring lifts or scaffolding
• LED Maintenance Requirements
  • No lamp or ballast replacements needed with integrated LED design and 50,000+ hour lifespans
  • Consistent lumen output over time eliminates early replacement cycles
  • Significantly reduced service requirements minimize lift rentals and crew downtime

10-Year Maintenance Cost Analysis Per Fixture:

• Lamp Replacement Costs
  • 400W Metal Halide: $40 × 3 cycles = $120
  • 150W LED: $0
• Ballast Replacement Costs
  • 400W Metal Halide: $80 × 1 cycle = $80
  • 150W LED: $0
• Labor and Equipment Costs
  • 400W Metal Halide: $150 × 3 service calls = $450
  • 150W LED: $0
• Total 10-Year Maintenance Cost
  • 400W Metal Halide: $650 per fixture
  • 150W LED: $0 per fixture

Result: Each 150W LED fixture saves approximately $650 in maintenance costs over 10 years, not including energy savings. For facilities with 20 fixtures, this represents over $13,000 in avoided maintenance expenses.

We used our 240 Watt UFO High Bay | 45600 Lumens fixtures to create exceptionally even and balanced lighting throughout this entire hangar space

Safety Certifications and Performance Standards

All our hangar fixtures carry essential safety and performance certifications that ensure reliable operation and often enable significant cost savings. UL Listed or ETL Listed certification guarantees electrical safety compliance, while DLC Premium qualification ensures performance standards and frequently enables utility rebates covering 30-50% of project costs.

Our fixtures feature IP65 wet location ratings for moisture resistance and IK08 impact resistance ratings, providing durability needed in demanding hangar environments where equipment movement and maintenance activities occur regularly.

Comprehensive 5-Year Warranty Protection

All fixtures include our standard 5-year warranty for complete confidence in your investment. We process all warranty claims directly from our United States offices, ensuring prompt resolution when service is needed. LED Lighting Supply's expertise ensures you receive responsive support throughout the entire warranty period.

Expert Consultation for Optimal Hangar Lighting Solutions

With numerous fixture options and specifications available, selecting the right solution for your specific hangar requirements can be challenging. Our Product Specialists understand the complexities of aircraft hangar lighting and bring over 15 years of experience to every project consultation.

We engineer solutions tailored to your exact needs, facility dimensions, and operational requirements. Our team can provide you with a complimentary photometric lighting plan to ensure optimal illumination levels and balanced light distribution throughout your hangar space. Contact our hangar lighting specialists today to discuss your project and receive expert recommendations for your specific application.

LED Lighting for Aircraft Hangars Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Can I Save Converting My Aircraft Hangar From Metal Halide To LED Lighting?

Aircraft hangar LED conversions typically deliver 60-75% energy savings compared to metal halide systems. A typical 400W metal halide system (460W with ballast) costs $241.78 annually to operate, while a comparable 150W LED fixture costs just $78.84 annually. With 50,000+ hour lifespans, LED fixtures eliminate recurring lamp and ballast replacement costs that average $650 per fixture over 10 years.

What Light Output Do I Need For Aircraft Maintenance Work In My Hangar?

Aircraft maintenance requires 30-50 foot candles for basic tasks and 70-100 foot candles for detailed work like drilling and riveting. Quality inspection tasks need 50-200 foot candles depending on complexity. Our Product Specialists recommend fixtures with Type 5 optics and adjustable wattage options to achieve proper illumination levels at your specific mounting height.

Which LED High Bay Fixtures Work Best For 40-Foot Hangar Ceilings?

UFO round fixtures with 60-degree beam angles perform optimally for 40-foot ceiling heights in aircraft hangars. Our 150W to 240W UFO models deliver 22,500 to 45,600 lumens with excellent light distribution for maintenance areas. Linear fixtures work well up to 40 feet but UFO designs provide superior coverage for the large open spaces typical in aircraft hangars.

Do LED Hangar Lights Qualify For Utility Rebates?

DLC Premium qualified fixtures typically qualify for utility rebates covering 30-50% of project costs in most service territories. Our fixtures meet the strict efficacy and performance standards required for rebate programs. Many utilities offer additional incentives for occupancy sensor integration, which can increase total project rebates to 60% or higher in some regions.

How Long Do LED Aircraft Hangar Lights Actually Last?

Professional-grade LED hangar fixtures provide 50,000+ hours of maintenance-free operation, equivalent to 11-17 years of typical hangar use. Unlike metal halide systems that experience 30% lumen degradation in the first year, LED fixtures maintain consistent output throughout their lifespan. This eliminates the 2-3 year lamp replacement cycles and 5-7 year ballast replacements required with traditional systems.

What Motion Sensor Options Work Best In Dusty Hangar Environments?

Microwave motion sensors provide superior reliability in dusty hangar conditions compared to PIR infrared sensors. Microwave technology penetrates dust and debris while detecting movement through materials, ensuring consistent operation. Our fixtures with integrated microwave sensors feature 1-10V dimming compatibility and can reduce energy consumption by an additional 30-50% during periods of inactivity.

Can I Install LED Hangar Lights On Existing Electrical Circuits?

LED fixtures typically reduce electrical load by 67-74% compared to metal halide systems, allowing multiple LED fixtures on existing circuits designed for fewer traditional fixtures. Most installations can utilize existing electrical infrastructure without panel upgrades. However, we recommend electrical load calculations to optimize circuit utilization and ensure UL Listed installation compliance.

Why Should Electrical Contractors Choose LED Lighting Supply For Hangar Projects?

LED Lighting Supply brings 15+ years of hangar lighting expertise and over 25,000 completed projects to every installation. Our Product Specialists provide consultative support beyond product sales, including complimentary photometric plans and technical guidance for optimal fixture selection. We offer direct warranty processing from our US offices and maintain extensive inventory for immediate project fulfillment, ensuring contractors meet project deadlines without delays.

What Color Temperature Works Best For Aircraft Maintenance Tasks?

4000K to 5000K color temperatures provide optimal visibility for aircraft maintenance work, closely matching traditional metal halide output that maintenance crews prefer. Our color-adjustable fixtures allow selection between 3000K, 4000K, and 5000K after installation, providing flexibility to match crew preferences. 5000K delivers the brightest, most daylight-like appearance while 4000K offers comfortable working light similar to fluorescent systems.

How Do I Calculate The Right Number Of LED Fixtures For My Hangar Size?

Hangar fixture requirements depend on ceiling height, desired foot candle levels, and fixture lumen output. A typical 50,000 square foot hangar with 40-foot ceilings requires 20-30 fixtures in the 200-300W range for adequate maintenance lighting. Our Product Specialists provide complimentary photometric lighting plans that specify exact fixture quantities, spacing, and mounting locations to achieve uniform illumination throughout your facility.

What Safety Certifications Should I Look For In Hangar LED Fixtures?

Essential certifications include UL Listed or ETL Listed for electrical safety, DLC Premium for energy efficiency, and IP65 ratings for moisture resistance. Aircraft hangar fixtures should also carry IK08 impact resistance ratings to withstand equipment movement and maintenance activities. These certifications ensure reliable operation and often enable significant utility rebates covering 30-50% of project costs.

Why Do Facility Managers Choose LED Lighting Supply For Commercial Hangar Upgrades?

Facility managers select LED Lighting Supply for our proven track record of 25,000+ successful installations and comprehensive project support from planning through warranty service. Our consultative approach includes energy analysis, rebate assistance, and ongoing technical support that extends far beyond product delivery. With 5-year warranty protection processed directly from our US offices, managers receive the responsive service and reliability needed for critical aviation facilities.