Each type of light fixture has its own advantages and disadvantages, but what’s the real difference between high-bay and low-bay fixtures? In this article, we will explore the differences between these two types of fixtures and help you decide which is best for your needs.
What is a high bay light fixture?
A high bay light is typically understood to be a light that is designed for installation in a ceiling that is between 20 and 40 feet in height as measured from the floor. In most industrial and even commercial settings, the ceiling is designed to have a high bay.
What is a low bay light fixture?
A low bay light is typically understood to be a light that is designed for installation in a ceiling that is less than 20 feet in height from the floor. The most prevalent style of ceiling that may be found in houses, as well as in the majority of retail stores and public buildings, is a low bay ceiling.
How are high bay and low bay light fixtures different from each other?
When comparing high-bay and low-bay lighting fixtures, one of the key factors to consider is the ceiling height. Low bay light fixtures are typically used with ceilings that are between 12 and 20 feet high, while high bay light fixtures are designed to be used with much taller ceilings, typically ranging from 20 to 45 feet.
Another key difference between these two types of lighting is their brightness. While low bay lighting tends to be relatively weak, with ranges between 100 watts or less, high bay lighting can provide significantly stronger light output, typically in the range of over 100 watts.
In terms of how these different types of fixtures are hung from the ceiling, there are also some notable differences. Low bay lights often use suspension mounting methods such as chains or hooks, while high bays can either hang from the ceiling using a hook or chain, or can be fixed directly onto the ceiling surface like a troffer light. Overall, when choosing between these two types of lighting for larger spaces in commercial buildings or industrial facilities, it is important to take into account factors such as ceiling height and brightness requirements.
Some differences between high bay and low bay lights are:
Installation height:
- High bay lights are used to light up rooms with ceilings that are between 20 and 40 feet above the floor.
- Also, for these lights to work well from this height, the HPS/MH bulbs need specially designed reflectors and the LED high bays need lenses with different angles.
- This makes sure that the light reaches the floor evenly and that none of it is wasted.
- Low bay lights, on the other hand, are made for ceilings that are less than 20 feet from the ground.
- The ceiling can be anywhere from 12 to 20 feet high.
- Because of this, most of these lights are used in homes, public buildings, and stores.
Application:
High bay warehouse lighting is an example of how high bay lights are used in industrial and commercial spaces.
Some places where high bay lights can be used are:
- Places to store things
- Factories\sWarehouses
- Hangars at airports
- Municipal facilities
- Gyms in schools and colleges
Low bay lights can still be used in some of these places, but it’s important to note that some of the places where they can be used are:
High bay light fixture beam angle Warehouse Frozen Storage Gas Station Retail Stores Restaurants
The angle of the beam:
- Beam angles like 60°, 90°, and 120° are often used for high bay lighting.
- A narrow beam makes it easier to create a focused beam that gives off a lot of light on the floor.
- On the other hand, a wider beam angle makes it possible to spread light well in large open spaces with low roofs.
- Aside from that, the beam angle of low bay lights is 120°.
- With low bay lights, lens angles are used to spread the light further and keep the level of light at the right level. These lens angles also help to direct the light in certain places.
Mounting:
- Fixtures for high bay lighting can be hung from chains or pendants, hooked to the ceiling, or fixed right to the ceiling.
- For high-bay lights, you can use many different kinds of fixtures, such as grid-mount high-bays, linear high-bays, round high-bays, and architectural high-bays.
- One reason to use high bay lights is that they can light the floor as well as surfaces on the walls.
- In some warehouses, vertical lighting is important because it makes it easier to pick things off the shelf.
Manufacturing industrial bay lights
Additionally, the method of production differs depending on the type.
Low-bay lighting fixtures typically have reflectors or lenses built into them to help diffuse the light and cut down on glare.
A high bay light fixture requires special reflectors to be made out of either aluminum or prismatic components in order to diffuse the light and illuminate shelves and other elevated objects. The aluminum reflectors can make the light flow down to the floor, while the prismatic components can illuminate shelves and other elevated objects.
There is a wider selection of high bay lighting options. They are compatible with fluorescent, induction, LED, and metal halide lighting systems respectively. Round, linear, architectural, and grid mounts are the several types of ceiling mounts.
High bay light fixtures are useful in a wider variety of settings, such as manufacturing and industrial facilities, warehouses, gymnasiums, community or recreation centers, airport hangars, and other commercial structures, such as department stores.
How to choose the right bay lighting?
