Types of Warehouse Lighting

Tube lights are great for placing in specific areas and spaces and are best for mounting at ceiling heights of 8 to 10 feet. Below are the different styles of tube lights out there.

• Type A Tubes: Works with the existing ballast.
• Type B Tubes: Works by bypassing the ballast.
• Type AB Tubes: Works with or without the ballast.
• Type C Tubes: Works with an external driver.

Where to Use Tube Lights: Warehouse office spaces, breakrooms, and storage areas.

Standard Tube Light Sizes: 2', 4', or 8' in length

High bay lights are designed for areas with high ceilings, typically 20 to 45 feet in height, and send more direct light down to the floor. It is important to note that the higher the ceiling height is, the more lumen output you will want your light fixture to have. Below are the different styles of high bays and when to use them.

• Round High Bay Lights: Feature a wide beam spread to cover a large area with light, making them great for increasing visibility in open areas. They only have one contact point, so they are easier to install than linear lights.
• Linear High Bay Lights: Feature a more compact, rectangular light distribution to help illuminate specific aisles and shelving areas. They can typically be surface-, suspended-, or pendant-mounted.

Where to Use High Bay Lights: Large warehouses, manufacturing plants, airport hangers, and amphitheaters.

Standard High Bay Light Sizes: 10" to 13" in diameter (round) or 2', 4', or 8' in length (linear).

Note: If your ceilings are under 20 feet in height, you can opt for low bay lights to achieve the same benefits as high bay lights for your small space.

Wall pack lights are box-shaped light fixtures that are wall-mounted, typically to the outside of a building to provide lighting for vehicles and pedestrians. Below are the different styles of wall packs and when to use them.

• Traditional Wall Pack Lights: Feature an open design and a wider lens to deliver a wider beam spread. They are particularly great for entryways where extra light is needed for safety and security.
• Full Cut-Off Wall Pack Lights: Direct light distribution downward to eliminate all uplight illumination. They are dark sky compliant and prevent light pollution.
• Slim Wall Pack: Feature an adjustable beam angle for greater versatility with light projection.

Where To Use Wall Pack Lights: Loading docks, utility sheds, storage areas, and walkways.

Standard Wall Pack Light Sizes: Range from 6" to 18" in length, depending on the style.

Troffer lights, or drop-ceiling lights, are a professional, clean line option for large indoor spaces that need powerful, recessed lighting. Most are designed to be mounted onto standard T-bar grid ceilings. They have a slim, low-profile design and a diffuser or reflector to manage glare and distribute light widely and evenly. This also allows them to provide direct and indirect illumination for greater visual comfort.

Where to Use High Bay Lights: Schools, offices, retail spaces, and healthcare facilities.

Standard Troffer Light Sizes: 1' x 4', 2' x 2', and 2' x 4'.

With their low profile design and small footprint, industrial strip lights are ideal for providing size-restricted architectural applications with powerful, even lighting. They are typically ceiling-mounted for a clean look but can sometimes be suspended from the ceiling depending on the building's height.

Where To Use Industrial Strip Lights: Storage and utility areas, retail locations, factory floors, stairwells, and hallways

Standard Industrial Strip Light Sizes: 2', 4', or 8' in length

Commercial flat panel lights feature a lower profile than troffer lights. They are typically recessed-mounted or surface-mounted for a clean look or they can be suspended from the ceiling depending on the building's height. Below are the different styles of flat panel lights to choose from.

• Backlit Flat Panel Lights: Lights are placed in the back of the frame to shine directly through the diffuser and minimize glare. More popular than edgelit panels for their more affordable cost and efficiency.
• Edgelit Flat Panel Lights: Lights are placed on the side of the panel for a thinner profile. Typically more expensive and uses more power than backlit panels.

Where To Use Commercial Panel Lights: Warehouses, offices, conference halls, auditoriums, and retail locations.

Standard Commercial Panel Light Sizes: 1' x 4', 2' x 4', and 2' x 2'.

1. Brightness

Lumens indicate the brightness of a light bulb, and the more lumens a light fixture has, the more light it gives off. Because LED lights use fewer watts than incandescent or fluorescent lights with the same brightness, it is better to look at a product's lumen output versus its wattage when determining how many light fixtures you need in a specific area. It is important to note that the larger your space is, the more lumen output a light should have to accommodate it.

2. Burn Time

A light fixture's burn time refers to its average lifespan. A standard warehouse light fixture has a burn time of 50000 hours to 54000 hours.

3. Color Temperature

Measured using the Kelvin Scale, this refers to the color hue emitted by the light bulb. A light fixture with a color temperature between 3000K and 5000K is a good choice for a warehouse. A light fixture with a lower Kelvin of 3000K will have a warmer, yellow color while a light fixture with a higher Kelvin of 5000K will emit a cooler, crisp white color. 

4. Beam Angle

You should look at a light fixture's beam angle to determine if it will work in your desired area. Wider beam angles provide widespread illumination that is great for open spaces, such as storage areas, while narrower beam angles create a more focused beam that illuminates a specific area, such as an entryway. 

5. CRI Rating

The Color Rendering Index (CRI) is used to measure a light’s ability to show natural colors, which ensures clarity and contrast with objects throughout the area. Providing a natural light source is especially important for warehouse stockers, pickers, packers, and other warehouse workers who regularly read small labels so that you can avoid processing issues. Any light fixture with a CRI of 80 or above is a good choice for a warehouse or facility.

6. Dimmable

Purchasing dimmable LED lights is a great way to reduce energy consumption and set your space at the light level you desire. LED lights become more energy-efficient when they run at under 100% power. Plus, their lifespan increases, which can further save on costs. Commercial warehouse light fixtures utilize 0-10V dimming for smooth and uniform dimming.