LED High Bay Recommendation

[Comal]

I've spent hours browsing the stickies in an attempt to decide on lighting for my newly constructed 40x60 insulated metal building. I've got 14' sidewalls with a 3/12 roof which puts the peak at 19'. I've also talked to several lighting companies, and they all seem to suggest 165w UFO fixtures. It seems the linear high bays are preferred though by lots of Garage Journal members. The sales reps I spoke with seem to believe linear fixtures have no advantages over UFO and that UFO are superior because they are sealed units. I tend to hold more stock in users than sales reps, so I figured I'd get y'all's opinions on UFO vs linear LED High Bays. Additionally, a vast majority of the recommended product links throughout the stickies are broken or outdated. Does anyone have any current recommendations on quality LED high bays?

Thanks

 

[4 FN 27]

Look at the UFO Highbays. I had LED Flat Panel lights I installed 6 years ago and they started going out. Replacements were expensive.

A friend of mine recommended the UFO's so I order 3 to try them. With only 3 installed I am at 80+ Foot Candles...almost too bright. There are 6 more being delivered tomorrow...for a total of 9 in a 40 x 40 x 16 room.

I used these: https://hi-hyperlite.com/products/led-high-bay-light-hero-black-4000k

I ordered the 200 watt @ 5000K.

What I might have to do is re-lamp the machine shop and order 9 150 watt and split them half and half if it is too bright.

 

[QietWlkr]

I run 2 of these LED Flat panels in my 50x60x19 and have plenty of light with them being hung at the 20' and 40' marks.
There's very little shadows on the outer walls, but I'll still end up with some lights over the workbenches just in case.

Here's what it looked like while we were still working on the electrical.

 

[HeavyD1]

I put 4 150W UFO lights in a 24x50 barn with 16' ceilings. Storage only, but I was surprised with the amount of light.

 

[Bert_]

Linear 100%

Look at the size of the light source from a UFO. It's less than 1/4 the area of a linear highbay of the same output. That means you're going to have a lot of glare.

I've seen several shops where people have installed UFO's. Haven't been impressed by any of them. I've installed them in livestock buildings and storage areas where quality of light it's that important.

If you hung them at 24ft the UFOs would be good. At 14 ft I would consider them unacceptable. It's like trying to hang a linear high bay from an 8-ft ceiling, it's just not the right product.

At 14' I think an 18,000 lumen linear highbay would be good.

 

[Comal]

Linear 100%

Look at the size of the light source from a UFO. It's less than 1/4 the area of a linear highbay of the same output. That means you're going to have a lot of glare.

I've seen several shops where people have installed UFO's. Haven't been impressed by any of them. I've installed them in livestock buildings and storage areas where quality of light it's that important.

If you hung them at 24ft the UFOs would be good. At 14 ft I would consider them unacceptable. It's like trying to hang a linear high bay from an 8-ft ceiling, it's just not the right product.

This somewhat aligns with my thought process despite multiple lighting companies steering me toward the UFO. They all insist that the beam pattern is the same as the linear, yet in my mind the UFO would be more of a conical beam which I imagine a less uniform light distribution. On the other hand, I'm no light expert so I'm relying on the knowledge and experience of others.

 

[Bert_]

This somewhat aligns with my thought process despite multiple lighting companies steering me toward the UFO. They all insist that the beam pattern is the same as the linear, yet in my mind the UFO would be more of a conical beam which I imagine a less uniform light distribution. On the other hand, I'm no light expert so I'm relying on the knowledge and experience of others.

You can end up with the same light on the floor. If you never look up you might never notice the difference. But at 14' you will always see them, even if just in the peripheral.

At 14' the light source still needs to be somewhat diffuse. Not as much as at 8' but it's still worth considering.

 

[Comal]

You can end up with the same light on the floor. If you never look up you might never notice the difference. But at 14' you will always see them, even if just in the peripheral.

At 14' the light source still needs to be somewhat diffuse. Not as much as at 8' but it's still worth considering.

So at what mounting height would you give the nod to the UFO?

 

[Bert_]

So at what mounting height would you give the nod to the UFO?

Honestly I'm not sure. 20' maybe?

 

[4 FN 27]

Linear 100%

Look at the size of the light source from a UFO. It's less than 1/4 the area of a linear highbay of the same output. That means you're going to have a lot of glare.

I've seen several shops where people have installed UFO's. Haven't been impressed by any of them. I've installed them in livestock buildings and storage areas where quality of light it's that important.

