How Many High Bay Lights Do I Need?: A Quick Guide to Perfect Lighting Planning

Calculating how many high bay lights you need for your space requires understanding a few key factors, including the size of the area, the height of your ceilings, and the intended use of the space. High bay lights are perfect for warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and large indoor areas where bright, focused illumination is essential.

Start by measuring the square footage of the area you want to illuminate. Once you have that number, consider the following:

Determine Your Lighting Requirements

First, identify the type of activity that will take place in the area. For general illumination in warehouses, the recommended lumen level is around 30-50 lumens per square foot. If the space is used for detailed work, this may increase to 75-100 lumens per square foot.

Calculate Total Lumens Needed

Now that you know the lumen requirement, multiply the area of your space by the lumens needed per square foot. For instance, if your warehouse is 5,000 sq ft and you need 50 lumens per square foot, you’ll require a total of 250,000 lumens.

Choose High Bay Lights Based on Output

Next, select the high bay lights you plan to use and check their lumen output. Most LED high bay lights range from 10,000 to 30,000 lumens. Divide your total required lumens by the lumen output of the light fixture to determine how many lights you'll need. For example, if you choose a light that outputs 20,000 lumens, you’ll need 250,000 / 20,000 = 12.5, which rounds up to 13 lights.

Consider Spacing and Height

Finally, the spacing between the lights can affect their overall effectiveness. As a rule of thumb, hang high bay lights about 15 to 20 feet apart, dipping lower for areas needing more focus. Adjust your total using the fixture's specifications for optimal placement.

FAQ

Q: How high should high bay lights be installed?A: High bay lights are typically installed at heights of at least 15 feet to maximize their illuminative impact.

Q: Can I mix different lumen outputs for my lights?A: Yes, but it is essential to calculate a balanced lumens total for uniform light distribution.