LED Lighting Supply shoebox lights are pole-mounted outdoor fixtures engineered for expansive commercial spaces like parking lots, industrial facilities, and recreational areas. We also call them parking lot fixtures and area lights. Their distinctive rectangular housing contains precision optics that direct illumination downward and outward from the mounting pole, eliminating dark spots while minimizing light pollution.

After 17 years in commercial lighting, we've seen these fixtures transform safety and visibility across countless projects. Our shoebox lights mount via slip fitter, yoke mount, or direct surface attachment to buildings. The integrated optics spread light away from the pole in controlled patterns, ensuring uniform coverage without wasted upward light. Most customers appreciate how quickly installation happens since our fixtures match existing mounting hardware.

Many of our shoebox lights include dusk-to-dawn photocells for automatic operation. Photocells eliminate manual switching by responding to ambient light levels. Motion sensors add another layer of efficiency, dimming fixtures during low-activity periods for substantial energy savings beyond standard LED benefits. We typically recommend combining both controls for maximum cost reduction in large outdoor installations.

Customer in Northeast USA upgraded their high pressure sodium shoebox lights to LED.

What are the Benefits of LED Lighting Supply Shoebox Lights?

• Energy Efficiency: Our shoebox fixtures deliver 50-80% energy savings compared to metal-halide and HID systems. Superior luminous efficiency means brighter light using significantly less power.
• High-Quality Light Source: Multiple wattage options with toggle-adjustable settings let you fine-tune output after installation. No guesswork—adjust brightness and color temperature on-site.
• Reduced Maintenance: Maintenance drops dramatically with no bulbs or ballasts requiring replacement. Our customers report 80% fewer service calls compared to traditional fixtures.
• Enhanced Security: Consistent illumination eliminates dark corners where security issues develop. Brighter, whiter light improves visibility for cameras and personnel safety.
• Extended Lifespan: Engineered for harsh weather conditions with ratings exceeding 50,000 hours. Our fixtures withstand temperature extremes, moisture, and vibration better than legacy technologies.
• Advanced Controls: Motion sensors and photocells integrate seamlessly for intelligent operation. Automatic dimming and scheduling reduce energy costs while maintaining safety standards.
• Instant Illumination: Power outages don't leave parking lots dark—LED fixtures achieve full brightness immediately upon restoration. No warm-up period like metal halide systems.
• Direct Replacement: Perfect retrofit solution for aging metal halide and high-pressure sodium installations. Existing electrical infrastructure handles reduced LED loads without upgrades.
• Flexible Mounting: Slip fitter, trunnion, and yoke mount options accommodate virtually any pole or building configuration.

Customer in Colorado replaced their 1000 Watt Metal Halide Lights with our 300 Watt LED shoebox light.

Best Applications for LED Lighting Supply Shoebox Lights

Commercial properties across industries benefit from strategic shoebox lighting placement. Based on thousands of installations, these applications consistently deliver exceptional results:

• Parking lot lighting achieves uniform coverage with Type 3 or Type 5 optics selected by mounting location. Perimeter fixtures use Type 3 forward-throw patterns while center areas benefit from Type 5 distribution for 50-80% energy reduction.
• Street lights operate reliably with dusk-to-dawn photocells and slip fitter mounting to existing infrastructure. No electrical modifications required for most municipal retrofits.
• Pathway illumination ensures pedestrian safety with 150-200 watt fixtures mounted 20-25 feet high. Motion sensors provide 50% additional savings during low-traffic periods without compromising security.
• Industrial facilities demand rugged IP65-rated construction resistant to chemicals, vibration, and extreme temperatures. High-output models reach 50,000 lumens for demanding manufacturing environments.
• Large outdoor venues require professional lighting design for uniform coverage without over-illumination. Our complimentary lighting plans ensure optimal fixture placement and wattage selection.
• Parks and recreation areas use 4000K-5000K color temperatures for natural visibility without harsh glare. Yoke mounts enable precise aiming for irregular terrain and varied mounting heights.
• Tennis courts need four 150-300 watt fixtures positioned to minimize player shadows and glare. Proper beam angles contain light within court boundaries per regulations.
• Pickleball courts achieve 30 foot-candles for competitive play using 150-200 watt corner-mounted fixtures. Smaller court dimensions require fewer fixtures than tennis installations.
• Basketball courts benefit from higher mounting and specialized optics that illuminate vertical play zones effectively for aerial gameplay.
• Multi-sport courts utilize toggle-adjustable wattage for fine-tuning after installation. Flexible mounting accommodates various pole configurations without custom fabrication.
• Car dealerships showcase inventory with bright, color-accurate illumination that enhances paint and chrome appearance. High CRI options reveal true colors for customer confidence.

