Which high bay for which ceiling height?
The mounting height determines how much light has to reach the floor. As a guideline:
- LED high bay 100W (12,000 to 21,000 lumens): 4 to 8 metres, replaces a 250W HQL/HQI fitting.
- LED high bay 150W (18,000 to 31,500 lumens): 6 to 10 metres, replaces 250 to 400W.
- LED high bay 200W (24,000 to 42,000 lumens): 8 to 12 metres, replaces 400W.
- LED high bay 240W (36,000 to 45,600 lumens): from 10 metres, replaces 400 to 600W.
Within one wattage, the efficacy determines where you are in that range: a 100W high bay at 210 lm/W gives 21,000 lumens and can therefore hang higher than one at 120 lm/W. Is the ceiling lower than 4 metres? Then choose a 50W linear high bay, suitable up to about 4 metres.
How many high bays do you need?
That depends on the floor area and the work being done. Common guide values for average illuminance (EN 12464-1 is decisive):
- Storage and warehouse: 100 to 200 lux
- Order picking and dispatch: 200 to 300 lux
- Production and workshop: 300 to 500 lux
- Fine assembly and inspection: 500 to 750 lux
- Sports hall (recreational and school sport): 200 to 300 lux
Rule of thumb: area per high bay in m² = lumens × 0.48 / required lux. A 22,500-lumen high bay covers about 36 m² at 300 lux and about 54 m² at 200 lux. For even light, space them about 1 to 1.5 times the mounting height apart. More about lumen and lux. Is it a larger project? Request a quote.
UFO or linear high bay?
UFO high bays are round and compact and spread the light evenly in all directions. They work best in open halls with few obstacles, such as storage sheds, production areas and sports halls.
Linear high bays are elongated and give a directed, stretched light distribution. That makes them strong in aisles between racking and above fixed workstations, and they cause less glare at lower ceilings.
Dimming, DALI and motion sensor
All high bays except the Basic series are dimmed via 0-10V: a separate control wire runs to a 0-10V dimmer or the building management system. A standard phase dimmer will not work and can damage the driver. View 0-10V dimmers
For DALI systems there is a UFO series with DALI driver from 100 to 240W; you will find it with other DALI fittings under DALI lighting. High bays with motion sensor switch on automatically as soon as there is movement: ideal for aisles, storage and zones that are not in constant use.
Cost-effective replacement: up to 70% saving
An LED high bay uses up to 70% less electricity than a mercury vapour or metal halide fitting (HQL/HQI) with similar light output and gives full light instantly, without warm-up time. With 50,000 operating hours (more than 13 years at 10 hours a day), there is also no more replacing lamps at height with a cherry picker or scaffolding. Calculate your saving
LED high bays: frequently asked questions
Can I also hang a high bay on a lower ceiling?
You can, but below about 4 metres a UFO high bay is usually too bright: you easily look into the light source and get a bright spot with dark zones in between. Then choose a 50W linear high bay, LED panels or LED battens. In a workshop or garage, a dimmed high bay at 3.5 to 4 metres can work.
How do I hang and connect a high bay?
A UFO high bay hangs from its suspension eye on a hook, chain or steel cable; always secure it with the safety cable as well. It connects to 220-240V; dimmable models have an extra 0-10V control wire. Have the installation carried out by a qualified electrician.
Are high bays suitable for damp or dusty halls?
All our high bays are IP65: dust-tight and protected against water jets from any direction. That makes them suitable for dusty production halls, damp sheds and covered outdoor areas. Do not submerge them and do not clean them with a pressure washer. More about IP ratings
Which light colour should I choose?
4000K neutral white is the standard for warehouse and production. 5000 to 6000K gives more contrast, for example for inspection points, assembly and garages. 3000K warm white is available on a number of models with motion sensor. Help choosing a light colour
How long does an LED high bay last and what warranty do I get?
Our high bays are designed for 50,000 operating hours. You get a 5-year warranty, 3 years on the Basic models.
Are there project prices for larger quantities?
Yes, for larger quantities we are happy to prepare a custom quote. Questions about the lighting layout? We are happy to help. Request a quote
