How Far Apart Should LED High Bays be Installed?

Struggling to figure out the right distance for your LED high bay lights? You're not alone. In this quick read, we'll tackle the must-knows of spacing your high bay LED lights just right. You can expect to learn how ceiling height, light output, and energy efficiency play a huge role in your setup.

Whether it's a warehouse or a big box store, correctly placing your LED high bay lighting means a brighter, more energy-saving space. Say goodbye to dark corners and hello to a well-lit area with lower energy bills. Stick around as we make lighting up your space a breeze!

What are LED High Bay Lights?

High bay lights are the heavy hitters in the lighting world, designed to brighten up big spaces with high ceilings ranging from 20 to 40 feet. Think of warehouses, gyms, or large retail stores – these are the places where high bay lights truly shine.

They're not your average light fixtures; they pack a punch with powerful illumination, ensuring every corner of these vast areas is well-lit. Mounted at heights between 15 and 50 feet, they're strategically placed to spread light uniformly across the space, eliminating shadows and dark spots.

What Is the Optimal Spacing for High Bay Lighting in Factories or Warehouses?

Mastering the art of high bay light placement is key to creating a well-lit, productive environment in factories and warehouses. Below, we delve into how to fine-tune the distance between these powerful fixtures based on your space's ceiling height.

First, take a quick overview with a table.

Ceiling Height: 15 to 19 Feet

For a factory floor that's radiantly lit, keep your high bay lights about 10 to 12 feet apart. This close spacing ensures every inch of your space is bathed in bright light, much like sunlight streaming through a window on a clear day.

Prefer a gentler glow? Then, spacing the lights 14 feet apart is your sweet spot, offering a softer touch of illumination akin to the calm, diffuse light on a cloudy afternoon. Wider spacing not only softens the light but also ensures a more evenly spread across the floor, creating a safer and more visually comfortable environment for everyone at work.

Ceiling Height: 20 to 29 Feet

For a well lit space at this height, it's best to place high bay lights about 18 to 20 feet apart. Think of it like positioning floodlights in a stadium – you want every corner to be clearly visible. If you're aiming for a softer, more ambient glow, then setting the lights around 16 feet apart is your sweet spot.

With the lights mounted higher up, you'll need stronger, more powerful high bay lights. It's similar to using a stronger flashlight to light up a large, dark room.

Additionally, opting for a wider beam angle at a 20-foot spacing is like casting a wider net – it ensures the light covers more area uniformly, which is particularly important over shelving and storage spaces.

Ceiling Height: 30 Feet or Above

In vast warehouses where the ceilings reach impressive heights, striking the right balance in light placement is key. Positioning the high bay lights about 20 feet apart is the sweet spot for a vividly and evenly lit space. This setup ensures every inch of your warehouse is bathed in bright light, like sunlight streaming uniformly through a skylight.

On the other hand, if you prefer a gentler, more subdued ambiance, spacing the lights 25 feet apart will do the trick. It's akin to the soft glow of early morning light, providing enough visibility without being overpowering.

In these high-ceiling environments, it's crucial to use high bay lights with a power range of 400 to 1000 watts.

Tips on Spacing Your High Bay Lights

Learn how to select and space high bay lights efficiently and safely, ensuring compliance with building codes and optimal lighting.

1. Choosing Types of High Bay Lights

Selecting the right type of high bay lights is pivotal for achieving optimal illumination. The choice largely depends on your space's specific needs.

For instance, UFO high bay lights, known for their circular design, are perfect for spaces needing concentrated lighting with a wider beam angle. On the other hand, linear high bay lights are ideal for uniformly lighting elongated spaces like corridors or assembly lines.

Consider factors like ceiling height, the area's layout, and the type of activities performed in the space. A well-thought-out selection ensures adequate light is tailored to enhance the space's functionality and aesthetics.

2. Learn About Building Codes

Compliance with building codes is not just about legality; it's about safety and efficiency. Familiarize yourself with standards set by organizations like OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), and IBC (International Building Code).

These regulations often dictate light intensity, emergency lighting, and energy efficiency specifics. For instance, certain areas may require a minimum number of foot candles (a measure of light intensity) to ensure worker safety.

