Industrial and commercial buildings require lighting that is both powerful and efficient, capable of illuminating large areas effectively. Because it works better and uses less energy, the LED UFO high bay light is now the most popular choice for warehouses, factories, gyms, and stores.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about these innovative lighting fixtures.
What is an LED UFO High Bay Light?
The name “LED UFO high bay light” comes from the fact that it looks like a UFO (unidentified flying object) because of its round, disc-like shape. These lights are made for ceilings that are 15 to 40 feet high. UFO high bay LED lights, on the other hand, give off light in all directions and have great light distribution, unlike traditional linear high bay lights.
These lights are great for areas where long fluorescent or metal halide fixtures would be too big or too bright because they are small and easy to fit in. When factories in the United States switched from traditional high bay lighting to LED high bay UFO lights, they saved up to 70% on energy costs.
Key Benefits of UFO High Bay LED Lights
Superior Energy Efficiency
When compared to regular lighting, round high bay LED lights use a lot less electricity. A 150-watt LED UFO high bay light can replace a 400-watt metal halide fixture and give off the same amount of light or more. This means that you will save a lot of money on your electricity bills.
The U.S. Department of Energy says that LED high bay lights use 50% to 70% less energy than regular high bay lights. This can save a warehouse $200 to $400 per fixture per year if it runs for 12 hours a day.
Extended Lifespan and Durability
High-quality UFO high bay LED lights usually last between 50,000 and 100,000 hours, while metal halide lamps only last between 10,000 and 15,000 hours. This longer life means less maintenance and less disruption to business operations.
Instant On Performance
LED high bay UFO lights turn on to full brightness right away, unlike metal halide lights that need time to warm up. This feature is especially useful in places where the lights are turned on and off a lot during the day.
Superior Light Quality
Modern round high bay LED lights make light of high quality with color rendering index (CRI) ratings of 80 or higher. This makes things easier to see, lessens eye strain, and makes workplaces safer.
Technical Specifications to Consider
Wattage and Lumen Output
There are different wattages of LED UFO high bay light fixtures, from 100W to 300W. The amount of light that comes out of the LED chips usually ranges from 13,000 to 40,000 lumens, depending on how many watts they use and how well they work.
Experts say that warehouses should have 10 to 20 foot-candles of light, which is about 1 to 2 lumens per square foot at floor level. A 200-watt UFO high bay LED light fixture that makes 26,000 lumens can light up about 500 to 800 square feet from a height of 25 feet.
Color Temperature Options
LED high bay UFO lights are available in different color temperatures:
- 3000K Warm White: Creates a cozy atmosphere, suitable for retail environments
- 4000K Neutral White: Balanced color temperature ideal for general industrial applications
- 5000K Cool White: Provides crisp, bright light preferred for detailed work areas
- 6500K Daylight: Mimics natural daylight, excellent for quality control and inspection areas
Beam Angle Selection
The beam angle tells the fixture how to spread the light. Most round high bay LED lights have beam angles that range from 60° to 120°. For higher mounting heights, use narrower beam angles (60–90°). For lower ceilings or larger areas that need to be covered, use wider beam angles (90–120°).
Installation Considerations
Mounting Height Requirements
When mounting LED UFO high bay light fixtures, they should be between 15 and 40 feet high. The best height to mount the light depends on the beam angle and how much light you want on the work surface.
A 120° beam angle UFO high bay LED lighting fixture works well for ceilings that are 25 feet high. It covers a lot of space with few hot spots or shadows. If the ceilings are higher, you might need fixtures with narrower beam angles or more watts to keep the light levels high enough.
Spacing and Layout
Correct spacing makes sure that the light is evenly spread out without making dark spots or too much overlap. In general, the space between LED high bay UFO lights should not be more than 1.5 times the height at which they are mounted. For example, fixtures mounted at 20 feet should be spaced no more than 30 feet apart.
Electrical Requirements
Most round high bay LED lights operate on standard 120-277V AC power, making them compatible with existing electrical systems. Some models with a lot of power may need a 347-480V power supply. Always talk to a qualified electrician to make sure that the installation is done correctly and that it follows local electrical codes.
Comparing LED UFO High Bay Lights to Traditional Options
LED vs Metal Halide
Traditional metal halide high bay lights were once the standard for industrial lighting, but LED UFO high bay light technology offers significant advantages:
- Energy Consumption: LED fixtures use 50-70% less electricity
- Maintenance: LEDs last 3-5 times longer than metal halide lamps
- Heat Generation: LEDs produce minimal heat, reducing cooling costs
- Light Quality: LEDs maintain consistent light output throughout their lifespan
LED vs Fluorescent High Bay
While fluorescent high bay lights offer better efficiency than metal halide, UFO high bay LED lighting still provides superior performance:
- Instant Start: No warm-up time required
- Temperature Tolerance: LEDs perform better in extreme temperatures
- Dimming Capability: Most LED fixtures offer dimming options
- Environmental Impact: No mercury or hazardous materials
Energy Savings and ROI Analysis
Calculating Energy Savings
To calculate the energy savings from switching to LED high bay UFO lights, consider the following example:
A building with 50 traditional 400W metal halide lights that run for 12 hours every day:
- The amount of energy used each year is 50 × 400W × 12 hours × 365 days = 876,000 kWh.
