Lighting a large commercial or industrial space requires more than just a ton of brightness—it requires a combination of efficiency, the right color temperature, and wattage. Whether you need lights for a warehouse, gym, workshop, garage, or retail space with high ceilings, you’ll want to use a high bay. But which high bay should you choose to get the best bang for your buck? 

Sunco’s UFO High Bay lineup offers multiple wattages, mounting styles, and smart features designed for a wide range of applications. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to select the best high bay for your space, including a detailed breakdown of specifications and real-world use cases for each model. 

Understanding Wattage, Lumens, and Color Temperature 

But first, let’s go over some basic terminology: 

Wattage determines how much power a fixture consumes, while lumens measure the amount of light it produces. With LED technology, higher wattage typically means higher lumen output—but with significantly greater efficiency than traditional HID or metal halide systems. 

A 150W fixture is typically ideal for ceilings between 12 and 16 feet, while 200W and 240W fixtures are better suited for higher ceilings or spaces that require stronger illumination. Matching wattage to ceiling height ensures proper light distribution and helps eliminate dark spots. 

Color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K), determines how warm or cool the light appears. 

For most industrial settings, 5000K provides the best combination of brightness and comfort. 

150W UFO High Bay LED Fixture (Hardwired) 

The 150W hardwired UFO High Bay is one of the most versatile options in the Sunco lineup. It is ideal for warehouses, auto shops, and other large garages where consistent, high-output lighting is needed. Because it is hardwired, it provides a clean, permanent installation and is often used in commercial builds or professional retrofits. 

Key Specifications: 

This fixture works especially well in spaces with ceilings between 15 and 20 feet where reliable, full-coverage lighting is required. 

150W Plug-and-Play UFO High Bay 

The 150W Plug-and-Play high bay delivers powerful illumination without needing any complex installation. Designed for quick setup, this fixture includes a power cord, allowing you to hang it and plug it directly into an outlet. It’s ideal for garages, workshops, storage units, and rental spaces where permanent wiring is not practical. 

Key Specifications: 

This model is perfect for DIY upgrades and business owners who need fast, hassle-free lighting improvements. 

150W Plug-and-Play with U-Bracket 

For spaces that require more mounting flexibility, the 150W Plug-and-Play High Bay with U-Bracket offers additional versatility. Instead of hanging from a hook/chain, the U-bracket allows for surface or wall mounting, making it a great solution for mezzanines, lower ceilings, or areas where directional lighting is needed. 

Key Specifications: 

This fixture is commonly used in service bays, workshops, and commercial garages where precise positioning improves coverage. 

150W Motion Activated UFO High Bay 

The motion-activated 150W model adds smart energy savings to your industrial lighting needs. Designed for areas with intermittent traffic, this fixture automatically turns on when motion is detected and dims or powers down when the area is vacant. It enhances safety while reducing energy costs. 

Key Specifications: 

This fixture is ideal for warehouse aisles, loading docks, storage facilities, and distribution pathways where lights do not need to run at full output continuously. 

200W Slim UFO High Bay (Plug-and-Play) 

The 200W Slim UFO High Bay is designed for larger spaces requiring increased brightness while maintaining a streamlined profile. It delivers significantly higher lumen output than 150W models and is well-suited for medium-to-large warehouses, fabrication shops, and open commercial ceilings. 

Key Specifications: 

This fixture performs best in ceilings ranging from 18 to 25 feet where additional light intensity is necessary. 

240W UFO High Bay LED Fixture (Hardwired) 

For maximum output in large industrial environments, the 240W UFO High Bay is the most powerful option in this lineup. It is engineered for very high ceilings and expansive spaces where strong, consistent lighting is critical. 

Key Specifications: 

This fixture is ideal for distribution centers, gymnasiums, aircraft hangars, and warehouses with ceilings exceeding 20 feet. 

Plug-and-Play vs. Hardwired: Choosing the Right Installation 

Plug-and-play high bays are ideal for quick installations and flexible setups. They eliminate the need for electrical rewiring and are perfect for workshops, garages, and temporary structures. However, they are typically non-dimmable and may not offer the same clean finish as hardwired solutions. 

Hardwired high bays provide a permanent, professional installation. They are often dimmable and better suited for commercial builds, new construction, and long-term industrial applications. While they require electrical work, they offer a streamlined appearance and better integration with lighting control systems. 

Final Thoughts 

Plug-and-play high bays are ideal for quick installations and flexible setups. They eliminate the need for electrical rewiring and are perfect for workshops, garages, and temporary structures. However, they are typically non-dimmable and may not offer the same clean finish as hardwired solutions. 

Hardwired high bays provide an enduring, professional installation. They are often dimmable and better suited for commercial builds, new construction, and long-term industrial applications. While they require electrical work, they offer a streamlined appearance and better integration with lighting control systems. 

Sunco High Bays deliver durable, high-performance lighting solutions for demanding commercial and industrial spaces. 

