Best LED high bay lights
Table of Contents

Long gone are the days when factory and warehouse workers labored under flickering fluorescents. Today's lighting is powered by LEDs – the brilliant, energy-efficient solution that's far superior in so many ways to old-fashioned methods of illumination. While it's a cinch to identify LEDs as the most suitable type of lighting, the challenge is to sort out which fixtures are the best LED high bay lights for your space.

To help you make this determination, we'll start with the basics on these modern marvels, from lumens and beam angles to choosing the correct mounting height and calculating how many lights you'll need. When we're through, you'll have a much better idea of how to light your industrial or commercial space and save time and money along the way.

LED Lighting Basics

Before getting into all the technical details, let's begin with the basics: What are high bay lights? These luminaires are engineered for spaces with tall ceilings ranging from 20 to 40 feet high. Think of environments like warehouses, manufacturing plants, gyms, and large retail stores — places where standard lighting just can't cut it.

Unlike traditional lighting, LED high bay lights provide powerful illumination over a large area, ensuring no corner is left in the dark. They're energy-efficient, long-lasting, and durable enough to handle the demands of industrial or commercial spaces. Plus, they evenly distribute light, so you can reduce the number of fixtures you need while enjoying top-notch visibility. If want to check out How Many LED Lights.

Whether you're upgrading an outdated lighting system or installing new fixtures, high bay lights are the smart play.

What To Look for When Buying LED High Bays

Choosing the best high bay LED lighting for your space isn't a one-size-fits-all decision. You'll need to keep several factors in mind to ensure you're getting the best performance and value.

  • Lumens Over Wattage: Forget the old habit of looking at wattage — when it comes to LED lighting, it's all about lumens. Lumens measure the total amount of visible light; the higher the lumens, the brighter the light. For large industrial or commercial spaces, you'll want lights with a high lumen output to ensure everything is properly illuminated.
  • Beam Angle: Beam angle determines how wide or narrow the light spreads. A wide beam angle is ideal for evenly lighting large, open areas, while a narrow beam focuses light on specific spots. Choosing the right beam angle for your high bay lights depends on the layout and ceiling height of your space. Typically, for ceilings around 15 to 20 feet high, a 90-120° beam angle works best. For ceilings above 25 feet, you might need lights with a narrower beam angle to focus the light more directly on the area below.
  • Mounting Height: The height at which your lights are installed plays a big role in how well they perform. If your light is mounted too high for the given power output, the light won’t provide the proper coverage it should. On the other hand, if you mount a powerful light below the recommended mounting height, the light can be too concentrated and glaringly bright.
  • Durability: LED high bay lights are built to last, but make sure you choose fixtures with durable, industrial-grade materials that can handle tough environments. Look for lights with a high IP (Ingress Protection) rating to guard against dust, moisture, and other environmental factors.
  • Energy Efficiency: One of the biggest benefits of switching to LED high bay lights is the energy savings. LEDs use far less power than traditional lighting options, which can translate to big savings on your energy bill — especially in spaces that need constant, reliable lighting.

Types of High Bay Lights

There are two types of high bay lights, each serving a different purpose. Understanding the types available will help you choose the right one for your space.

UFO High Bay Lights (aka Round High Bays)

Named for their disc-like shape, UFO high bay lights are compact, efficient, and powerful. They're ideal for higher ceilings (25 feet and up) and provide uniform, broad light over large areas. Due to their shape, UFO lights are easier to install and maintain, making them a popular choice for spaces like factories, warehouses, and sports arenas.

These round high bay LED light fixtures are a top choice among contractors for new construction projects, thanks to their exceptional efficiency and maintenance-free operation. Built with an aluminum die-cast mold for optimal heat dissipation and a sleek, modern design, these lights boost performance and enhance the visual appeal of large industrial spaces.

Linear High Bay Lights

These lights are long and rectangular, much like their fluorescent-tube predecessors. They're used in large, open spaces like warehouses, manufacturing plants, gyms, airplane hangars, and supermarkets. Linear high bays distribute light over a wider area, which is great for spaces with wide aisles or rows. Whether your ceiling is on the lower end or higher end of the high bay spectrum, linear lights provide excellent coverage with minimal shadows.