Adhering to these codes ensures that your lighting setup is legally compliant and guarantees that it meets the highest safety and energy efficiency standards.

3. Classify the Lighting Method

Before you start, it's crucial to pinpoint the type of lighting that best suits your factory's needs. There are three main categories to consider:

• Local Lighting focuses on specific areas or tasks, providing intense illumination where it's most needed.

• General lighting ensures a uniform lighting level throughout the space, offering a balanced light distribution.

• Hybrid lighting is a combination of both, hybrid lighting offers the flexibility of intense light in designated areas while maintaining a general level of illumination elsewhere.

Deciding on the right lighting class sets the stage for a well-lit, functional space catering to the specific activities and tasks performed in your factory or warehouse.

4. Lamp Selection

The choice of lamp plays a pivotal role in the effectiveness of your lighting. When selecting factory lighting fixtures, consider the following:

• Opt for fixtures that are easy to maintain and safe to use. This includes features like waterproofing, dustproofing, and, in hazardous environments, explosion-proof capabilities.

• LED lights are known for their energy efficiency, longevity, and lower maintenance needs. They are an excellent choice for high bay lighting due to their high lumen output and energy-saving properties.

Remember, the arrangement of high bay lights should ideally be maintained between a 1.5 – 1.8 matrix. This ensures a balanced spread of light, minimizing shadows and glare, and contributing to a safer, more productive work environment.

Common Mistakes in High Bay Light Installation

Setting up high bay lights is crucial to sidestep common missteps that can lead to safety hazards and diminished performance. Let's dive right into what you should be aware of.

1. Loose Electrical Connections

Loose electrical connections are among the most common yet overlooked issues during high bay light installation. It's like setting up a high-speed internet connection but not plugging in the cables properly – you won't get the expected performance.

Loose connections can lead to flickering lights, reduced lifespan of the fixtures, and even pose safety hazards. It's crucial to ensure that all connections are secure and properly insulated. Think of it as double-checking each knot while securing a boat; a single loose end can lead to unexpected troubles.

2. Using the Wrong LED Driver

Choosing the wrong LED driver is akin to using the wrong fuel for your vehicle; it just won't work efficiently. The LED driver is the heart of the lighting system, regulating the power of the LED lights. Using an incompatible driver can lead to underperformance, flickering, or even premature failure of the lights.

It's essential to match the driver's output voltage and current to the requirements of the LED lights. This ensures a harmonious operation, like a well-conducted orchestra, where every component perfectly syncs.

3. Daisy-Chaining

Using a single power source, daisy-chaining is a common but risky practice where multiple light fixtures are connected in a series, one after the other. While it might seem convenient to power multiple lights, it can lead to significant issues.

The primary concern is the potential overload of the electrical circuit, as the cumulative power draw of the lights can exceed what the circuit can safely handle.

This poses a fire hazard and can result in inconsistent lighting, as the lights further down the chain receive less power. It's like trying to water a long row of plants with a single watering can; the plants at the end get much less water than those at the beginning.

4. Voltage Drop

Voltage drop occurs when the electrical current travels over long distances or through inadequate wiring, decreasing voltage. In the context of high bay lighting, this can lead to lights at the end of the circuit appearing dimmer than those closer to the power source.

It's akin to a long hose with a slight leak; the water pressure at the end is much lower than at the start. This not only affects the uniformity of lighting but can also strain the electrical components of the lights, potentially reducing their lifespan and efficiency.

Conclusion

As we wrap up this enlightening journey, let's reflect on the essentials for achieving a brilliantly lit space. Whether it's the vast expanse of a warehouse or the intricate aisles of retail stores, the right LED high bay lights make all the difference.

Remember, it's not just about installing lights; it's about crafting a lighting plan that combines high bay LED lights, the perfect beam angle, and the right lumen output to create bright and uniform illumination.

Risun Illuminate Your Space with Precision and Efficiency

Elevate your space with Risun's advanced lighting solutions. Our energy-efficient LED high bay lights and expert lighting plans enhance productivity and safety.

Visit Risun and transform your space with optimal illumination for industrial or commercial settings. So, if you want a proper spacing and lighting solution, contact us now.