Commercial and industrial spaces use high bay and low bay lighting.
The decision depends on the mounting location and necessary brightness.
Choosing one over the other can affect workplace safety and efficiency.
High bay and low bay lighting both have their own advantages and differences.
High bay vs. low bay lighting differences helps you choose the proper type. Also consider lighting, power, and energy usage.
Below, we list the 9 most critical high or low bay light fixture characteristics.
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Led vs. Fluorescent bulbs
When you are determining what kind of lighting system you want to employ, the first decision you should make is what kind of bulb you want to use. The number of LEDs sold in 2019 surpassed 10 billion units. They have definitively surpassed fluorescent bulbs to become the most widely used alternative.
This expansion is the result of a variety of positive factors. Traditional fluorescent lighting has a lifespan that is 25 times shorter than that of LED lighting, which also consumes 75% less energy and is easier to install. You will also be able to take advantage of any applicable special subsidies and benefit from reduced costs for both energy and disposal.
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High bay vs. Low bay led lighting
Both “High Bay” and “Low Bay” are names used in the lighting industry to define the types of bay lights that should be utilized depending on the height of the ceiling.
When you need to illuminate a vast space, you have to choose between high-bay LED lighting and low-bay LED lighting. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. The first thing you need to do is take a measurement of the height of your ceiling and think about the kind of room or area you want to light up.
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Angle and width of the beam
You ought to search for a beam angle that corresponds to the height of the lighting fixture. There are three angles to choose from when it comes to high bay lighting fixtures: 60°, 90°, or 120°.
After determining the beam angle, the next step is to determine the beam width. To find the distance from the light bulb, multiply the beam angle by 0.018 and then add the distance.
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Mounting and distributing options
Slip filters, trunnions, and straight arms are some of the mounting options that are available to you. There are also more possibilities. Find the one that best suits your requirements before you begin to set up your lighting.
There are two distinct options available to choose from when considering the light distribution pattern. Because it is taller yet does not cover as much area, Type III lighting is ideal for use in parking lots and along roadways. Although Type V lamps are shorter, the light they emit illuminates a wider area.
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Retrofitting
The majority of LED light fixtures come packaged with their own retrofitting kits. They consist of slip fitter brackets, trunnions, an arm, and a few other fundamental parts.
By utilizing these kits, you are able to save both money and time. You should give them some thought if the condition of your existing lighting is satisfactory and all that is required is the installation of LED bulbs.
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Power
If the lighting fixture you have chosen does not have sufficient lumen output, then it will not be able to illuminate the entire room. You should look for light fixtures that have a lumens-per-watt ratio of at least 130.
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The temperature of color
Find the ideal color temperature for your painting. However, blue is the hue that offers the greatest visibility. Warmer colors are more pleasant.
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Shape
Remember to take into consideration the shape of the lighting fixture. However, rectangular lights are more effective for lighting long workbenches and manufacturing lines. Round lights can be used to illuminate practically any vast space.
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Energy usage
LED lights have a lower energy consumption, but adding more components might improve this benefit even further. Think about installing photocells that work from dusk to dawn, motion detectors, and dimmers. They will use measures to ensure that your lights will only operate at full power when you, your employees, or your customers are there.
How to Install UFO High Bay LED Fixtures?
When installing a UFO high bay LED fixture, there are a few key steps that you will need to follow in order to ensure that your fixture is properly installed.
- First, you must turn off the power to the hight bay.
- Next, you will need to suspend the light at the optimal height for your space, which may require some trial and error as you experiment with different placements and heights.
- Once you have found the ideal position for your fixture, simply hang it on your ceiling using the chain provided and secure the other end of the chain securely to one of the mounting points on your ceiling.
- Finally, turn on the circuit breaker and enjoy your new LED high bay!
Whether you’re looking to illuminate a large factory or warehouse space or simply want to brighten up a smaller room in your home, this simple installation process will ensure that your new LED high bay fixture provides optimal lighting no matter where you choose to use it. So what are you waiting for? Start installing today and transform any space into a bright and luminous oasis!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMecDKFI8Ss
FAQs
What does high bay mean?
Conclusion
High bay and low bay light fixtures are two different types of lighting that are often used in commercial or industrial buildings. They have different purposes and are suited for different environments. It is important to know which type of light fixture to use in your specific situation, so you can ensure that you get the best possible lighting for your needs. If you’re not sure which type of light fixture is right for you, consult a professional who can help you make the right decision.