High Bay LED Lighting for Large Venues
High Bay (HB) lighting fixtures are getting facility managers’ attention in industrial, commercial, manufacturing, gymnasium and other large indoor venues. These spaces at one time could be seen lit up with other lighting choices such as traditional HID (High-Intensity Discharge) and fluorescent high bays. In recent years, HB lighting fixtures have stolen some of the spotlight. Lighting technology continues to evolve, and light output, performance and reliability have risen with it. This article focuses on High Bays since HB Lighting performs remarkably well in these types of facilities.
HB LED’s and Fixtures: Even Lighting, Power Savings
Lighting fixture designs deserve equal credit for high-power LED popularity. Mounting, suspension and optional fixture accessories like fixture blades can throw light upward for superior light distribution. Even lighting dispersion greatly reduces or eliminates shadows, hot spots and glare. Let’s take a look at other considerations in evaluating high bay lighting.
The initial cost of HB Lighting is higher than other lighting choices, and there are LED alternatives to consider. LEDs are more expensive than metal halides and fluorescent, typically from 3x to 5x the cost despite increased competitiveness by LED manufacturers. Over the long term, however, HB LEDs can cut power costs by 50% or more compared to HID lighting (High Intensity Discharge), another popular lighting choice for large venues.
Power savings depends on what’s called lumens per watt. In other words, the amount of energy consumed over a specific period of time. Simply put, lumens are a measure of the amount of light that is produced. Lumen depreciation and life expectancy, discussed later, is where high-power LED’s begin to shine. So be sure to note Lumens values when comparing different types of lighting.
Low Maintenance Lighting and Life Expectancy
High ceilings usually mean high maintenance. The equipment and personnel needed to access them can spike your operating costs, interrupt operations and compromise worker safety – and this is before calculating lamp replacement costs.
The life expectancy of High Bay LED’s is 70,000 hours with a consistent lumen output. Breaking it down, if a high-end LED fixture is illuminated an average of 8 hours per day, it will last over 20 years before needing to be replaced, according to Philips, a leading lighting technology company. Compare this to HID lighting: After only 10,000 hours, the lumen output of HID lighting begins to depreciate and shorten electrical life.
Environmental and Energy Compliant Lighting
In return for using HB LED’s, you may be eligible for energy savings rebates. In the U.S. and overseas, facilities are challenged by governments to reduce their carbon footprint to minimize environmental impact. Restrictions on hazardous substances (ROHS) is a strict compliance directive. LED manufacturers take hazardous material (HAZMAT) and seriously. If you're installation is in a hazardous environment, read 'LED Lighting for Hazardous Environments'. In Europe, all electrical equipment must be ROHS compliant before being installed. In the U.S., energy rebates for compliance vary from state-to-state. Check with the manufacturer of the HB lighting you choose to determine rebates and any compliance issues.
Why Consider HB LED’s?
Light Dispersion, Energy Efficiency, Long Life, and Environmental Compliance are generating demand for high-power LED lighting among facility managers, contractors and suppliers. For warehouses, manufacturing, gymnasiums and retail settings that have a long life ahead of them, this lighting solution can justify the investment.
Is High Bay LED lighting right for you? Before upgrading to LEDs, do a careful and complete analysis. Your setting and requirements are unique. Consult with a local electrical contractor who has done this type work, and contact EECO for assistance in selecting the right fixtures.
