What’s the Difference Between High-bay and Low-bay Lighting?

Understanding High Bay Lighting

High bay lighting refers to industrial-grade illumination systems specifically designed for installation in spaces with high ceilings, typically above 8 meters. These fixtures are similar to low bay LED lights but come equipped with specialized lenses that allow for better light distribution tailored to specific environments like warehouses, factories, or large retail spaces.

The Height Factor in High Bay Lighting

When it comes to high bay lights, their ideal placement depends on the application and ceiling height. Generally, these lights are installed at heights exceeding 8 meters because lower ceilings would result in poor light distribution or glare. However, there are exceptions where low bay lights might be used at slightly higher levels if the design and purpose warrant it, which requires detailed simulations to confirm.

What Makes High Bay Lighting Exceptional?

Choosing the right high bay lighting involves considering several factors. The best options should offer: - **Efficiency**: Delivering sufficient brightness without excessive energy consumption. - **Durability**: Built to withstand harsh conditions over time. - **Cost-effectiveness**: Providing long-term savings despite upfront investment. - **Reliability**: Coming from reputable manufacturers who stand behind their products. LEDSAVE, for instance, ensures quality through rigorous testing and customer support.

Calculating the Number of High Bay Lights Needed

Determining how many high bay lights are necessary involves complex calculations factoring in the lumens produced by each fixture along with room dimensions, surface reflectivity, and intended usage. For example, areas requiring precision work need brighter, more focused lighting compared to storage zones. At LEDSAVE, we employ RELUX software for precise lighting designs, ensuring optimal performance while minimizing waste.

Introducing Low Bay Lighting

Contrasting with high bay lighting, low bay lighting serves applications with ceilings under 8 meters. Designed for smaller spaces such as workshops, garages, or smaller warehouses, these lights provide adequate illumination without overwhelming the environment.

Mounting Height Guidelines for Low Bay vs. High Bay

Typically, low bay lights are mounted below 8 meters, whereas high bay lights go beyond that threshold. Yet, certain scenarios may allow low bay lights to function effectively at greater heights—this decision ultimately hinges on thorough computational analysis. Below lies a comparison table showcasing a standard setup using the LEDSAVE Ultra-Fast ROI LED high bay/low bay series:

	400W HID	150W LED
Power / W	400	150
Number of fittings	10	10
Hours / day	10	10
Days / week	5	5
Weeks / year	48	48
Hours / year	2,400	2,400

Energy Savings with LED Technology

Switching from traditional HID lamps to modern LED high bay lights yields significant financial benefits. Consider this example comparing a 400W HID system versus a 150W LED alternative:

Element	400W HID	150W LED
Electricity cost (£ / KWh)	£0.15	£0.15
Cost electricity per year	£1,440.00	£540.00
Electricity Savings / year	–	£900.00
Cost of LED High Bay (Ex VAT)	–	£74.50
Total cost LED High Bay (Ex VAT)	–	£745.00
Break-even point (when you start making money)	–	9 Months!
Estimated Lifetime (hrs)	–	50,000
Lifetime at estimated usage / years	–	21
Savings over estimated lifetime*	–	£18,005.00
Warranty period / years	–	5
Savings over warranty period*	–	£3,755.00

Determining Quantity & Wattage Requirements

For brand-new setups, determining both quantity and appropriate wattage relies heavily on advanced software simulations. LEDSAVE utilizes RELUX software to achieve accurate results every time. In contrast, retrofits often involve replacing existing lights one-to-one since doing so reduces labor costs and simplifies the process when the original specifications are known.

Explore Our Range of High Bay & Low Bay Solutions Here