If you hung them at 24ft the UFOs would be good. At 14 ft I would consider them unacceptable. It's like trying to hang a linear high bay from an 8-ft ceiling, it's just not the right product.

At 14' I think an 18,000 lumen linear highbay would be good.

I some what agree, I have both hanging in my shop right now. 3 of the UFO's and 6 of the Linear. They are more "condensed" on the ceiling but looking at the light on the walls and the angles they are pretty much the same.

Walking back and forth with the Foot Candle Meter the UFO lights tend to have a variation of 10 Foot Candles from high to low where the Linears varied 5 Foot Candles. I believe this is from the reflectors on the Linears bouncing the light more random. The Linears are putting out an average of 60 Foot Candles and the UFO's are averaging 80+, 90 directly below them...200 Watts might be overkill as I mentioned above.

I have 2 rooms in my shop of equal size. The Machine Shop has 9 205 Watt Linears that are 6 years old and all working. The Car Shop will have 9 200 Watt UFO's, both rooms 5000K and I'll give you the results.

My disappointment with the Linears is they were $350'ish a piece 6 years ago and they did not last and are discontinued. Anything out in the market place does not have the same Mounting Pattern and they are more expensive. The UFO's need 1 hook, no chains, no special brackets. And when the UFO's give out I can just hang another one.

Not sure if I will like the UFO's in the end but a $900 investment is better than the $15K investment I made 6 years ago to light the whole building and they are already going bad.

Good light is hard to find now days.

 

[Duke74]

In a big shop I recently changed out a bunch of the T5 HO fixtures for lithonia round led high bay fixtures. They were noticeable brighter than the T5 ones and way easier to install. One ceiling hook is all you need and a box to tie the cable into. Plus if you are trying to change tubes in a shop where there is a lot of carbon in the air, it makes removing the tubes pretty difficult because the carbon builds up in the fixture ends (aka tombstones). Round Led is the way to go.

 

[aggie113]

I used eight of these high bay panels in my 30x40 (18' to rafters). I figured it was a bit overkill but wanted to be able to overlight the garage a bit. They are setup on two dimmer switches so I can do half and half of the 40' floor.

Halco 99651 LHB3/221/850/UNV/LED2 linear LED high bay series 221W 30122 lumens dlc 4.3 premium listed 5000k daylight - LED highbays to replace existing linear fluorescent or HID fixtures at Green Electrical Supply

Halco LHB3 221 850 UNV LED2 (99651) - Linear LED High Bay - 221 Watts - 30122 Lumens - 120-277V - 5000K Daylight - 80 CRI - Dimmable (0-10V) - DLC 4 3 Premium Listed - LED Highbay to Replace Up To 400W Metal Halide or HPS Warehouse Shop Light Fixtures

www.greenelectricalsupply.com

Look of the finished setup:

https://imgur.com/a/XGiJnxA

 

[Comal]

I used eight of these high bay panels in my 30x40 (18' to rafters). I figured it was a bit overkill but wanted to be able to overlight the garage a bit. They are setup on two dimmer switches so I can do half and half of the 40' floor.

Halco 99651 LHB3/221/850/UNV/LED2 linear LED high bay series 221W 30122 lumens dlc 4.3 premium listed 5000k daylight - LED highbays to replace existing linear fluorescent or HID fixtures at Green Electrical Supply

Halco LHB3 221 850 UNV LED2 (99651) - Linear LED High Bay - 221 Watts - 30122 Lumens - 120-277V - 5000K Daylight - 80 CRI - Dimmable (0-10V) - DLC 4 3 Premium Listed - LED Highbay to Replace Up To 400W Metal Halide or HPS Warehouse Shop Light Fixtures

www.greenelectricalsupply.com

Look of the finished setup:

https://imgur.com/a/XGiJnxA

Looks good! What kind of floor you got going there?

 

[Comal]

Anyone have any experience with the Earthtronics linear high bays from prolighting.com or the Greentek fixtures from greenlightdepot?

 

[4 FN 27]

I was hoping the rest of the UFO Lights would be dropped off yesterday but that didn't happen. They only drop 1 of the 6 off.

In the pic you can see on the right the UFO. On the left the 2 Linears which both had dead spots in the Bulbs. You can see the dead spot on the one on the left.

There is a slight yellowing on the UFO's close to the ceiling. Now I have to say I am impressed with the output. With 4 of 9 installed it is at 90+ foot candles. Now when I walk into the Machine Shop it seems dark.

