Industrial Lighting

Industrial lighting is any kind of lighting used in warehouses, storage facilities, assembly plants, sports facilities, and outdoor industrial spaces. Compared to commercial spaces, high-performance lighting is required in industrial places. Adequate illumination is crucial to ensure that workers can perform optimally.

Various uses of industrial lighting range from ambient and task lighting to safety and visibility, as well as aesthetics.

Depending on the space and its function, you’ll need to have different types of industrial lights to create a bright, well-lit environment for your industrial space.

What Are the Key Considerations for Industrial Lighting?

Durability

Industrial environments can be harsh. So, the number one quality of industrial light you should look for is its durability. Your light fixtures need to withstand the tasks performed within the space. If it's dusty, it should be dust resistant. If it’s a wet environment, it should withstand moisture or high volumes of water.

Function

What is the space where you’re installing the lights going to be used for? You need to identify the specific tasks that will be performed within the area. This will then help you determine the level of illumination you need to reach to achieve adequate lighting. This should also help you avoid uneven brightness and choosing the wrong colour to install.

Energy Efficiency

Powerful lighting does not equate to expensive lighting. LED lights are always an excellent choice for saving energy from light fixtures. Their long lifespan adds to their overall efficiency and cost-saving features.

Maintenance

The best cost-effectiveness hack is to always consider maintenance costs before buying lights. Are they dust magnets? Are they easy to replace if necessary? Can you set a budget for maintenance?

Factor these questions into your decision-making when choosing light fixtures for your industrial spaces.

Which Indoor Industrial Ceiling and Wall Lights Do You Need?

Industrial LED Ceiling Lights

Overhead lighting fixtures are an integral part of any industrial space. They light up most spaces and activities that happen in the location. People might dismiss them since they’re used in all commercial and industrial settings.

Still, industrial ceiling lights are critical to ensuring a good visual experience in any given space, reducing accidents while increasing productivity and improving the overall work environment. Commonly used ceiling lights are downlights, panel lights, and troffer lights.

Industrial LED Wall Lights

Most people think of industrial wall lights as merely accent lighting, and they’re not wrong. But they can also be used as ambient and task lights. Like all other industrial lights, wall lights are made to withstand harsh environments. Plus, LED technology ensures high energy efficiency, making it a favorite for offices, factories, and warehouses.

High Bay Ceiling Lights

Warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and other similarly large indoor spaces usually have high bay lighting to properly illuminate them. These lights typically hang from the ceiling (using hooks, pendants, or chains) or are fixed directly to it.

Linear Industrial Lighting Systems

Linear lighting suits large indoor spaces because its light spreads widely. It’s also a popular choice because it can be easily connected from end to end. This light fixture has three types: recessed, hanging, and surface-mounted.

Industrial Pendant Lights

These are light fixtures that hang from the ceiling. These usually use chains that drop down from a certain height from where it’s mounted. Industrial pendant lights are perfect for ambient and task lighting.

Industrial bulkhead lighting

Industrial bulkhead lights are used in outdoor spaces, usually to illuminate entrances, pathways, and dark spots. The purpose of this light is to reduce the risk of accidents and hinder intruders. These lights are built to last. They can withstand the harshest weather and vandalism.

What Advantages Do Our Indoor Industrial Lights Offer?

Getting high-quality industrial lights means having a high-quality supplier. That’s why getting your lighting needs from Simple Lighting means working with a trusted industrial lighting supplier who knows what they are doing.

Shop confidently from our wide range of light fixtures that are perfect for commercial and industrial settings. We only stock quality products at competitive prices, and you surely won’t regret it. You can check out our list of essential lighting fixtures, from ceiling spotlights, downlights, indoor pendant lights, and even bathroom and kitchen lights.

If you’re not sure what to get for your space, you can ask our team of specialists, and they will happily guide you and give advice on the best lighting fixture to get, depending on your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between industrial and commercial lighting?

Industrial lighting is designed for harsher environments like warehouses, factories, and outdoor industrial spaces, requiring higher performance and durability compared to commercial lighting. Industrial fixtures must withstand challenging conditions such as dust, moisture, vibrations, and extreme temperatures while providing superior illumination levels. They also typically need to operate for longer hours and cover larger areas than standard commercial lighting solutions.

How many lumens do I need for industrial lighting?

Industrial spaces typically require 300-500 lumens per square metre for general warehouse areas, while detailed work areas may need 750-1000 lumens per square metre. The exact requirement depends on the specific tasks performed, ceiling height, and safety regulations. High bay areas often need powerful fixtures like 100W LED units producing 10,000+ lumens to achieve adequate coverage.

What IP rating should industrial lights have?

Most industrial environments require lights with at least IP65 rating for dust and water resistance. For areas with high moisture or outdoor applications, IP66 or IP67 ratings provide better protection. Bulkhead lights and dome fittings are popular choices as they naturally offer good ingress protection while being easy to clean and maintain.

Why are LED bulkhead lights popular for industrial use?

LED bulkhead lights are ideal for industrial applications because they're incredibly durable, energy-efficient, and provide consistent lighting output. They feature robust housings that resist impact and environmental damage, while their sealed design prevents dust and moisture ingress. Many models like polo bulkheads also offer emergency backup and sensor options for enhanced safety and convenience.

What are highbay lights and when should I use them?

Highbay lights are powerful LED fixtures designed for spaces with high ceilings, typically 6 metres or above, such as warehouses and large industrial facilities. They provide intense, wide-spread illumination to cover large floor areas effectively. UFO highbays are particularly popular due to their compact design and exceptional light output, often producing 10,000+ lumens while maintaining energy efficiency.

Do I need emergency lighting in industrial spaces?

Yes, emergency lighting is typically required by UK building regulations in most industrial premises to ensure safe evacuation during power failures. Many industrial LED fittings are available with integrated emergency modules that provide 3-hour backup lighting. This eliminates the need for separate emergency fixtures and ensures consistent illumination levels during emergencies.

Can I install motion sensors with industrial lighting?

Absolutely, motion sensors are excellent additions to industrial lighting systems as they improve energy efficiency and convenience. Many industrial fixtures come with integrated microwave sensors that detect movement and automatically control the lights. This is particularly useful in storage areas, corridors, and spaces with intermittent use, helping to reduce energy costs significantly.

How long do industrial LED lights typically last?

Quality industrial LED lights typically last 25,000 to 50,000 hours, which translates to 10-20 years of normal use. This exceptional lifespan significantly reduces maintenance costs and replacement frequency compared to traditional lighting. The robust construction of industrial LEDs, combined with their solid-state design, makes them ideal for continuous operation in demanding environments.