What Is a High Bay Light?
High bay lights are industrial-grade luminaires designed for spaces with ceiling heights of 5 metres and above. They are the standard choice for warehouses, distribution centres, manufacturing facilities, sports halls, large retail stores and car parks. Unlike standard commercial fittings, high bay lights need to project a concentrated beam of light over a significant distance to achieve adequate lux levels at floor or working height.
LED high bay lights have largely replaced metal halide and high-pressure sodium (HPS) fittings over the past decade, offering 60–80% energy savings, instant-on operation, longer lifespan (50,000+ hours) and significantly lower maintenance costs.
Step 1 — Determine Your Required Lux Level
Lux is the measure of illuminance — how much light falls on a surface. The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) publishes recommended lux levels for different applications:
| Application | Recommended Lux |
|---|---|
| General warehouse storage | 100–200 lux |
| Picking and packing areas | 300–500 lux |
| Manufacturing / assembly | 500–750 lux |
| Fine assembly / inspection | 750–1,000 lux |
| Sports halls | 300–500 lux |
| Car parks (covered) | 75–100 lux |
Step 2 — Calculate Wattage and Lumen Output
The key metric is lumens per watt (efficacy). Modern LED high bays typically deliver 120–160 lm/W. As a practical starting point:
Ceiling Height
5–6m
Wattage: 60–100W
Output: 7,500–13,000 lm
Coverage: 20–25m²
Ceiling Height
6–9m
Wattage: 100–150W
Output: 13,000–19,500 lm
Coverage: 25–35m²
Ceiling Height
9–12m
Wattage: 150–200W
Output: 19,500–26,000 lm
Coverage: 30–40m²
Coverage figures are approximate at 200 lux. Increase wattage or reduce spacing for higher lux requirements.
Step 3 — Choose the Right Beam Angle
Beam angle determines how widely the light is spread. A wider beam covers more area but delivers lower intensity; a narrower beam concentrates light but creates darker areas between fittings.
Narrow aisles, high shelving, ceilings over 9m. Concentrates light directly below the fitting.
Standard warehouse and industrial use. Good balance of coverage and intensity.
Lower ceilings (5–6m), open-plan areas, sports halls. Maximises coverage per fitting.
Step 4 — Select the Correct IP Rating
For dry indoor warehouses, IP20 or IP40 is sufficient. For food production, car washes, cold stores or anywhere with dust, moisture or cleaning chemicals, you need a higher IP rating:
Dry indoor environments. Standard warehouses, offices.
Splash-proof. Light industrial, some food production areas.
Dust-tight and jet-wash resistant. Car washes, food processing, outdoor canopies.
Powerful jet-wash resistant. Heavy-duty food production, chemical environments.
Step 5 — Consider Dimmability and Controls
For warehouses with variable occupancy, dimming and presence detection can reduce energy consumption by a further 30–50%. Options include:
- DALI-2 dimming — industry standard for commercial lighting control systems
- 0–10V dimming — common on LED drivers, compatible with most BMS systems
- Microwave presence sensors — built into the fitting, dims to 10% when no movement detected
- Daylight harvesting — reduces output when natural light is sufficient
Quick Checklist
- Measure ceiling height accurately
- Determine required lux level for your application
- Calculate number of fittings based on lumen output and coverage
- Choose beam angle based on ceiling height and layout
- Select IP rating appropriate for the environment
- Consider dimming and sensor options for energy savings
- Check emergency lighting requirements
Free Lighting Design Service
Not sure how many fittings you need? Our team can produce a free lighting design and lux calculation for your space. Contact us with your floor plan and ceiling height.
Common Questions
What wattage LED high bay do I need for a warehouse?
For a standard warehouse with 6–8m ceilings, a 100W LED high bay (producing around 12,000–14,000 lumens) will cover approximately 25–30m² at 200 lux. For higher ceilings (8–12m), use 150W–200W fittings. Always calculate based on the required lux level for your specific application.
What beam angle should I choose for a high bay light?
For general warehouse lighting with standard racking, a 90–120° beam angle works well. For narrow aisle racking or high-bay shelving, use a narrower 60° beam to concentrate light where it is needed. For very high ceilings (over 10m), a 60° beam reduces light loss.
Do LED high bay lights need a driver?
Yes. LED high bay lights have an integrated or external driver that converts mains AC power to the DC voltage required by the LEDs. Most modern high bay fittings have the driver built in. Always check the driver IP rating if installing in damp or dusty environments.