Effective warehouse lighting solutions are crucial for creating a well-lit and comfortable working environment. Proper illumination enhances safety and helps reduce employees' errors. We will cover everything you need to know about warehouse lighting, from optimal color temperature to lighting layout in this post.
Deciding lux is the first step in warehouse lighting. It means the brightness the space needs and depends on the specific use of each space. Here are some recommended lux values from EN 12464-1 and IES RP-7.
| Application | Lux |
|---|---|
| Warehouse (storage) | 100–200 lx |
| Picking area | 200–300 lx |
| Production workshop | 300–500 lx |
| Precision manufacturing | 500–1000 lx |
| Inspection area / Quality control | 750–1500 lx |
The light emitted by the lighting fixtures will not reach 100% of the work surface. Therefore, the utilization factor (UF) and maintenance factor (MF) must be included in the design.
Calculate the total lumens required based on the spatial area. Using this simple formula:
Basic lumen = Target illuminance × Area
For instance, for a 100-square-meter workshop, if the target is 300 lux, the total lumen requirement is approximately 30,000 lm. However, this value is only a theoretical one and the factor of loss also needs to be taken into account. In actual projects, there will be light losses, including luminaire efficiency, reflection conditions, installation height, and dust accumulation. Generally, these need to be multiplied by a factor of 1.2 to 1.5. This ensures that the actual lighting meets the standard, rather than resulting in insufficient illuminance.
Next, select the luminaire's lumens based on the installation height. Industrial lighting is typically installed at higher locations, such as 19 ft or higher. The higher the installation, the greater the light attenuation during transmission, and the more likely the ground illuminance distribution will be uneven. High spaces usually require high-lumen luminaires, such as the UFO high bay, ranging from 15,000 lm to 50,000 lm. Low spaces can choose lower-lumen products to avoid glare and energy waste.
Once the lumen output per lamp is determined, confirm the number and wattage of the lamps.
Number of lamps = Total lumens ÷ Lumens per lamp
For example, if the total lighting requirement is 30,000 lm, you can choose two lamps that each provide 15,000 lm. However, in practical lighting design, designers often increase the number of fixtures and reduce the lumen output of each one to improve lighting uniformity. Instead of using two 15,000 lm lamps, they may install four 7,500 lm lamps to create more even illumination.
Also, the right brightness for a warehouse depends on the space application. The appropriate wattage for warehouse lighting depends not only on ceiling height, but also on the required light level, fixture spacing, and the type of warehouse activity. For warehouses requiring higher illuminance levels, such as order picking, packaging, or inspection areas, higher wattages or additional fixtures may be necessary.
Based on typical LED high-bay performance, the following table is a reasonable engineering guideline.
| Ceiling Height | Number of Lamps | Total Lumens | Recommended LED Wattage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10–15 ft | 6 | 42,000–48,000 lm | 80W–100W |
| 15–20 ft | 4 | 48,000–56,000 lm | 100W–150W |
| 20–30 ft | 4 | 60,000–72,000 lm | 150W–200W |
| 30–40 ft | 3 | 72,000–90,000 lm | 240W |
| 40–50 ft | 2 | 96,000–120,000 lm | 320W–400W |
High bay is one of the most common LED fixtures in warehouses, including UFO and linear type.
For typical open warehouses without tall shelving and with ample space, the UFO high bay is an excellent choice. These lights are generally round with a symmetrical beam distribution, allowing for coverage of a large area. Installation is convenient, and the number of lights required can be reduced. They are suitable for providing uniform lighting in large spaces, such as e-commerce warehouses, general storage warehouses, and sports storage areas.
If it is a high rack warehouse, especially a narrow aisle warehouse, linear high bays are more suitable. Linear luminaires can be arranged along the channel direction to make light focused on aisles and shelves. This improves vertical illumination and is convenient for staff to identify goods and labels.
Determine the basic information of the warehouse, including area, ceiling height, shelf height and aisle width. This information determines the installation method and layout form of the lamps.
The most common lighting arrangement designs are grid and aisle layouts. Regular grids can be used in standard warehouses to ensure uniform lighting. High-rack warehouses, however, require lighting along the aisles. Avoid installing them directly above shelves, as this can obstruct the light and create uneven illumination. Instead, the centerline of each light fixture should be aligned with the aisle. This allows light to directly illuminate the ground and shelves, increasing vertical illuminance and preventing light from being blocked by goods.
Proper fixture spacing is also essential for achieving uniform illumination. Excessive spacing can create dark areas, while overly close spacing increases installation costs. A common rule of thumb is to keep the spacing between fixtures at 1 to 1.5 times the mounting height. The final layout should always be verified through illuminance calculations or lighting design software rather than relying on experience alone.
By addressing these considerations, you can create a well-lit, productive environment that supports safety and efficiency in your warehouse operations.
Most warehouses choose 5000K, which provides an optimal balance of brightness, visibility, and comfort, making it well-suited for the diverse needs of warehouse environments. These fixtures emit a bright white light, suitable for large indoor and outdoor spaces. The bright and crisp LED light enhances worker productivity and reduces the risk of accidents.
