Commercial LED Area Lights

What are LED Area Lights?

Commercial LED area lights are high-performance outdoor fixtures specifically engineered for illuminating expansive spaces like parking lots, sports facilities, and industrial yards. After 17 years in commercial lighting, we've seen these powerful fixtures transform everything from small retail parking areas to massive distribution centers. Available in wattages ranging from 50W to 1200W, our area lights deliver exceptional lumen output while operating on standard 120-277V or 347-480V building power.

Modern LED area lights excel as retrofit solutions for aging HID systems. The integrated drivers automatically adjust to your building's voltage, eliminating compatibility concerns during upgrades. We typically recommend different fixture styles based on application: shoebox designs work perfectly for parking lot pole mounting, while flood-style area lights provide the flexibility needed for building facades and perimeter security. Most customers choose 4000K or 5000K color temperatures for optimal visibility and safety in commercial environments.

What are the Benefits of Using LED Area Lights?

Energy Efficient: Experience immediate 50 to 80 percent energy savings compared to metal halide and high-pressure sodium fixtures. These reductions translate directly to lower monthly electric bills from day one of installation.

Superior Light Quality: LED technology converts electricity into usable light rather than waste heat. Combined with high CRI ratings above 80, this creates crisp, clear illumination that improves visibility and enhances property appearance.

Utility Rebates: Most fixtures carry DLC Premium certification, qualifying them for substantial utility rebate programs. These incentives often offset 20-40% of your initial investment costs.

Eliminated Maintenance: LED fixtures require no bulb or ballast replacements during their operational life. Since area lights mount at heights requiring lifts or bucket trucks, this eliminates costly maintenance calls.

Precision Optics: Choose from Type I through Type V distributions plus narrow to wide beam angles for exact light placement. Proper optics eliminate dark spots and light trespass while maximizing coverage efficiency.

Enhanced Safety: Consistent, high-quality illumination reduces liability risks and deters criminal activity. Well-lit areas help prevent accidents while creating more secure environments for employees and visitors.

Extended Lifespan: LED fixtures operate for 50,000 to 100,000 hours compared to 15,000 hours for metal halide. This longevity means decades of reliable operation with minimal intervention.

Smart Controls: Integrate 0-10V dimming, photocells, and occupancy sensors for automated operation. These controls can increase energy savings by an additional 20-30% through intelligent scheduling.

Instant Performance: LEDs reach full brightness immediately, unlike HID fixtures requiring 5-15 minute warm-up periods. This instant response proves crucial for security applications and post-outage recovery.

What Different Types of LED Area Lights Are Available?

Flood Area Lighting: Versatile flood fixtures offer power options from 50W to 1200W with multiple mounting configurations. Various optic packages provide beam angles from 15° to 120° for precise light control. These fixtures excel at building facades, loading docks, and irregular-shaped areas requiring flexible positioning.

High Mast Area Lighting: Designed for mounting heights of 60 feet and above, these powerful fixtures illuminate ports, airports, and container yards. High-output models producing 40,000 to 180,000 lumens distribute light across vast areas while minimizing the number of required poles.

Shoebox Area Lights: The standard for parking lot illumination, shoebox fixtures mount on 15-35 foot poles with slip-fitter or arm mounting. Available in 100W to 600W configurations, they provide uniform coverage patterns ideal for rectangular parking areas and roadways.

Pole Top Area Lights: Post-top fixtures create attractive illumination for parks, walkways, and decorative applications. Round and acorn-style housings blend aesthetics with functionality while providing 360-degree light distribution.

Solar Area Lighting: Self-contained solar systems eliminate electrical infrastructure costs in remote locations. Advanced battery technology enables 3-5 nights of autonomous operation while producing up to 20,000 lumens during peak demand periods.

Sports Style Area Lighting: High-performance fixtures designed for athletic facilities and large outdoor venues. These powerful units generate 40,000 to 180,000 lumens with precise beam control to meet demanding illumination requirements for sports and broadcast applications.

Wall-mounted Area Lights: Building-mounted fixtures provide perimeter security and general area lighting. Compact designs with forward throw optics maximize ground coverage while minimizing building glare and light pollution.

Each fixture category serves specific architectural and functional requirements. We help customers select the optimal combination of wattage, optics, and mounting based on site geometry, existing infrastructure, and local lighting codes.

How Many LED Lumens Do You Need To Replace Metal Halide Area Lighting?

Successful LED retrofits require matching both lumen output and light distribution patterns from your existing HID fixtures. Through thousands of retrofit projects, we've developed these lumen replacement guidelines based on actual field performance rather than theoretical calculations. Remember that LED efficiency allows lower lumen outputs to achieve equivalent illumination due to better light quality and distribution control.

• 250-Watt Metal Halide: 9,000 - 12,000 LED lumens
• 400-Watt Metal Halide: 15,000 - 25,000 LED lumens
• 1000-Watt Metal Halide: 35,000 - 50,000 LED lumens
• 1500-Watt+ Metal Halide: 50,000 - 90,000 LED lumens

Actual requirements vary significantly based on mounting height, spacing, and application demands. A professional lighting calculation considers factors like uniformity ratios, foot-candle requirements, and local code compliance. We provide comprehensive photometric analysis at no charge to ensure your retrofit delivers optimal performance and energy savings.