Our customer wanted their backyard sports court lit up for night play. Our 150-Watt shoebox lights were the perfect solution.

How Many LED Lumens Do You Need To Replace Metal Halide Shoebox Lights?

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

Superior LED efficiency means dramatically lower wattage achieves equivalent or better illumination than traditional metal halide fixtures. Our toggle-adjustable models provide flexibility to fine-tune output after installation based on actual conditions. However, proper replacement requires professional lighting analysis rather than simple lumen matching. We provide comprehensive lighting plans at no charge to ensure optimal results for your specific layout and requirements.

Voltage and Driver Specifications

Our LED drivers automatically adjust to your building's voltage without manual configuration. Simply specify your current voltage during ordering—120V, 208V, 240V, 277V, or 480V—and we'll provide the correct driver. The integrated driver handles voltage fluctuations and power quality issues that often damage traditional ballasts. LED fixtures actually reduce electrical load on your panels, so existing infrastructure typically handles retrofits without upgrades.

Color Temperature and Beam Angle Options

Most customers choose 5000K color temperature for metal halide replacement since it provides crisp, white light similar to daylight. 4000K works better when replacing fluorescent systems or creating warmer environments. Our toggle-adjustable fixtures let you select color temperature after installation, eliminating guesswork during planning.

Beam angle selection depends on mounting height and coverage requirements. We typically recommend professional lighting plans to determine optimal optics for your specific application. Ceiling heights, spacing, and photometric requirements all influence the best optic choice.

What Light Patterns / Optics Are Available with LED Shoebox Lighting?

Shoebox fixtures use standardized IES light distribution patterns—Types 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. The most common are Types 3 and 5. Type 3 creates a forward-throw pattern ideal for perimeter mounting, directing light forward and laterally while minimizing backlight. Type 5 provides circular distribution perfect for center-of-lot installations where light spreads equally in all directions.

Energy Savings and Return on Investment

Real-world energy savings make LED retrofits financially compelling. Consider replacing 20 fixtures of 400-Watt Metal Halide with 150-Watt LED fixtures operating 12 hours daily at $0.13 per kWh:

Metal Halide annual consumption: 400W × 20 fixtures × 12 hours × 365 days = 35,040 kWh per year.

Annual cost: 35,040 kWh × $0.13 = $4,555

LED annual consumption: 150W × 20 fixtures × 12 hours × 365 days = 13,140 kWh per year.

Annual cost: 13,140 kWh × $0.13 = $1,708

Annual savings: $2,847 representing a 62% reduction in energy costs. Most installations achieve payback within 2-3 years before considering maintenance savings and rebates.

We helped this customer add lighting to their parking lit. The results were tremendous!

Maintenance Cost Savings

LED fixtures eliminate the recurring costs that make traditional lighting expensive to operate. Metal halide bulbs require replacement every 2-3 years at approximately $25 per bulb plus labor. Ballasts fail every 5-7 years at $75 each plus service calls. For 20 fixtures over 10 years, maintenance savings alone reach $4,000-6,000 excluding reduced labor, lift rental, and emergency service costs.

Our customers report 80% fewer lighting-related service calls after LED conversion. Maintenance staff can focus on other priorities instead of constantly replacing failed components. The improved reliability also eliminates safety concerns from dark areas caused by frequent failures.

Lighting Controls and Certification: Maximizing Performance and Compliance

Advanced controls unlock additional energy savings beyond standard LED efficiency. Motion sensors reduce operating hours by dimming fixtures during inactive periods, while photocells automate dusk-to-dawn operation based on ambient light levels. Combined, these controls can deliver 30-50% additional savings over basic LED installations.

We specify controls based on your usage patterns and savings goals. High-traffic areas benefit from motion sensors with quick response times, while remote locations use longer delay settings to avoid frequent cycling. Photocells with adjustable sensitivity prevent premature activation from nearby lighting or signage.

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.

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.

