LED
High Bay
Lights

High Bay Lighting FAQ

• What are high bay lights?

  High bay lights are ceiling lighting fixtures specifically designed to illuminate large spaces with high ceilings. They are common in commercial and industrial settings such as warehouses, factories, gyms and retail stores. These fixtures provide powerful, bright, and uniform illumination, ensuring visibility and safety in areas with tall ceilings.

  What applications are high bay lights used for?

  The purpose of high bay lighting is to illuminate large indoor spaces with high ceilings. They are designed to deliver efficient illumination in spaces where traditional lighting fixtures may not be sufficient. High bay fixtures are common in commercial applications, such as warehouses, factories, retail store lighting and sports arenas.

  How do high bay lights differ from other lighting options?

  • Design and Construction: High bays are designed to provide effective illumination in spaces with high ceilings and are built to withstand the challenges of industrial and commercial environments, such as heat, vibrations, and dust. The fixtures are typically larger and sturdier compared to fixtures meant for lower ceilings.
  • Mounting and Positioning: High bay lights are typically suspended from the ceiling using chains, hooks or mounting brackets, allowing for flexible positioning that ensures the light directed downwards maximizes coverage and minimizes shadows.
  • Light Distribution and Beam Angle: High bay lighting provides a wide and even distribution of light to cover large areas. They often have a wider beam angle to ensure uniform illumination across the space.
  What benefits of using LED high bay lights?

  LED high bays offer advantages over traditional metal halide and high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps:

  • Energy Efficiency: LED high bay lights are more efficient, converting a higher percentage of energy into light rather than heat.
  • Longevity: LEDs can last up to 50,000 hours or more, while metal halide lamps typically last around 10,000 hours.
  • Instant-On: LEDs reach full brightness immediately, as opposed to metal halide or HID lamps, which may require a few minutes to warm up.
  • Improved Color Rendering: LEDs offer superior color rendering, providing a more natural and accurate representation of colors
  • Environmental Impact: LED high bays do not contain hazardous substances like mercury, found in metal halide and some HID lamps.
  • Flexibility and Control: LED high bay lights can be easily dimmed or controlled with advanced lighting management systems, allowing for precise adjustments to light levels and energy usage.
  How do I choose the right high bay lights for a space?

  To choose the right high bay lights for a space, consider the size of the area, desired light levels and activities performed in the space. You can use Alcon Lighting’s Lumens Calculator to determine how many lumens you need based on factors like room size and ceiling height.

  Also, consider the beam spread and light distribution when choosing fixtures. Proper beam spread ensures uniform illumination, minimizing dark spots and shadows. Good light distribution ensures the area is well-lit, maximizing coverage and creating a safe and appealing environment.

  Look for LED high bay lights with sufficient light output, energy efficiency and durability. Consult with a designer or architect for guidance and to ensure the fixtures can be mounted securely in your space.

• How do I determine the right wattage and lumen output for my space?

  To determine the correct wattage and lumen output for a space, consider the size of the area and the desired light levels. Here’s a simple approach to finding these values:

  • Calculate the square footage of the space by multiplying the length and width measurements in feet.
  • Determine the recommended light level for your specific application. For example, offices typically require around 30-50 footcandles (fc), while industrial settings may require higher levels, such as 50-100 fc. Refer to Page 5 of Alcon Lighting’s PDF Guide to Determining Lumens for a Footcandle Requirement Index of common commercial spaces.
  • Use a lumens calculator to determine the estimated lumen output needed based on the square footage and desired light levels. Alcon Lighting’s calculator also allows you to account for ceiling height, vital for high bay lighting applications.
  • Consider the efficacy rating (lumens per watt) of the high bay lights you are considering. Divide the total required lumens by the efficacy rating to estimate the wattage needed.

  Remember that these calculations provide a rough estimate. Consult with a lighting professional for a more accurate assessment based on the specific requirements and characteristics of your space.

  Are high bay lights compatible with smart controls or dimming systems?

  Many modern high bay lights—especially those using LED technology — offer compatibility with various smart control options and dimming systems, allowing for advanced lighting management.

  Smart control systems for high bay lights can include features like occupancy sensors, daylight harvesting and remote control capabilities. Dimming systems can also be integrated with high bay lights to allow for adjustable light levels. This is particularly useful in spaces where different activities or tasks require varying levels of illumination.

  It's important to note that compatibility with smart controls or dimming systems may vary depending on the specific product and manufacturer. When selecting lights, check the product specifications or speak with an Alcon Lighting Sales Consultant to ensure compatibility.

  Can high bay lights be installed in spaces with different ceiling heights?

  Yes, they can be installed in spaces with different ceiling heights. High bay lights are designed to provide effective illumination in areas with tall ceilings, typically ranging from 15 feet to 50 feet or higher. They can be installed in spaces with varying ceiling heights as long as the fixtures are properly positioned and mounted at an appropriate height to achieve the desired lighting distribution and coverage.