I should have the rest of the lights tomorrow and will get them installed this week. I'll put up more pics...

 

[Comal]

Just downloaded DiaLux and doing some piddling. What is the correlation between number of fixtures and lumen output? i.e. when should fixture quantity increase vs going to a higher output fixture?

 

[Bert_]

Just downloaded DiaLux and doing some piddling. What is the correlation between number of fixtures and lumen output? i.e. when should fixture quantity increase vs going to a higher output fixture?

Ceiling height mainly. Dialux will show the bright and dark spots. It will start to make sense after you play with it some

 

[cybrdyke]

The foot-candle "points" show you the evenness of the lighting. When they start to vary wildly, you need more lights. Using brighter lights wont fix this, in fact, it could make it worse.
If you can manage to keep the minimum to maximum to 3:1, you'll be doing good. Pros use less than 2:1. Dont expect it to ever be perfect, especially in corners and the base of walls.
Take an average of all points to determine your overall FC level. Then you can decide if you need brighter lights.
Lumens is only used to determine how much light a single fixture puts out, so that you can choose a brighter of dimmer one.

 

[bradpac]

Any recommendations on which models to get for linears or UFOs? I see Hyperlite mentioned above, although some people in older threads say to avoid them. I've been looking at some Eiko bay and Maxlite UFOs, but thinking about linears too, I'll be hanging the lights about 14ft, but the celing ranges 17ft to 10ft so I'm thinking a larger fixture might work better than a really bright point.

 

[35k0]

I just put up a 30x44 with 10' ceilings, white tin on the ceiling (no OSB on the walls yet, just exposed insulation)
I have 8 high bay I-Beam Lithonia 2x4 lights on dimmers and when they are all on full power there's hardly a shadow to be found.
I bought mine used from a local grocery warehouse, they change theirs out every couple years whether they need to or not.

 

[dcg9381]

I've got a 40x60x16 - and it has 5 UFO lights in it. The switch is labelled "daylight" because when they go on, you know it...
I've had them up about 3 years, not one single issue - basic Amazon UFO style lights with good feedback. I have them setup to simple outlet plugs so if they need to be replaced, it's really trivial.

I'd recommend a set that can do a dimmer... (Seriously)

 

[cybrdyke]

Any recommendations on which models to get for linears or UFOs? I see Hyperlite mentioned above, although some people in older threads say to avoid them. I've been looking at some Eiko bay and Maxlite UFOs, but thinking about linears too, I'll be hanging the lights about 14ft, but the celing ranges 17ft to 10ft so I'm thinking a larger fixture might work better than a really bright point.

Eiko would be a great choice. Their Bay series are quality.
When it comes to UFO vs Linear, there's only a few differences. A 14,000 lumen linear will be around 24x12 inches. A UFO with the same output will be 12" across. The differences in the photometrics is negligible. Newer types of UFO have the LED array recessed into the body, which greatly reduces the glare. Older versions had the LED's slightly below the body and you could see them really easily. It was painful. The new Eiko has them recessed.
When it comes to selecting a linear vs a UFO, the only real differences are the ease of mounting them and the price.

 

[bradpac]

Eiko would be a great choice. Their Bay series are quality.

Maybe I'll pick up some of these then. https://www.lightingsupply.com/eiko-eiko-10921.aspx
Twice the price of the generic amazon ones, but once I get my place full of junk I don't want to be moving stuff out of the way to change out a light. Still though, $80 versus $160....

 

[cybrdyke]

That model (10921) has been discontinued, replaced by 11294. Unfortunately, 11294 is on backorder until 7/25. Still, $160 is way too much. You should be able to get them for around $130 each.
Alternatively, you can look at 10935. They are in stock and you should be able to get them for around $110.
You can see these at eiko.com . Type the 5 digit number into the search bar.
Call Dealers Electric Supply in Georgetown or Crawford Electric Supply in Round Rock. TELL them the price you want instead of ASKING them for a price. Works better that way. They'll have to order them for you.
Good luck,
CD

 

[Comal]

Eiko would be a great choice. Their Bay series are quality.
When it comes to UFO vs Linear, there's only a few differences. A 14,000 lumen linear will be around 24x12 inches. A UFO with the same output will be 12" across. The differences in the photometrics is negligible. Newer types of UFO have the LED array recessed into the body, which greatly reduces the glare. Older versions had the LED's slightly below the body and you could see them really easily. It was painful. The new Eiko has them recessed.
When it comes to selecting a linear vs a UFO, the only real differences are the ease of mounting them and the price.