These round high bay LED light fixtures are a top choice among contractors for new construction projects, thanks to their exceptional efficiency and maintenance-free operation. Built with an aluminum die-cast mold for optimal heat dissipation and a sleek, modern design, these lights boost performance and enhance the visual appeal of large industrial spaces.

Benefits of Upgrading To LED High Bay Lights

Upgrading to LED high bay lights reaps long-term benefits for your business or facility. Check out the top 5 reasons why making the switch to LED high bay lights is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your industrial or commercial space:

  1. Longer Lifespan: While older metal halide or fluorescent lights may need frequent replacements, LEDs can last up to 50,000 hours or more.
  2. Reduced Maintenance Costs: Fewer replacements = less maintenance. Because they last longer, you won't need to constantly change bulbs or repair fixtures. This can be especially beneficial in large spaces where accessing high-mounted lights for repairs is time-consuming and costly.
  3. Lower Energy Consumption: LED high bay lights use up to 75% less energy than traditional high bay lighting solutions. That translates directly to lower energy bills – a huge plus for businesses looking to cut operational costs. In large facilities that require constant lighting, this can add up to impressive savings over time.
  4. Enhanced Lighting Quality: LEDs provide a cleaner, more natural light than older lighting technologies. This improved light quality can help increase visibility and reduce eye strain, making for a safer and more productive environment. Plus, LEDs offer excellent color rendering, so everything in your space looks clearer and more vibrant.
  5. Eco-Friendly Solution: LEDs use less energy and contain no mercury – a harmful substance found in fluorescent lights – making them a much greener choice. Reducing your facility's energy consumption also means lowering your carbon footprint, which is a win for both your business and the environment. Check out the benefits of LED energy efficient lighting.

Best Place To Buy LED Lights

With so many options on the market, finding the best place to buy LED lights can feel like a challenge. You need a supplier that offers high-quality products and provides the expertise and customer support to guide you through the process.

Here's why Revolve LED is a solid choice for high bays and all your lighting solutions:

  • Wide Selection: Revolve LED offers various high bay lights to meet the unique needs of different spaces. You'll find exactly what you need to suit your facility's requirements.
  • Expert Support: Need help deciding which lights are best for your space? Revolve LED's team of experts is available to offer personalized advice and guidance, ensuring you choose the best solution.
  • Quality Products: All of Revolve LED's products are carefully selected for durability, energy efficiency, and performance. Our high bay lights are designed to last, even in the toughest environments.
  • Competitive Pricing: Quality doesn't have to break the bank. Revolve LED offers affordable pricing without sacrificing performance, making it easy to upgrade your space within budget.
  • Warranty & Support: All purchases come with reliable warranties and customer service support, so you can be confident in your investment.

Maintenance Tips for LED High Bay Lights

One of the perks of LED high bay lights is their minimal maintenance, but a little care goes a long way in ensuring they perform at their best for years to come. Here are some simple yet effective maintenance tips to keep your lights shining bright:

  • Regular Cleaning: Debris and dust can accumulate on your light's surface, reducing its brightness over time. Schedule regular cleanings to wipe down the lens and fixture with a soft, dry cloth or a gentle cleaner to maintain optimal light output.
  • Inspect for Loose Connections: Even though LED lights are durable, regular inspections can catch minor issues early. Look for loose wires or connections that could affect performance. Tightening connections when needed ensures the lights remain safe and efficient.
  • Check for Overheating: LEDs generate far less heat than traditional lights, but it's still a good idea to check for any signs of overheating. Make sure the heat sinks are free from dust and have proper ventilation, especially if the fixtures are mounted in hard-to-reach areas with limited airflow.
  • Monitor for Flickering or Dimming: While LEDs rarely burn out abruptly, flickering or dimming could signal an issue with the driver or power supply. If you notice any changes in performance, it’s best to troubleshoot early or replace the driver to avoid further disruption.
  • Keep a Spare Inventory: Having a small inventory of spare drivers or light modules on hand ensures you can quickly swap out faulty components without downtime.

