Fixture Type
High Bay Lighting
Powerful lighting engineered for warehouses and high-ceiling industrial spaces.
What to Look For in High Bay Lighting
High bay fixtures are designed specifically for elevated mounting — typically 20 feet and above. Key factors include mounting height range (fixtures are rated for a specific height band, not unlimited height), beam spread appropriate for the application (narrower beams for aisles, wider beams for open floor areas), and lumen output sufficient to maintain usable light levels at that height. For hazardous or harsh industrial environments, the fixture also needs the appropriate classification and ingress protection rating.
High Bay vs. Low Bay Lighting
The distinction between these two fixture types comes down to mounting height:
- High bay lighting is designed for ceilings 20 feet and above, using higher lumen output and typically narrower beam angles to maintain adequate light levels at that distance.
- Low Bay Lighting is designed for ceilings below 20 feet, using wider beam angles and different optics suited to closer mounting.
Using the wrong category for your ceiling height typically results in either wasted light output (low bay in a high-ceiling space) or inadequate floor-level illumination (high bay in a low-ceiling space).
Where High Bay Lighting Is Used
- Warehouses and distribution centers — broad floor coverage at elevated mounting heights
- Manufacturing and processing floors — consistent illumination across large industrial footprints
- Large-format industrial buildings — facilities with open, high-ceiling layouts
- Hazardous-location facilities — processing and storage areas requiring classification-rated high bay fixtures
Choosing the Right Fixture
Measure your actual mounting height first — this determines the fixture's beam angle and lumen requirements more than any other factor. Aisle-heavy layouts (like warehouse racking) generally benefit from narrower beam angles, while open floor plans benefit from wider, more uniform spread.