FAQ: 

1) What are high bay lights?

High bay lights are fixtures designed for large spaces with high ceilings, typically 15–20 feet or higher. They deliver broad, powerful illumination for warehouses, shops, gyms, and industrial areas.

2) How do I choose the right high bay lights for my space?

Start with your ceiling height and the brightness you need (lumens), then choose fixture style (UFO high bay lights or linear high bay lights), beam angle, and controls like sensors or dimming. The best LED high bay lights are the ones that match your mounting height, layout, and use case—not just the highest wattage.

3) Are LED high bay lights worth it compared to older fixtures?

Yes—LED high bay lights typically use less energy, last longer, and provide more consistent light than metal halide or fluorescent high bays. They also pair well with controls like motion sensors for added savings.

4) What’s the difference between high bay vs low bay lighting?

High bay vs low bay lighting mainly comes down to ceiling height and distribution. High bays are made for higher mounting heights and wider coverage, while low bays are better for lower ceilings where a tighter spread is needed.

5) What’s better: UFO high bay lights or linear high bay lights?

UFO high bay lights are great for open areas needing wide, even coverage. Linear high bay lights are often ideal for aisles, workstations, and areas where you want more directional light across rows or benches.

6) How many high bay lights do I need?

It depends on mounting height, target brightness, beam angle, and how reflective your space is (walls/floors). As a quick starting point, higher ceilings and darker surfaces usually require more fixtures or higher lumen outputs.

7) How many lumens do I need for high bay lighting?

High bay lumens depend on the task and the space. Warehouses and general storage need less than detailed work areas or manufacturing floors, so choose lumens based on what people are doing under the lights.

8) What mounting height is best for LED high bay lights?

Most LED high bay lights are designed for ceilings around 15–40 feet, but the best mounting height depends on your lumen package and beam angle. Higher mounting heights generally call for higher lumens and a distribution that avoids dark spots.

9) What beam angle should I choose for high bay lights?

A wider beam angle helps cover open areas with fewer hot spots, while a narrower beam focuses light for higher ceilings or specific zones. If you have racks or aisles, a more directional option can improve uniformity where you need it most.

10) How far apart should high bay lights be spaced?

High bay spacing depends on mounting height, beam angle, and desired brightness. As a rule of thumb, higher mounting heights allow wider spacing, but too much distance creates shadows—especially in aisles or areas with tall equipment.

11) Do I need a high bay lighting layout or calculator?

A high bay lighting layout is the best way to avoid glare, shadows, and uneven coverage. A simple calculator can help estimate fixture count, but a layout plan is ideal for dialing in spacing, beam angle, and target light levels.

12) Are high bay lights good for warehouses?

Yes—warehouse high bay lighting is one of the most common uses because it provides bright, wide coverage from higher ceilings. Choosing the right beam angle and layout helps reduce dark aisles and improves safety.

13) What high bay lights are best for warehouse racking and aisles?

For racking and aisles, linear high bay lights or more directional optics can help push light down the aisle more evenly. The goal is consistent visibility along the full aisle length without glare when looking upward.

14) What’s the difference between round vs linear high bay lights?

Round (UFO) fixtures tend to provide broad, symmetrical light in open areas. Linear high bays distribute light in a more rectangular pattern, which can be useful for aisles, rows, and work areas.

15) Can I use high bay lights in a garage or workshop?

Yes—high bay lights for garage and high bay lights for workshop spaces work well when ceilings are tall enough and you need bright, uniform light. If your ceiling is lower, consider whether a low-bay or other fixture type fits better.

16) What are the best LED high bay lights for a gym?

Gyms usually benefit from wide, uniform coverage and reduced glare, especially over courts or training zones. UFO high bay lights are common for open gym floors, while linear high bays can suit long workout rows.

Cluster D: Controls, ratings & durability (0–10V dimming, sensors, IP/UL/DLC)

17) Should I choose 0–10V dimming high bay lights?

If you want flexible brightness control or plan to use daylight harvesting, 0–10V dimming high bay lights are a smart choice. They also help reduce energy use when full brightness isn’t needed.

18) Are motion sensor high bay lights a good idea?

Motion sensor high bay lights are ideal for warehouses, storage zones, and areas with intermittent use. They can cut energy waste while keeping spaces safe and well-lit when people enter.

19) What IP rating should I look for in high bay lights?

The right IP rating for high bay lights depends on the environment. Cleaner indoor spaces can use standard ratings, while dusty, damp, or washdown areas need higher ingress protection.

20) Do I need UL listed or DLC listed high bay lights?

UL listed high bay lights help confirm electrical safety compliance. DLC listed high bay lights can support efficiency requirements and may help with rebates, depending on your project.

21) When should I choose a vapor tight high bay?

A vapor tight high bay is best for damp, dusty, or harsher environments where moisture or particles could impact performance. These are common in wash areas, food-related facilities, and some industrial spaces.