How Many High Bay Lights Do I Need In My Shop? Understanding Your Lighting Needs

When it comes to lighting your shop or workspace, choosing the right number of high-bay LED lights is essential for ensuring proper illumination and creating a safe, efficient environment. The number of lights you need will depend on several factors, including the size of your shop, the ceiling height, the type of activities taking place, and the specific lumen output of the high bay LED lights you choose.

In this article, we’ll guide you through how to calculate the number of high bay LED lights needed for your shop, taking into account key factors such as room dimensions, the purpose of the space, and the ideal lighting levels.

Understanding High Bay Lighting

High bay LED lights are designed for use in spaces with high ceilings (typically 12 feet and above), such as warehouses, factories, gymnasiums, and large retail spaces. These lights are perfect for providing bright, uniform lighting over large areas. Compared to traditional lighting solutions, high bay LED lights are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and capable of delivering excellent brightness and coverage.

To calculate how many high-bay LED lights you need for your shop, you'll need to consider the following factors:

Key Factors to Consider

1. Shop Size (Length x Width x Height)
   • The size of your shop is the most obvious factor when determining how many lights you need. The larger the space, the more lights you’ll require to ensure adequate illumination.
   • Measure the length, width, and height of your shop to get an idea of the total area that needs to be illuminated.
2. Ceiling Height
   • The height of your ceiling plays a critical role in determining the type and number of lights needed. High bay LED lights are most effective in areas with ceilings of at least 12 feet, and their lumen output increases with height.
   • For a 12-15 foot ceiling, high bay LED lights with a lumen output of 10,000 to 15,000 lumens per fixture are often ideal.
   • For ceilings above 15 feet, you may need more powerful lights, such as high bay LED lights with a lumen output of 18,000 lumens or more.
3. Lumen Output
   • Lumen output is a measure of the total amount of visible light emitted by the fixture. The more lumens, the brighter the light.
   • For most commercial and industrial spaces, high bay LED lights with outputs ranging from 10,000 to 18,000 lumens are common. However, the lumen output you need depends on the nature of your work and the desired lighting level.
4. Desired Illumination Level (Lux)
   • Lux refers to the amount of light that falls on a given area. Different areas have different lighting requirements based on the type of activities that will take place.
   • Here are some general lux requirements for different types of spaces:
     • Retail spaces: 500-1000 lux for adequate product display and customer interaction.
     • Warehouses: 300-500 lux for general operations.
     • Assembly areas or workspaces: 500-1000 lux for detailed tasks.
     • Gymnasiums or sports facilities: 1000-2000 lux for safe and effective activity.
5. Spacing Between Lights

• • The distance between each high bay LED light affects how evenly the light is distributed across the shop. A good rule of thumb is to space the fixtures 1.5 to 2 times the mounting height apart (for example, at a 15-foot ceiling height, the lights should be spaced 22-30 feet apart). This ensures uniform coverage and eliminates dark spots in the room.

How to Calculate the Number of High Bay LED Lights

To determine how many high bay LED lights you need in your shop, follow these basic steps:

1. Calculate the Total Area:
   • Multiply the length and width of your shop to get the total square footage.
   • Example: If your shop is 30 feet long and 40 feet wide, the total area is 1,200 square feet.
2. Determine the Lux Level:
   • Based on the type of work done in your shop, decide on the required lux level (as discussed earlier).
   • For general warehouse lighting, a lux level of 300-500 is typically sufficient.
3. Calculate the Total Lumens Needed:
   • Multiply the desired lux level by the total area to calculate the required total lumens for the entire space.
   • Example: If you need 500 lux in a 1,200 square foot space, you would need 600,000 lumens (500 lux x 1,200 sq. ft.).
4. Determine the Number of Lights:

• • Divide the total lumens required by the lumen output of your high bay LED lights.
  • Example: If each high bay LED light provides 15,000 lumens, divide 600,000 by 15,000 to get 40 lights.
  • This means you would need 40 high bay LED lights to achieve a total of 500 lux in the shop.

Example Calculation

Let’s walk through a complete example:

• Shop Dimensions: 30 feet long x 40 feet wide = 1,200 square feet.
• Desired Lux Level: 500 lux for general warehouse lighting.
• Required Lumens: 500 lux x 1,200 sq. ft. = 600,000 lumens.
• Lumens per Light: Assume each high bay LED light produces 15,000 lumens.
• Number of Lights Needed: 600,000 lumens ÷ 15,000 lumens per light = 40 lights.

This means, that for a 1,200-square-foot shop, you would need 40 high bay LED lights with a lumen output of 15,000 lumens to achieve a well-lit environment.

Hykoont High Bay LED Lights: Powerful and Energy-Efficient Options

If you're considering high-bay LED lights for your space, Hykoont offers a range of high-quality products designed for excellent performance and energy efficiency. One standout product is the Hykoont GC396 High Bay LED Light. This light is engineered for optimal performance in high-ceiling spaces, offering high luminous efficacy and excellent light distribution.

The Hykoont GC396 features a high-efficiency LED chip, providing up to 150 lumens per watt, making it an energy-efficient choice for any commercial or industrial application. Additionally, the light comes with a 5-year warranty, ensuring long-lasting performance and peace of mind.

Another great option is the Hykoont UFO High Bay LED Light, which is specifically designed to offer maximum coverage while reducing energy consumption. With its sleek, compact design, the UFO high bay light ensures uniform illumination across large areas, making it an ideal solution for warehouses, factories, and gymnasiums.

Conclusion

Choosing the right number of high bay LED lights for your shop depends on various factors, such as shop size, ceiling height, lumen output, and the nature of the work being performed. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily calculate how many lights are required to achieve optimal lighting for your space.

For those looking for high-quality and energy-efficient high-bay LED lights, Hykoont offers a range of products that can meet your lighting needs. Whether you need the Hykoont GC396 for efficient, powerful lighting or the Hykoont UFO High Bay LED Light for maximum coverage, these options are sure to provide the reliable lighting your shop needs.