Safety and Performance Certifications

All our fixtures carry essential certifications, including DLC Premium, UL Listed, and ETL Listed approvals. These certifications ensure safety, performance, and energy efficiency while qualifying your project for utility rebates and tax incentives. DLC Premium certification guarantees the highest efficiency standards and maximum rebate eligibility.

5-Year Warranty and Warranty Support

All our lights come with at least a 5-year warranty, and all warranty support is based in the USA. We take customer support seriously, and helping you with a warranty claim is important to us. Our experienced support team understands the importance of keeping your lighting operational and will work quickly to resolve any warranty issues.

Need Help? Talk to an LED Area Light Expert.

Selecting the right area lighting solution requires balancing performance requirements, energy goals, and budget constraints. Our lighting engineers bring decades of experience to every project consultation. Share your specific needs with us, and we'll recommend fixtures optimized for your application and site conditions. Contact us today for expert guidance and a free lighting plan that ensures proper illumination levels and uniform coverage across your entire area.

Commercial LED Area Lights Frequently Asked Questions

What Wattage LED Area Light Do I Need for a Standard Parking Lot?

For typical parking lots with 20-30 foot pole heights, 150W to 300W LED area lights provide optimal coverage. A 150W fixture illuminates approximately 2,500-3,000 square feet, while 300W units cover up to 5,000 square feet depending on mounting height and required foot-candle levels. Most retail and office parking applications achieve proper illumination with 200W shoebox fixtures spaced 100-120 feet apart on standard pole layouts.

How Much Money Can I Save by Converting Metal Halide to LED Area Lights?

LED area light conversions typically generate 60-75% energy savings compared to metal halide systems. A 400W metal halide fixture costs approximately $350-400 annually to operate, while a comparable 150W LED fixture costs $100-120 per year. Factor in eliminated maintenance costs for bulb and ballast replacements, and most commercial properties see complete payback within 2-4 years through reduced operating expenses.

What Beam Pattern Should I Choose for My LED Area Light Application?

Type III optics work best for most parking lot applications with standard rectangular layouts and 100-150 foot pole spacing. Type V distributions suit square areas or locations requiring 360-degree coverage around single poles. For perimeter security or building facades, Type II patterns provide forward throw without excessive light trespass. Mounting height and pole spacing determine the optimal beam angle - our lighting calculations ensure proper coverage overlap.

Do LED Area Lights Work in Cold Weather Environments?

LED area lights operate efficiently in temperatures ranging from -40°F to +122°F without performance degradation. Unlike metal halide fixtures that struggle in cold conditions, LEDs actually produce higher lumen output at lower temperatures. Quality fixtures include thermal management systems and weatherproof housings rated IP65 or higher for reliable operation through snow, ice, and extreme weather conditions.

How Long Do Commercial LED Area Lights Last?

Professional-grade LED area lights operate for 50,000 to 100,000 hours before reaching 70% of initial lumen output. At typical operating schedules of 12 hours per night, this translates to 15-25 years of reliable service. L70 ratings and comprehensive warranties of 5-10 years protect your investment, while eliminated maintenance requirements for bulb and ballast replacements reduce long-term operating costs.

What Color Temperature Works Best for Outdoor Security Lighting?

4000K and 5000K color temperatures provide optimal visibility and security for commercial area lighting. 4000K offers neutral white light that enhances color recognition for surveillance systems, while 5000K produces crisp daylight-quality illumination preferred for high-security applications. Both temperatures deliver CRI ratings above 80 for accurate color rendering and improved facial recognition compared to traditional HID lighting.

Can I Retrofit Existing Fixtures or Do I Need Complete Pole Replacement?

Most LED area light retrofits utilize existing pole infrastructure with simple fixture swapping. Slip-fitter mounting allows direct replacement of shoebox-style fixtures without electrical modifications, while existing 120-277V or 347-480V wiring typically supports LED fixtures without rewiring. Structural analysis may be required for high-wattage upgrades, but LED fixtures generally weigh 30-50% less than comparable HID systems.

Which Control Options Should I Consider for LED Area Lights?

Photocell controls provide basic dusk-to-dawn operation, while 0-10V dimming enables scheduled light level adjustments for additional energy savings. Motion sensors can reduce operating costs by 20-30% in low-traffic areas through occupancy-based dimming. Smart controls and wireless networks allow remote monitoring and adjustment, particularly valuable for multi-site commercial properties requiring centralized lighting management.

Why Should Electrical Contractors Choose LED Lighting Supply for Area Light Projects?

Our 15+ years of commercial lighting experience and 25,000+ completed projects provide contractors with proven expertise beyond basic product sales. We offer comprehensive support including photometric design, utility rebate documentation, and technical specifications that streamline project approval and installation. Our consultative approach helps contractors deliver optimal solutions while avoiding costly design mistakes that can impact project profitability and client satisfaction.

What Makes LED Lighting Supply Different for Large Commercial Area Light Purchases?

We combine technical expertise from over 25,000 lighting projects with a solution-focused approach that goes beyond selling fixtures. Our team provides free photometric analysis, utility rebate guidance, and ongoing project support throughout installation and commissioning. With 15+ years in commercial lighting, we understand the complexities of large-scale retrofits and new construction projects, ensuring proper fixture selection and optimal performance outcomes.