Pole barns are farm buildings that are constructed using poles and wire mesh. These buildings will have high ceilings and wide open areas to store goods. Pole barns can be used as warehouses, storage facilities and even workshops.
Though pole barns have different lighting options, LED high bay lights are typically used in such spaces mainly because of their various advantages.
What are LED high bay lights?
These are LED lights used to illuminate tall ceilings over 20 feet in height. LED high bay lights are very powerful and can illuminate the entire length and breadth of the space.
These lights are typically hung from the ceiling using chains or hooks, but they can also be fixed to the ceiling.
What are the benefits of using LED high bay lights for pole warehouses?
Even Lighting
Pole warehouses require uniform lighting without any dark spots or shadows. High bay lights provide even comprehensive illumination and ensure the entire warehouse is well-lit. This, in turn, can increase the productivity of employees.
Meet the requirements of pole warehouse
High bay lights are specifically designed for areas with high ceilings, typically 20 feet or more. Since pole warehouses have very high ceilings, LED high bay lights make a perfect choice.
Offers directional Lighting
The peculiarity of high bay light is that it can be directed to a specific area. In pole warehouses, these lights can specifically illuminate aisles between storage racks, ensuring safe and easy navigation.
Lower Energy Consumption
LEDs consume significantly less power compared to traditional lighting solutions like metal halide or fluorescent lights. Moreover, 80% of energy consumed by LED high bay lights are converted to light and only 20% is wasted as heat.
Durability
LEDs have a longer operational life reducing the frequency and cost of replacements. Typically, an LED light can work continuously for upto 11 years. If you use the light for 8 hours every day, then the light would last for 20 years.
Reduced Heat Emission
LEDs emit less heat, reducing the risk of heat-related accidents and improving comfort in the warehouse. Moreover, less heat emission also makes LED high bay lights more environment friendly.
How Many Lumens Do I Need in a Pole Barn?
Determine the Total Area
First, you should measure the length and width of the warehouse to calculate the total square footage of the room. This is the base from which you decide the lumen required.
Define the Required Lighting Level
Different tasks require different lighting levels, measured in foot-candles (fc) or lux.
For example, general warehouse storage require 10-30 foot-candles (100-300 lux) of light. This increases to 30-50 foot-candles (300-500 lux) in work area. Loading Docks and Inspection Areas require 50-100 foot-candles (500-1000 lux).
Determine the total lumen
Now multiply the total area of the space by the required foot candle of the space to determine the total lumen.
For eg; A 10,000 square feet warehouse that needs 10 foot candle will need 100000 lumens of light.
How to Choose the Best Lighting Products for Pole Barn?
Assess Your Lighting Needs
A. Determine the Lighting Requirements
You should first define the required foot-candles or lux based on tasks performed in the warehouse. Now calculate the total lumens needed by multiplying the area of the barn with the foot candle.
B. Check the warehouse specifications
You should measure the dimensions of the warehouse and consider the layout of shelves and workstations. You should then measure the height to ensure appropriate light distribution.
You should also consider factors like dust, moisture, and temperature which might affect light performance.
Evaluate LED High Bay Light Features
Next you should evaluate the features of the high bay light to check whether it is compatible with your requirements.
A. Light Output and Efficiency
The high bay light should provide sufficient lumens for your needs. You should also check the efficacy (Lumens per Watt) of the light. Higher efficacy means better energy efficiency. Aim for lights with at least 130-150 lumens per watt.
B. Color Temperature and CRI
Color Temperature determines how warm or cool the light is. You should choose a color temperature that suits your environment. For warehouses, 4000K to 5000K is common.
Color Rendering Index (CRI) determines the ability of the light to show the true color of the object in relation to natural light. A higher CRI (above 80) ensures better color accuracy which makes it useful for detailed work.
C. Beam Angle and Light Distribution
You should select an appropriate beam angle to ensure even light distribution. Wider beam angles should be selected for open areas and narrow ones for aisles.
The light distribution should cover the area uniformly without creating any dark spots.
D. Durability and Lifespan
The high bay light should have a long lifespan, preferably 50,000 hours or more. You should opt for robust, high-quality fixtures that can withstand the warehouse environment.
E. Certifications and Standards
The high bay light should have Energy Star or DLC Certification. These certifications indicate high energy efficiency and performance. Similarly, the light should also meet relevant safety standards like UL or ETL listings.
Consider Additional Features
In addition to the above, you should also consider the below additional features.
A. Dimmability and Control
You should check whether dimmable options are available for the light. Dimmable lights offer flexibility in adjusting light levels as needed.
Similarly, integration with smart systems for automated control, such as motion sensors or daylight harvesting improves the functionality of the light.
B. Installation and Maintenance
You should consider the ease of installing the lights, especially if you are considering retrofitting existing fixtures. It is best to opt for lights that require minimal maintenance as it can save on time and cost.
Conclusion
Using LED high bay lights as pole barn lighting offers various advantages. It helps save energy and cost and is also highly durable and environment friendly. Before selecting an LED high bay light you should consider the area of the barn, and your lighting requirements.
Additionally, you should also consider the various features of the high bay light like its color temperature, CRI, beam angle and light distribution before finalizing on one.
