Helpful Hints for Mounting Highbay Lighting

Mounting high bay lighting properly is crucial for ensuring maximum efficiency and safety. Here are some helpful tips to guide you:

1. Determine the Right Height

• Consider Ceiling Height: High bay lights are typically installed in spaces with ceilings over 15 feet high. If your ceiling is too low, it could cause glare and reduce the effectiveness of the lights. Ensure that your light fixtures are designed for the height of your ceiling.
• Distance from the Floor: Generally, the bottom of the light should be at least 18 inches from the floor. For larger spaces or warehouses, lights can be mounted higher for more even coverage.

2. Choose the Proper Mounting Type

High bay lights come in different mounting styles. Common ones include:

• Suspended Mount: This is the most common method, using chains, cables, or rods to suspend the light from the ceiling. It allows you to adjust the height.
• Surface Mount: Mounts directly to the ceiling without suspension, suitable for lower ceilings or spaces that don’t need height adjustments.
• Pendant Mount: These are similar to suspended but use a specific mounting fixture (often more aesthetic) for industrial spaces.

3. Correct Placement

• Spacing: Typically, lights should be spaced about 1.5 to 2 times the height of the fixture from one another to avoid dark spots or areas with too much light. A common approach is to create a grid of lights that evenly covers the area.
• Center the Lights: Ensure that the lights are centered in the space for uniform coverage. The most important areas to light are the work or activity zones.

4. Use the Right Mounting Hardware

• Ensure the hardware is rated for the weight of the high bay light. Many of these lights can be quite heavy, especially if they use metal housings or multiple light sources (e.g., LED arrays or HID lamps).
• Check Ceiling Structure: If your ceiling is made of drywall, use appropriate anchors and ensure it can handle the weight of the lights. For metal or concrete ceilings, use appropriate industrial-grade mounting brackets and fasteners.

5. Ensure Proper Wiring

• Electrical Safety: If you are installing the lights yourself, make sure to turn off the power supply to avoid electric shock. Wiring must be done according to local electrical codes.
• Avoid Overloading Circuits: If you’re using multiple lights, ensure your circuits can handle the load. You may need to consult an electrician if you are unsure about the electrical requirements.

6. Consider Light Distribution

• High bay lights often come in different beam angles (narrow, medium, wide). For general lighting, wide beam angles work well. For more focused areas, narrow beams may be better. Ensure that the beam angle matches your space needs.

7. LED vs. Other Light Types

• LED Lights: They are energy-efficient, provide bright, even illumination, and have long lifespans. LEDs also produce less heat, which is ideal for environments like warehouses and factories.
• HID or Fluorescent: These are typically used in environments where LED lights may not be as cost-effective upfront, but LED options are becoming more popular due to their energy savings.

8. Maintenance Considerations

• Easy Access: Make sure the lights can be easily accessed for maintenance. If you need to use a ladder or lift to replace bulbs or clean lenses, it should be safe and easy to do so.
• Durability: Choose lights that are rated for the environment you’re installing them in (e.g., wet-rated for outdoor use or high-temperature-rated for factories with heat).

9. Test the Lights

• Check Brightness & Coverage: After installation, test the lights to ensure they provide adequate illumination and uniform coverage across the space.
• Adjust if Necessary: If you find certain areas too dim or bright, adjust the light positions or mount heights accordingly.

10. Consult a Professional

• If you’re unsure about any part of the installation process, especially concerning electrical work or the structural integrity of the ceiling, it’s always a good idea to hire a licensed electrician or a professional installer.

Following these tips will help you achieve proper lighting in your space, improve energy efficiency, and ensure a safer working environment.