Installation and Maintenance: Ensuring Longevity and Reliability

Proper installation and ongoing maintenance are key to getting the most out of your shoebox lights. Selecting the right mounting option - whether it's a pole mount, yoke mount, or slip fitter - ensures your fixtures are securely and optimally positioned for maximum illumination and safety. Each mounting option is designed to accommodate different pole types and outdoor applications. Once installed, regular maintenance is essential to keep your LED shoebox lighting operating at peak performance. This includes routine cleaning of the fixtures to remove dirt and debris, as well as periodic inspections to check for any signs of wear or electrical issues. Paying attention to factors like voltage, power, and environmental conditions will help prevent damage and extend the lifespan of your LEDs.

Expert Recommendations Based on 17 Years of Experience

Based on our extensive experience, the most common choices for shoebox lighting are 150-200 watt fixtures for 400-watt metal halide replacement and 240-300 watt fixtures for 1000-watt metal halide replacment. 5000K color temperature remains the most popular choice, especially for parking lots and commercial applications. Type 3 and Type 5 optics handle most applications effectively.

What many customers don't initially consider but should are motion sensors for additional energy savings and photocells for automatic operation. These control options can increase your energy savings significantly beyond the base LED conversion. Toggle-adjustable wattage and color temperature options are becoming increasingly popular as they provide flexibility after installation without requiring fixture changes.

Need Help? Talk to an LED Shoebox Light Expert.

With so many options and fixtures available, it's hard to decide which option is going to meet your needs and requirements. The sales engineers of LED Lighting Supply are experts in LED Shoebox Lighting. Use our experience and tell us your needs, and we will provide you with the best LED Shoebox Light options for your project or application. We can provide you with a free lighting plan to make sure the area is well-lit and the lighting is balanced.

LED Shoebox Lights FAQ

What Are LED Shoebox Lights?

LED shoebox lights are pole-mounted outdoor fixtures designed for wide-area illumination of parking lots, pathways, and commercial zones. These fixtures use Type 3 or Type 5 optics to distribute light in precise patterns while directing all illumination downward from the pole. Most feature 0-10V dimmable drivers and can integrate with photocells for automatic dusk-to-dawn operation or motion sensors for adaptive lighting control.

What Are the Differences Between a Shoebox Light and a Flood Light?

Shoebox lights mount at pole tops and use street light optics (Types 1-5) to distribute light in controlled patterns across large areas. Flood lights angle their beams toward specific target areas and typically use narrow or wide beam patterns rather than street optics. From 17+ years of installations, Type 3 optics work best for rectangular parking areas while Type 5 optics handle square layouts and intersections.

What's the Difference Between Shoebox Lights and Parking Lot Lights?

Shoebox lights are the most common type of parking lot lighting, but the terms aren't interchangeable. Parking lots can also use LED wall packs mounted on adjacent buildings or flood lights for targeted illumination. Shoebox fixtures work beyond parking applications—they're ideal for sports courts, walkways, and any outdoor area requiring 15-40 foot mounting heights with wide coverage patterns.

What Are the Benefits of LED Shoebox Lights?

LED shoebox lights deliver 50-80% energy savings compared to metal halide fixtures while providing superior light quality and uniformity. Their 50,000+ hour lifespan dramatically reduces maintenance costs and lamp replacements. Most quality fixtures carry UL and DLC Premium certifications, ensuring optimal performance and utility rebate eligibility for maximum ROI.

Where Are LED Shoebox Lighting Fixtures Used?

These fixtures excel in parking lots, industrial facilities, sports courts, and large outdoor areas requiring 15-40 foot pole mounting. Single poles commonly support 1, 2, or 4 fixtures depending on coverage requirements and wattage configurations from 100W to 750W. They're also effective for illuminating walkways, building perimeters, and security applications where consistent light distribution matters.

Do Shoebox Lights Work with Motion Sensors and Photocells?

Yes, most fixtures integrate seamlessly with both control options:

• Photocells require a 3-pin NEMA socket and provide automatic dusk-to-dawn operation. Many fixtures come with photocells pre-installed.
• Motion sensors offer occupancy-based dimming and eliminate the need for separate photocells since they include built-in dusk-to-dawn functionality. The fixture must have a dimmable driver for proper sensor integration.

What are Common Shoebox Mounting Options?

The three primary mounting configurations are:

• Slip fitter mounting for direct pole-top installation
• Trunnion/yoke mounting for adjustable angle positioning
• Straight arm mounting for round or square poles and wall applications

Most fixtures accommodate 2-3/8" to 4" pole diameters and can mount directly to flat surfaces or building walls when needed for specific coverage requirements.