Ideal Applications for High Bay Lighting

Whether you're illuminating an industrial space or a public venue, LED high bay lights deliver performance and energy savings. Here are some of the most common and practical uses for high bay lighting:

  • Warehouses and Distribution Centers: With high ceilings and wide aisles, warehouses demand strong, consistent lighting to ensure workers can safely and efficiently carry out tasks. High bay lights eliminate shadows and dark spots, improving visibility and reducing accidents.
  • Manufacturing Facilities and Factories: Factories require precise lighting for productivity and safety. Whether it's assembly lines or heavy machinery operations, high bay lights provide clear, bright light that enhances focus and minimizes errors during production processes.
  • Gymnasiums and Sports Facilities: Gyms and arenas need bright, uniform lighting to cover large areas without glare. LED high bay lights are ideal for these spaces, ensuring athletes and spectators enjoy excellent visibility.
  • Retail Stores and Supermarkets: Large retail spaces benefit from high bay lighting by making products easy to spot. In supermarkets, bright and consistent lighting helps customers navigate aisles and enhances the visual appeal of fresh produce and merchandise.
  • Airplane Hangars and Transportation Hubs: With ceilings exceeding 30 feet, airplane hangars, train stations, and bus depots rely heavily on high bay lights to maintain visibility and security. The durable design of LED high bay lights makes them well-suited for these demanding environments.
  • Cold Storage Facilities: LED high bay lights perform exceptionally well in cold environments, making them the perfect choice for warehouses and cold storage units. Their efficiency and reliability ensure that lighting is never compromised, even at low temperatures.

Light Up the Room With the Best LED High Bay Lights from Revolve LED

The best LED high bay lights can make all the difference in productivity and safety in your industrial or commercial space. LEDs provide powerful illumination while slashing energy costs. Now that you've got the information on LED high bays, you're ready to bring bright, efficient lighting to your facility. Make the switch to LEDs today!

SHOP LED HIGH BAY LIGHTS

FAQs: Best LED High Bay Lights

Below, we've answered some common questions about the best LED high bay lights. Please contact us for more information.

How many LED high bay lights do I need?

Deciding how many high bays you need for your space requires a fair amount of figuring. You'll find comprehensive step-by-step instructions in the Revolve LED blog: How many LED High Bay Lights Do I Need? If you'd rather leave it in our expert's hands, just fill out a Commercial LED Lighting Layout request, and we'll work with you to create a free lighting layout plan.

Can LED high bay lights be dimmed?

Many LED high bay lights come with dimming capabilities. This allows you to adjust the brightness to match your space's specific lighting needs, helping save even more energy during off-peak hours or in areas with ample natural light. Make sure you have the corresponding 0-10V or 1-10V dimming wires in your facility along with a matching dimmer switch to utilize this feature.

How do I maintain LED high bay lights?

LED high bay lights require very little maintenance compared to traditional lighting. Occasionally, you may need to clean the fixtures to remove dust or debris that could reduce light output. Aside from that, thanks to their long lifespan, frequent replacements aren't necessary.

Do LED high bay lights work in cold environments?

Yes, LED high bay lights perform better in cold environments than traditional lighting. They don't rely on heat to generate light, so they're highly effective in warehouses, cold storage facilities, and other environments with low temperatures.

What color temperature is best for high bay lighting?

The color temperature you choose depends on your application. For industrial or task-oriented environments, a cooler white light (5000K or above) is often preferred as it mimics daylight and provides better clarity. For spaces like gyms or retail stores, a slightly warmer color (around 4000K) might be more suitable for a welcoming atmosphere.

Konlite RHB03 Series Round UFO Style LED Ceiling Lights

Check out our versatile UFO-style LED high bay with all the features you could hope for in an industrial lighting fixture. Konlite is the proprietary brand of Revolve LED.

Related Articles