IP65 is the most common choice for warehouses. This is because although the warehouse is not an extremely harsh environment, dust can still accumulate. If the warehouse is a semi-open space or is affected by rain, such as the loading and unloading area, consider using IP66. Cold storage facilities also need to prevent condensation; otherwise, moisture will frost inside the light fixtures, affecting electrical safety.
Ensure the lighting installation meets relevant safety standards and regulations, such as UL listed, ETL, DLC, and OSHA. Additionally, adequate emergency lighting and exit signage should also be taken into account.
If the warehouse involves a special environment, additional certifications are required. For example, food warehouses need to consider material safety. Hazardous warehouses require explosion-proof certification. In these cases, ordinary lighting fixtures cannot be used; You need to select specialized and professional warehouse light products.
Regular maintenance helps warehouse lighting systems operate efficiently, reduces unexpected failures, and extends fixture lifespan.
Start by regularly inspecting fixtures to ensure they are functioning properly and free from damage. Clean lights and reflectors to prevent dust build-up.
It is also important to check the electrical connections. After long-term operation, the terminal blocks may become loose and the driver may age. Loose wiring can cause flickering or local overheating, posing a safety hazard.
Additionally, consider upgrading to energy-efficient LED lighting and incorporating smart controls to optimize energy use and extend fixture lifespan. Implementing these practices not only improves the working environment but also offers significant savings.
There are many lights for warehouses in the market, including LED, fluorescent, halide light, etc. It is important to select the appropriate fixtures based on the specific needs of the warehouse. Among these options, LED stands out for their energy efficiency, longevity, and brightness control.
Upgrading the current warehouse system would be a great idea if you want warehouse operations to run safely and smoothly. Here are some advantages for installing LED warehouse lighting.
Improve visibility with the right CRI. Good color rendering helps workers identify colors and object details accurately.
● Generate less heat. LED warehouse lights operate at lower temperatures than traditional lighting, improving comfort and safety.
● Enhance workplace safety. Uniform, glare-free lighting reduces accidents and helps forklift operators and pedestrians move safely.
● Lower energy costs. Efficient LED lighting delivers the required brightness while using up to 70% less energy than conventional fixtures.
● Support sustainability. Lower energy consumption reduces carbon emissions and minimizes environmental impact.
LEDVANCE is a professional lighting supplier for warehouse projects. With multiple upgrade experience and high-performance LED fixtures, we offer customized and durable lighting solutions for all kinds of warehouses, regardless of its size, layout, or operating environment.
OPTI-SELECT series is one of our flagship products. Its feature highlight is selectable options, including wattage, beam angle and color temperature. Buyers can easily adjust the fixture to match different warehouse layouts, mounting heights, and lighting requirements without replacing the luminaire. This reduces the need to stock multiple fixture models, shortens installation time, and provides greater flexibility for both new installations and retrofit projects. Certifications include cULus, RoHS, FCC, IK08, NSF, DLC 5.1 Premium, UL Wet rated (IP65), and NEMA 4X.
The lightweight fixture allows easy and safe installation. It supports multiple mounting options, including pendant, hook, and surface mount, and comes with a mounting hook for added convenience. With an IP65-rated aluminum housing, it provides strong protection against dust and water. It is also NSF Splash Zone rated, making it suitable for washdown and food-related environments. A 90° polycarbonate lens helps reduce glare while maintaining high light output. Multiple optical options, including refractors and reflectors, allow flexible light distribution.
This LED high bay is engineered for demanding warehouse environments. It delivers stable and consistent performance, even in ambient temperatures as high as 176°F/80°C. It includes selectable wattage, dual voltage options, and adjustable CCT, enabling flexible use across applications. A durable glass lens ensures clear, long-lasting performance. It also features IK08-rated resistance to shock and vibration for added reliability. With an IP65 rating, it is well-protected against dust and water.
Carlsberg’s logistics center in Denmark operates 24/7, handling large volumes of goods with a strong focus on safety and efficiency. However, the previous lighting system was outdated, with uneven and insufficient illumination. This made navigation difficult, especially during night shifts, and frequent lamp failures caused operational disruptions.
To improve the situation, Carlsberg upgraded to LED lighting. The new system delivers brighter and more uniform light across warehouses and transit areas. It eliminates dark spots, improves visibility, and supports safer working conditions.
The result is a more efficient and sustainable operation, energy savings of up to 50%. Energy consumption and maintenance needs are reduced, while employee safety and productivity are improved. The upgrade helps Carlsberg move closer to its goal of a safe, high-performance logistics environment.
Whether you are planning a new installation or upgrading an existing facility, our team is ready to help you choose the right lighting solution. Explore our complete range of warehouse lighting products or get in touch with our experts for personalized recommendations and project support.
For most warehouses, 5000K is the better choice because it provides a brighter, daylight-like appearance that improves visibility, safety, and accuracy when handling inventory. 4000K offers a more neutral and comfortable light, making it suitable for warehouses with offices, packaging areas, or spaces where employees spend long periods working. Learn more in our 4000K vs. 5000K comparison.
The ideal IP rating depends on the warehouse environment. IP65 is recommended for most warehouses because it protects against dust and water jets, while IP66 or higher is better for facilities with frequent washdowns, high humidity, or harsh industrial conditions.
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