- At $0.12 per kilowatt hour: Cost per year: $105,120
Changing to 150W round high bay LED lights:
- 328,500 kWh is the amount of energy used each year: 50 × 150W × 12 hours × 365 days.
- At 12 cents per kWh: Cost per year: $39,420
- $65,700 saved each year
Return on Investment
Most installations will pay for themselves in 1 to 3 years, since the cost of fixtures is usually between $80 and $200 per LED UFO high bay light. When you add in the lower maintenance costs and higher productivity that come from better lighting, the total return on investment is often more than 300% over the life of the fixture.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Routine Maintenance
UFO high bay LED lighting fixtures require minimal maintenance compared to traditional lighting systems. Cleaning the lens and housing regularly helps keep the light output at its best. If the place is dusty, it may need to be cleaned every three months. If the place is cleaner, it may only need to be cleaned once a year.
Common Issues and Solutions
Most quality LED high bay UFO lights are highly reliable, but occasional issues may occur:
- Flickering: Usually indicates driver failure or loose connections
- Reduced Light Output: May be caused by LED degradation or overheating
- Complete Failure: Often related to power supply or driver issues
Advanced Features and Smart Controls
Dimming Capabilities
Many modern round high bay LED lights can be dimmed, which lets facilities change the amount of light based on how many people are there or what they’re doing. The most common way to control dimming is with 0–10V, which lets you dim from 100% to 10% output smoothly.
Motion Sensors and Occupancy Controls
When combined with motion sensors and occupancy controls, lights can automatically turn on and off or dim when areas are empty, which can save even more energy. These smart controls can help you save even more energy, up to 40%.
Getting light from the sun
Advanced LED UFO high bay light systems can have photosensors that change the amount of artificial light based on how much natural light is available. This saves energy all day long.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Reduced Carbon Footprint
The energy efficiency of UFO high bay LED lighting cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions by a lot. A facility that switches from metal halide to LED lighting can cut its carbon footprint by 30% to 50% when it comes to lighting energy use.
Recyclability and Disposal
Unlike fluorescent and metal halide lamps, LED high bay UFO lights don’t have any dangerous materials in them and can be recycled completely. This gets rid of the need for special disposal and makes the end of life less harmful to the environment.
Conclusion
The LED UFO high bay light is the future of commercial and industrial lighting. It is more energy-efficient, lasts longer, and gives off better light than traditional options. These lights are a great investment for any building because they save 50–70% of energy and last more than 50,000 hours.
UFO high bay LED lighting solutions give modern businesses the performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness they need, whether you’re building something new or thinking about upgrading your current lighting. You can get the best lighting results while lowering your operating costs and environmental impact by choosing the right specifications and working with qualified installers.
Switching to round high bay LED lights isn’t just about saving money right away; it’s also an investment in lighting technology that will last for decades and be ready for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long do LED UFO high bay lights typically last?
Quality LED UFO high bay light fixtures typically last 50,000 to 100,000 hours, which translates to 10-20 years of normal operation. This is significantly longer than traditional metal halide or fluorescent fixtures that may need replacement every 2-5 years.
Q2: Can LED UFO high bay lights be dimmed?
Yes, many UFO high bay led lighting fixtures offer dimming capabilities. Most use 0-10V dimming controls, allowing you to adjust light levels from 100% down to 10%. This feature helps save additional energy and provides flexibility for different lighting needs throughout the day.
Q3: What mounting height is best for UFO high bay LED lights?
Round high bay LED lights are designed for mounting heights between 15-40 feet. For optimal performance, 20-30 feet is typically ideal. The specific height depends on your ceiling structure, beam angle of the fixture, and desired light levels at the working surface.
Q4: How much can I save by switching to LED UFO high bay lights?
Most facilities see a 50-70% reduction in lighting energy costs when switching to LED high bay UFO lights. For a typical warehouse, this can mean savings of $200-400 per fixture annually. The payback period is usually 1-3 years when including reduced maintenance costs.
Q5: Do LED UFO high bay lights work in cold temperatures?
Yes, LED UFO high bay light fixtures actually perform better in cold temperatures compared to fluorescent or metal halide lights. They start instantly, even in freezing conditions, and maintain consistent light output. Most quality fixtures are rated for operation in temperatures as low as -40°F.
