High bay lighting is used to illuminate large industrial spaces with high ceilings, such as warehouses and manufacturing plants. It is important to calculate the proper lighting needed in these spaces to ensure worker safety and productivity. Here's how you can calculate high bay lighting:
1. Determine the size of the space - The first step is to measure the length, width, and height of the room. This will give you the square footage of the space.
2. Determine the desired light level - The amount of light needed in a high bay space depends on the specific task being performed. For example, a warehouse may need 30-50 foot-candles while a manufacturing plant may need 50-100 foot-candles. Check the recommended light levels for your particular space.
3. Determine the number of fixtures needed - Once you know the desired light level and the square footage of the space, you can determine the number of fixtures needed. High bay fixtures typically come in 2-foot, 4-foot and 8-foot lengths. The more fixtures you have, the more evenly distributed the light will be.
4. Calculate the wattage of each fixture - High bay fixtures come in different wattages, ranging from 100 watts to 1000 watts. The wattage needed depends on the height of the ceiling and the desired light level. As a general rule of thumb, the wattage should equal the square footage of the space multiplied by the desired foot-candles, divided by 1.5. For example, a 10,000 square foot warehouse that requires 50 foot-candles of light would need 334 watts per fixture.
5. Calculate the total wattage - Once you know the wattage needed for each fixture and the number of fixtures needed, you can calculate the total wattage needed for the space.
6. Choose the right fixtures - Make sure you choose fixtures that are designed for high bay spaces and that have the right wattage and distribution to meet the needs of your particular space.
In conclusion, calculating high bay lighting involves determining the size of the space, the desired light level, the number of fixtures needed, the wattage of each fixture and the total wattage needed. By following these steps, you can ensure that your high bay space is properly illuminated for optimal productivity and safety.