It sounds like the nod goes to UFO’s if mounting and price are the factors. Seems like hanging from a single point would be easier and they seem to be priced better than the linears from what I’ve seen. If that’s the case, why even offer linears if they appear to have no real advantage?

 

[betito]

I used eight of these high bay panels in my 30x40 (18' to rafters). I figured it was a bit overkill but wanted to be able to overlight the garage a bit. They are setup on two dimmer switches so I can do half and half of the 40' floor.

Halco 99651 LHB3/221/850/UNV/LED2 linear LED high bay series 221W 30122 lumens dlc 4.3 premium listed 5000k daylight - LED highbays to replace existing linear fluorescent or HID fixtures at Green Electrical Supply

Halco LHB3 221 850 UNV LED2 (99651) - Linear LED High Bay - 221 Watts - 30122 Lumens - 120-277V - 5000K Daylight - 80 CRI - Dimmable (0-10V) - DLC 4 3 Premium Listed - LED Highbay to Replace Up To 400W Metal Halide or HPS Warehouse Shop Light Fixtures

www.greenelectricalsupply.com

Look of the finished setup:

https://imgur.com/a/XGiJnxA

Isn't that concrete foundation?

 

[cybrdyke]

It sounds like the nod goes to UFO’s if mounting and price are the factors. Seems like hanging from a single point would be easier and they seem to be priced better than the linears from what I’ve seen. If that’s the case, why even offer linears if they appear to have no real advantage?

Each product has it's pros and cons. There are so many different applications that they both have their place. Linear outsells UFO about 50:1 (educated guess). Mounting method, photometrics, life expectancy, aesthetics, accessories, controls, etc...all play a role in choosing a fixture type.

 

[bradpac]

Each product has it's pros and cons. There are so many different applications that they both have their place. Linear outsells UFO about 50:1 (educated guess). Mounting method, photometrics, life expectancy, aesthetics, accessories, controls, etc...all play a role in choosing a fixture type.

Maybe the main reason linears are the popular choice is because they are what the old fluorescent fixtures look like, so when retrofitting new fixtures in an existing building that's what got used and then if that was the standard it's still getting used for new buildings. Plus, if you put a bunch of UFOs in a Walmart, people might start freaking out.

 

[Comal]

Each product has it's pros and cons. There are so many different applications that they both have their place. Linear outsells UFO about 50:1 (educated guess). Mounting method, photometrics, life expectancy, aesthetics, accessories, controls, etc...all play a role in choosing a fixture type.

So in your opinion, and given my circumstances, would you recommend linear or UFO fixtures?

 

[cybrdyke]

Maybe the main reason linears are the popular choice is because they are what the old fluorescent fixtures look like, so when retrofitting new fixtures in an existing building that's what got used and then if that was the standard it's still getting used for new buildings.

There's alot of truth to that. If someone is doing a 1 for 1 replacement and putting the new fixtures in the same location as the old ones, then most likely the new ones will be of similar style to the old.
For reference, there's millions of domed highbays out there, still needing to be replaced with LED. A good portion of those will use UFO's.

 

[cybrdyke]

So in your opinion, and given my circumstances, would you recommend linear or UFO fixtures?

You're going to be fine either way. Use whichever one you think is the bitchin'-est.
CD

 

[aggie113]

Looks good! What kind of floor you got going there?

Isn't that concrete foundation?

Concrete floor with SureCrete Eco stain. The coloring looks much less impressive now after power washing the floor a few more times before the garage was finished.

 

[betito]

Concrete floor with SureCrete Eco stain. The coloring looks much less impressive now after power washing the floor a few more times before the garage was finished.

Yeah! the floor really looks great.

 

[4 FN 27]

I finished the installation of 8 of 9 Hyperlite 200 Watt 5K High Bays. I am impressed with the output and I am getting use to the difference in the light or appearance of the condensed UFO vs the Linears I had.

In the Car Shop there is between 104-115 Foot Candles depending on where you are standing.



In the Machine Shop under the Linears (205 watt 5K) lights 56-62 Foot Candles.



Both rooms are the same size and both have 9 lights spaced the same.

Now time will tell if the Hyperlite UFO's were worth the investment. I was disappointed with the life of the Linears. They started to fail 6 months after the warranty was up. When the Machine Shop Linears start to fail I will replace them with the Hyperlites.

