Introduction: More Than Just “Brightness”
For facility managers and plant engineers, lighting is a critical infrastructure decision. It impacts worker safety, productivity, energy costs, and maintenance budgets. Switching from traditional HID fixtures to LED high bay lights offers tremendous savings, but only if you select the right ones. As an industry veteran, I’ve seen projects succeed and fail based on specification. This guide will help you make an informed choice.
Step 1: Calculate Required Lumens, Not Just Watts
Forget comparing watts. The true measure of light output is Lumens.
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The Simple Formula:
Required Lumens = Area (sq. meters) x Desired Lux Level -
Lux Level Guide: A warehouse aisle may need 150-200 lux, while detailed assembly work requires 500+ lux.
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Pro Tip: Always plan for Lumen Depreciation. Choose fixtures whose lumen output at the end of their rated life (often L90 or L70) still meets your target.
Step 2: Control Glare for Safety and Comfort
Harsh glare causes eye strain and fatigue, creating safety risks. The Unified Glare Rating (UGR) is the key metric.
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Target UGR: For most industrial environments, aim for UGR < 19. Precision work areas may require UGR < 16.
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How to Achieve It: Look for fixtures with deep baffles, louvres, or prismatic diffusers designed to shield the bright LED source from direct view.
Step 3: Match the Fixture to Your Environment (IP & IK Ratings)
Industrial settings are tough. Your lighting must be tougher.
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IP Rating (Ingress Protection): Defines protection against dust and moisture.
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IP65: Dust-tight and protected against low-pressure water jets. Ideal for most factories, warehouses, and wash-down areas.
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IK Rating (Impact Resistance): Measures resistance to physical impact.
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IK08+ (10 Joule impact): Recommended for areas with occasional accidental contact from machinery or goods.
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Step 4: Prioritize Efficiency and Long-Term Data
Not all LEDs are created equal. Look for verified performance data.
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Luminous Efficacy: This is
Lumens per Watt (lm/W). A higher number means more light for less electricity. Aim for 130 lm/W or higher for top-tier efficiency. -
Critical Certifications & Reports: Insist on seeing DLC qualification (for utility rebates in many regions) and the manufacturer’s LM-80 test report for the LED chips, which verifies long-term lumen maintenance.
Step 5: Consider Smart Features for Future Savings
Basic LEDs save energy. Smart LEDs optimize it.
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Dimming Capability: Consider 0-10V dimming or DALI systems. Dimming lights by 20% can save roughly 20% in energy and extends fixture life.
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Sensors & Controls: For areas with variable occupancy (e.g., storage aisles), fixtures with built-in motion or daylight sensors can deliver massive additional savings.
Conclusion: Specify with Confidence
Choosing the right LED high bay light is a technical decision that pays off for decades. By focusing on Light Output (Lumens), Glare Control (UGR), Durability (IP/IK), Efficiency (lm/W, DLC), and Future-Proofing (Dimming), you can ensure a successful retrofit that maximizes ROI, safety, and light quality.
Need help applying this to your specific facility?
At SeaPeak Industry, we provide free lighting audits and specification support. Use our expertise to translate these guidelines into a concrete solution for your plant or warehouse.
> Browse Our Professionally Specified High Bay Lighting Collection