The Complete Guide to Commercial & Warehouse Lighting

Q: How many lumens per square foot do I need?

General warehouse: 108–215 lumens per square foot (10–20 foot-candles). Bulk storage: 54–108 lm/sq ft (5–10 FC). Manufacturing and inspection areas: 323–1076 lm/sq ft (30–100 FC). Multiply square footage by target lumens to estimate total output.

Q: High bay vs. low bay — what’s the difference?

High bay fixtures mount at approximately 20–45 ft and use narrower beam angles (60°–90°). Low bay fixtures mount at roughly 12–20 ft with wider beams (90°–120°) for even spread at lower heights.

Q: How many fixtures do I need?

Calculate total lumens needed (square feet × target lumens per square foot), divide by lumens per fixture, then adjust spacing based on mounting height and beam angle.

Q: Can I dim warehouse lighting?

Yes. Select fixtures with 0–10V dimming drivers and consider occupancy or daylight sensors for additional savings.

Q: How do energy rebates work?

Utilities often offer rebates for DLC-listed LED fixtures. Apply before buying, then submit invoices after installation to receive a check or bill credit.

The Complete Guide to Commercial & Warehouse Lighting

How to Choose the Best Lighting for Your Business or Facility

Lighting in commercial and warehouse environments isn’t just about visibility—it’s about productivity, safety, and energy efficiency. The right setup reduces accidents, improves work quality, and can even lower your energy bills by thousands each year.

In this guide, we’ll cover lumens per square foot guidelines, the differences between high bay and low bay lighting, and how to take advantage of energy rebate programs.

Lumens Per Square Foot: How Bright Should Your Space Be?

Lighting needs vary based on the type of work being done. The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) provides recommended light levels measured in foot-candles (FC), where 1 foot-candle ≈ 10.76 lumens per square foot.

Application	Recommended Foot-Candles	Lumens per Sq. Ft.
General Warehouse	10–20 FC	108–215 lumens
Bulk Storage	5–10 FC	54–108 lumens
Manufacturing	30–50 FC	323–538 lumens
Inspection Areas	50–100 FC	538–1076 lumens
Office Spaces	30–50 FC	323–538 lumens

Example:
If you have a 10,000 sq. ft. warehouse needing 20 FC:
10,000 × 215 lumens ≈ 2.15 million lumens total output required.

High Bay vs. Low Bay Lighting

High Bay Lighting

Mounting Height: 20–45 ft.
Best For: Large warehouses, manufacturing facilities, gymnasiums.
Typical Fixtures: Round UFO high bays, linear high bays.
Beam Angles: Narrower (60°–90°) for focused illumination at high heights.

Low Bay Lighting

Mounting Height: 12–20 ft.
Best For: Small warehouses, workshops, retail spaces.
Typical Fixtures: Linear strip lights, low-bay LED fixtures.
Beam Angles: Wider (90°–120°) for even light spread at lower heights.

Energy Rebates and Cost Savings

Many utility companies offer rebates for upgrading to energy-efficient LEDs. These programs can cover 20–50% of project costs.

Steps to Claim Rebates:

Check your utility provider’s website for commercial lighting programs.
Confirm eligible products (look for DesignLights Consortium (DLC) listings).
Submit your application before purchasing.
Complete installation and submit proof of purchase.

Choosing the Right Fixtures

When upgrading or building out your lighting, consider:

Lumen Output: Meets required light levels for the application.
Color Temperature: 4000K–5000K for most industrial spaces.
CRI (Color Rendering Index): 80+ for accurate color visibility.
IP Rating: IP65+ for dusty or damp environments.
Dimming Capabilities: For energy savings during off-peak hours.

Commercial & Warehouse Lighting — FAQs

Quick answers on light levels, fixture types, and rebates.

How many lumens per square foot do I need?

General warehouse: 108–215 lm/sq ft (10–20 foot‑candles). Bulk storage: 54–108 lm/sq ft (5–10 FC). Manufacturing and inspection areas: 323–1076 lm/sq ft (30–100 FC). Multiply your square footage by the target lumens to estimate total output.

High bay vs. low bay — what’s the difference?

High bay fixtures mount at ~20–45 ft and use narrower beams (60°–90°). Low bay mounts at ~12–20 ft with wider beams (90°–120°) for even spread at lower heights.

What color temperature and CRI should I choose?

Most industrial spaces use 4000K–5000K for bright, neutral light. Aim for CRI 80+; use CRI 90+ where color accuracy matters (inspection, packaging, printing).

How many fixtures do I need?

1) Calculate total lumens needed (sq ft × target lumens). 2) Divide by lumens per fixture to estimate quantity. 3) Adjust spacing based on mounting height and beam angle. We can create a quick layout if you share dimensions and height.

Can I dim warehouse lighting?

Yes—choose fixtures with 0–10V dimming drivers and consider sensors (PIR or microwave) for aisle-by-aisle control to maximize savings.

What IP rating do I need?

Use IP65 or higher in dusty, damp, or washdown areas. Standard dry interiors can use lower IP ratings but verify local code and environment.

How do energy rebates work?

Most utilities offer prescriptive rebates for DLC‑listed fixtures. Apply before purchase, submit invoices after install, and receive a check or bill credit. We can help with product selection and paperwork.

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