 

[Boost_addict]

I finished the installation of 8 of 9 Hyperlite 200 Watt 5K High Bays. I am impressed with the output and I am getting use to the difference in the light or appearance of the condensed UFO vs the Linears I had.

In the Car Shop there is between 104-115 Foot Candles depending on where you are standing.



In the Machine Shop under the Linears (205 watt 5K) lights 56-62 Foot Candles.



Both rooms are the same size and both have 9 lights spaced the same.

Now time will tell if the Hyperlite UFO's were worth the investment. I was disappointed with the life of the Linears. They started to fail 6 months after the warranty was up. When the Machine Shop Linears start to fail I will replace them with the Hyperlites.

Curious if you have any gut feeling for these hyperlite UFO's on a 12' ceiling. Half my garage with scissor 12' truss (effected area 25x30') needs to have the lighting re-done. I've currently got two 6xt8 fluorescent fixtures (which do a decent job) but they'll have to be relocated due to lift install which is going to be a wiring pain to do solo. Would be easier to replace with receptacles and 4x 150w hyperlite plug in fixtures (or similar) UFO's. Reviews of the hyperlite 150w at amazon suggested that 12' was the minimum recommended ceiling height.

 

[Dagny]

not a big deal but I think the ufo's are harsher when you look up. I am in the business so have several different lights in my shop sp customers can pick.

 

[4 FN 27]

Curious if you have any gut feeling for these hyperlite UFO's on a 12' ceiling. Half my garage with scissor 12' truss (effected area 25x30') needs to have the lighting re-done. I've currently got two 6xt8 fluorescent fixtures (which do a decent job) but they'll have to be relocated due to lift install which is going to be a wiring pain to do solo. Would be easier to replace with receptacles and 4x 150w hyperlite plug in fixtures (or similar) UFO's. Reviews of the hyperlite 150w at amazon suggested that 12' was the minimum recommended ceiling height.

Go to Hyperlite's Website. They have a help icon in the lower right hand corner. Also the last part of the page for the UFO Highbays there is a question and answer section. You may find some intel there that might be the same size as your shop.

Saw one question close to what you are asking height wise anyhow:

"I have a 40’x50’ shop with 13’ ceiling height. What do you recommend?"

"We recommend you to use 12pcs 100w for your building, you can place them in 3 rows of 4 fixtures."

I suspect lower wattage and more lights for a lower ceiling. But I am not lighting expert.

 

[4 FN 27]

not a big deal but I think the ufo's are harsher when you look up. I am in the business so have several different lights in my shop sp customers can pick.

If you look at the directly yes.

Been about 2 weeks now and I don't hardly notice them at all. What I do notice is when I walk into the Machine Shop how dim it is compared to the Car Shop. Might just change out the Machine now.

 

[Shovelhead]

Go to Hyperlite's Website. They have a help icon in the lower right hand corner.

"I have a 40’x50’ shop with 13’ ceiling height. What do you recommend?"

"We recommend you to use 12pcs 100w for your building, you can place them in 3 rows of 4 fixtures."

Not to hijack the OP's thread, but I have a shop similar size I'll be wiring and installing lights. Been 25 yrs since my last one. LED and UFO / high bay are all new to me.

Thanks for that info about hyperlites website. I checked it out but what they don't tell you is the mounting method and distance from the floor.
Most questions include "a ** foot ceiling".
What about a red iron steel building with no finished "ceiling".
I suppose I can call those folks and get my answer, but. My question is for my shop - 42w x 54d , 14' walls, 2 on 12 roof..
with no finished ceiling.

Where would the "happy spot" be to hang the UFO lights from the roof purlins? There would certainly be a difference in mounting them direct to the purlins versus suspended from a chain at X feet from the floor.

 

[That Guy Scott]

I have a 40x50, 14’ wall and roughly a 17’ peak, and put up 12 of the UFO high bays. I put them on 3 rows of 4 lights, 3 separate circuits. I also set them up to dim. I’ve only had them for 6 months but I really like them.

LED High Bay - 150W - 21,750 Lumens - Hook Mount - Tempered Glass - UFO Series - UL+DLC

Description The UFO LED High Bay is the best replacement for both industrial and commercial applications. The high lumen efficacy reduces the inefficient bulbs up to 400W MH and can be easily installed in most areas by a hook mount (default setting). The fixture also gives you complete control...

greenlightdepot.com