There are a ton of different lighting styles and fixtures on the market lately. Sunco’s own product directory spans in the hundreds. Now throw every other company into the mix (not that you would ever buy from another company...right?). The sheer number of lighting styles and features makes it feel impossible to decide which is best for your space. 

But when you’re faced with what to use for your warehouse the answer is simple – high bays.

Lighting Styles 

When deciding which light to use, you can take a look at other spaces similar to your own. Many warehouses choose to use some kind of high bay light, be it round or linear (we’ll discuss these later), as these provide the best lighting for high ceilings. Some smaller warehouses can get away with using industrial strip lighting or canopy lighting, just as long as they meet the needs of the space. 

Something else to keep in mind is that if you have glare issues in the warehouse from reflective ceilings or floors, it is best to use anti-glare LED luminaries. You can also use frosted lenses or install reflectors on existing units to eliminate glare. 

Linear Vs UFO 

The two most popular warehouse lights are Linear and UFO high bays. While both offer similar features, their sizes and shapes differ enough that it becomes a consideration when deciding which you’ll prefer.  

A UFO high bay gets its name from its round, saucer-like shape, which resembles a UFO. You’re more likely to see these in industrial and commercial spaces with high ceilings. Built with durability in mind, you’d want to use these in a more harsh environment such as a factory space or loading dock where heat and dust is present.  

Linear high bays tend to be just as bright, but slightly less durable. Thye have a more elongated, rectangular shape, which allows for a broader and more uniform distribution of light across a wide area. These are perfect for areas like gymnasiums but are often used in warehouses with lower ceilings.  

 
LEDs 

No matter the style, the consensus is that LED lighting is best for warehouses, as these are far more energy-efficient and low maintenance. Most LED high bays or strip lights offer several different options and integrations, so you can have more autonomy over how your space looks. They also give off very little heat, compared to fluoride and halide lighting. The physical labor done in a warehouse is exhausting enough without adding more heat from your light fixtures.  

Installing LED lights also means that you can utilize automation and smart controls. LED high bays with a motion sensor are even more cost-effective than a standard LED because they can reduce energy usage by up to 30% as lights can be turned on and off based on whether or not an employee is in that area of the warehouse. You can also install dimmers or timers to control the light output in areas that are not being used.  

Brightness and Safety  

Did you know that approximately 5% of warehouse workers experience an injury on the job every year? Most of these injuries could have been prevented with effective safety programs and proper lighting. Something you want to look for when getting warehouse lights is how many lumens the unit has. 

A warehouse is usually divided into various sections such as the loading areas, order packing zones, storage areas, and others. Determining what tasks are conducted in each of these areas will give you a good sense of the ideal light levels.

For example, loading areas are generally crowded with forklifts, conveyors, or boom lifts. To ensure the safety of workers and equipment, it is important to use the appropriate lights in such areas. Sunco recommends that in warehouses where the ceiling height is 16 - 20 ft to use 21,000 lumen, 150-watt LED UFO high bay lights. For ceiling heights over 20 ft, we've found 34,000 lumen, 240-watt LED UFO high bay lights are a great fit. The higher the lumens, the brighter the unit will be, giving you a great spread of high-quality light. 

Color Temperature and CRI  

If you’re learning about lighting for the first time, the concept of color temperature may be unfamiliar. Color temperature is a way to describe the warmth or coolness of a light source and is measured in degrees Kelvin (K) on a scale of 1,000 to 10,000. Warmer lights are lower on the scale and are more yellow, while cooler lights are higher and more blue. As an example, you might use a 3000K CCT bulb in a bedroom where you can relax while putting a 5000K CCT bulb in the kitchen for more alertness. 

Industrial settings tend to be more commonly on the higher end of the CCT spectrum. This is mostly because science has shown that cooler color temperatures stimulate alertness in the brain which is good for warehouse workers. Most warehouses use 4000K-6000K for their lights, as anything less may be too warm in tone.  

The Color Rendering Index (CRI) also ties into your choice in CCT as it is used to measure a light’s ability to show natural colors, which ensures clarity in the warehouse. Providing a light source that appears as natural as possible 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 an excellent choice for a warehouse or facility. 

Durability 

Durable lighting is a game-changer for warehouse operations. Sure, everything else I mentioned is important, but the best warehouse lighting should withstand the test of time. They should be built to handle the rough conditions common in warehouses, like extreme temperatures and constant vibrations from machinery moving around to pallets and boxes being dropped. By choosing durable lighting, you’ll cut down on the hassle and cost of frequent replacements and repairs, which means you’re saving money in the long run, which is never a bad thing.

Besides the cost savings, durable lights help keep things running smoothly. With fewer interruptions for maintenance, your warehouse can stay productive without unnecessary downtime. Workers get consistent lighting, which helps them do their jobs more efficiently and accurately. Plus, when your lighting is reliable, you’re reducing the risk of accidents. Good lighting means fewer sudden outages and better visibility, which helps prevent trips, falls, and other mishaps.  

Making The Final Choice 

Choosing the right warehouse lighting isn’t just about picking out a few bulbs. It’s about setting your entire operation up for success. Think of it as investing in the backbone of your workspace. Durable, high-quality LED lights won’t just make your warehouse shine—they’ll save you money in the long run by cutting down on maintenance and replacements. Imagine fewer headaches over flickering lights or sudden outages that can throw a wrench in your daily routine. 

So, when you are deciding on your warehouse lighting, go for options that promise reliability and durability. Your future self will thank you for not having to deal with constant repairs or accidents caused by poor visibility. It’s a win-win that makes a big difference in how smoothly your warehouse runs.