Understanding High Bay Lighting
High bay lights are designed for spaces with ceiling heights of 15 feet or higher — warehouses, manufacturing facilities, gymnasiums, and large retail spaces. Choosing the right fixture is critical for safety, productivity, and energy efficiency.
Step 1: Determine Your Mounting Height
| Ceiling Height | Recommended Wattage | Typical Lumens |
|---|---|---|
| 15-20 ft | 100-150W | 14,000-21,000 lm |
| 20-30 ft | 150-200W | 21,000-30,000 lm |
| 30-40 ft | 200-300W | 30,000-45,000 lm |
| 40+ ft | 300-500W | 45,000-75,000 lm |
Step 2: Choose Your Color Temperature
- 4000K (Neutral White) — Best for general warehouse use. Bright but comfortable.
- 5000K (Daylight) — Maximum visibility. Ideal for detail work, quality inspection, and shipping areas.
- 3000K (Warm White) — Rarely used in warehouses but good for showroom areas.
Most of our high bay fixtures offer CCT selectable (3000K/4000K/5000K) so you can choose at installation.
Step 3: Calculate Spacing
A general rule: mounting height ÷ 2 = maximum distance between fixtures.
For a 30ft ceiling, fixtures should be no more than 15ft apart. We recommend professional photometric analysis for optimal placement — contact us for a free layout.
Step 4: Consider Accessories
- Motion sensors — Save 50%+ in unoccupied aisles
- Emergency backup batteries — Required by code in many areas
- Reflectors/lenses — Narrow beam for high racking, wide beam for open areas
Our Top High Bay Picks
Browse our complete LED High Bay collection — see each product page for its certifications and warranty term.
Need help? Our lighting specialists provide free warehouse lighting layouts. Contact us today.