Engle and Meadows pointed to several major trends in LED high-bay luminaires

Increased efficacy: Rising LED source and optical performance is being leveraged by manufacturers to increase light output, reduce wattage, or both, resulting in higher efficacy (lumens/W). It is also contributing to smaller luminaires, which is contributing to a steady average decline in cost, as well as lower operating temperatures and longer life. led high bay

led high bay luminaire are now available in standard and premium efficiency options. The most-efficient luminaire are recognized as Premium in the DesignLights Consortium’s (DLC) Qualified Products List, qualifying them for potentially higher utility rebates.

More options: LED high-bay luminaires are available with a wide range of light distributions, CRI, and CCTs. Meadows said the most popular CRI continues to be 70, as it is not only suitable for a majority of industrial and warehouse applications, but also the most efficient LED chip package. led high bay

Uplight: LED high-bay luminaires are available in inverted mounting for indirect lighting.

Optical control: TIR optics enable greater optical control, which reduces glare while potential reducing the number of luminaires required through control of the beam spread. Engle said there is a trend toward lensing for luminaires installed at lower mounting heights in logistics and warehouse buildings to reduce direct glare.

Lighting controls: This is a major trend, with led high bay  offering the ability to both dim and turn OFF loads when they are not needed either through scheduling or integrated occupancy and daylight sensing. While standalone sensors and hardwired circuit-level controls remain most common, wireless connectivity and digital communication are nascent but becoming more popular, particularly for flexibility in both retrofits and new construction. DoE estimated penetration of connected lighting systems at about 0.5 percent of the total installed industrial lighting base in 2016, indicating enormous potential.

“In new construction, it means that a control scheme can be laid out and then reorganized again and again with very little costs associated with changing the layout,” said Meadows. “It’s also more common that they have the option to connect to a building management system and even collect and aggregate data that could be utilized to unlock value at a facility.” led high bay

What to look for

“Electrical distributors want performance and reliability in a fixture that is affordable and reliable,” Engle said.  led high bay “The preferred method to confidently select a product is to purchase a DLC-listed LED high-bay from a manufacturer that has proven it will stand by its product.”

Meadows agreed but noted that DLC qualification does not provide assurances about product quality. “This is why we see distributors consistently pick a brand name manufacturer with whom they have a high degree of confidence. There are plenty of lighting companies that are offering longer warranties as standard. Still, the best warranty is one that you don’t have to use because the manufacturer thoroughly tests and controls product quality and has a vested interest in producing quality products.” led high bay

Final word

“Sensor-enabled led high bay fixtures are the easiest way to reduce energy and transform your customers’ facilities for the future, and now are at a price and performance that make it a true no-brainer to switch to led high bay,” Meadows added. “If you’re still selling fluorescent lamps or fixtures that don’t communicate digitally, someone will be there to earn your customers’ business with a fantastic intelligent LED solution.”