A high industrial hall is correctly illuminated for you by determining the right lux level per work zone, choosing fixtures with the appropriate light beam for high mounting heights, and creating a professional lighting plan that prevents glare and shadow formation. The combination of mounting height, tasks, and environmental conditions determines which LED fixtures you need and how to position them. The questions below provide concrete answers for each aspect.
What lux levels are required in an industrial hall?
In an industrial hall, lighting standards apply that depend on the type of work performed. For general storage, 100 to 150 lux is sufficient. For production work and assembly, 300 to 500 lux is required. Work with fine details or quality control demands 750 lux or more. The European standard NEN-EN 12464-1 is the leading guideline for this.
The lux level in industry is not an arbitrary choice, but a safety requirement. Too little light increases the chance of errors and accidents. Too much light without proper distribution, on the other hand, leads to glare and discomfort. The correct values per zone are determined by focusing on the visual task: the more precise the work, the higher the required lux level.
Besides the luxury level, the uniformity an important role. The ratio between the minimum and average illuminance (Uo) must be at least 0.6 in production halls. This prevents dark spots and harsh contrasts that strain the eyes. Good Lighting advice request maps both values.
What makes lighting in a high bay technically different?
Lighting in a tall industrial hall is technically more complex than in a standard room because the fixtures hang at great heights, often between 8 and 20 meters or higher. At that distance, a regular fixture reaches the work floor with too little light intensity. You need fixtures with a high lumen output and a focused beam that efficiently directs light downwards.
The higher the mounting, the narrower the light beam needs to be to achieve sufficient lux at the work surface. A luminaire with a wide 120-degree spread works fine at a height of 4 meters, but loses too much light to the sides at a height of 15 meters. For high mounting heights, choose a narrower beam of 60 to 90 degrees, or asymmetric optics depending on the hall layout.
Additionally, maintenance plays a significant role. Fixtures in high halls are difficult to access. Therefore, a long service life, minimal wear, and high reliability are not luxuries but necessities. Lighting expertise in terms of mounting height and lighting calculation, it prevents you from having to make adjustments afterward.
How many fixtures do you need for an industrial hall?
The number of fixtures required for an industrial hall depends on the floor area, the desired illuminance level, the mounting height, and the luminous flux per fixture. As a rule of thumb, the higher the hall and the higher the required illuminance level, the more fixtures or the more lumens per fixture you will need.
A rough calculation proceeds as follows:
- Determine the desired illuminance level in lux at the work surface level (e.g., 300 lux).
- Calculate the total luminous flux required: area (m²) x lux = total lumens.
- Divide the total required lumens by the lumen output per fixture (including a loss factor for height and reflection).
- Distribute the luminaires evenly throughout the hall to achieve uniform illuminance.
- Check the calculation with a light simulation in software such as Dialux or Relux.
In practice, a light simulation is indispensable. Factors such as the color of walls, floors, and machines, any present obstructions, and the exact beam distribution of the luminaire strongly influence the final result. A calculation on paper provides an initial indication; a simulation offers certainty.
What type of LED fixture is suitable for high industrial halls?
For high industrial halls LED high bay fixtures the most suitable choice. These fixtures are designed for mounting heights from 6 meters and deliver a high lumen output with a directed beam. For extremely high halls or environments with heat, dust, or vibrations, specialized industrial LED floodlights are a better option.
When choosing fixtures for a high-ceiling hall, consider the following features:
- Lumen output sufficient light to achieve the desired lux level at a great height
- IP protection class minimum IP65 for dusty or humid environments
- IK class: Mechanical protection against vibrations or risk of impact
- Beam of light Adjusted to the mounting height and hall layout
- Color Temperature: 4000K to 5000K for bright, neutral task lighting
- Lifespan minimum L80/B10 after 50,000 operating hours
In environments with extreme conditions, such as high temperatures or aggressive substances, standard high bay fixtures are not sufficient. View the range Industrial LED luminaires for solutions that perform reliably even in the toughest environments.
How do you prevent glare and shadowing in a hallway?
You can prevent glare and shadow formation in an industrial hall by choosing luminaires with a low UGR value, placing them at the correct distance from each other, and ensuring an even distribution across the ceiling. A UGR value below 22 is the standard for production halls; for precision work, UGR below 19 applies.
Shadowing occurs when light sources are too far apart or when the beam is too narrow for the mounting height. Large machines, racks, or structural parts can cast shadows on the work floor. You can resolve this by using multiple light points that illuminate from different angles, neutralizing shadows.
Glare is a greater risk in high-ceilinged halls than in low-ceilinged spaces because employees regularly look up, for example when operating cranes or inspecting structures. Luminaires with shielded optics or a full-cutoff design prevent the light source from falling directly into the field of vision. This increases both visual comfort and safety on the shop floor.
When is a professional lighting design mandatory or necessary?
A professional lighting design is mandatory when the workspace falls under specific safety standards, such as ATEX zones, or when the NEN-EN 12464-1 standard applies. Beyond legal requirements, a lighting plan is always necessary for halls larger than 500 m², with mounting heights above 8 meters, or in environments with special requirements such as heat, corrosion, or 24/7 use.
In practice, a lighting plan is also economically sensible. Without proper calculation, you run the risk of having too many or too few light fixtures, a higher energy bill than necessary, or an installation that does not meet the standards. A good design prevents costly remedial work later and ensures that the investment in LED lighting for an industrial hall pays for itself as quickly as possible.
Halls with specific work environments, such as steel mills, paper production halls, or climate chambers, always require custom solutions. Standard solutions are insufficient here. professional lighting advice takes all environmental factors into account and delivers a design that is both technically and normatively correct.
How JEL Products Helps Light Up Large Industrial Halls
JEL Products not only supplies lighting fixtures, but also guides the entire process from lighting design to completion. For large industrial facilities, this means, specifically:
- A custom lighting design with light simulation based on your hall layout and activities
- Selection of the right LED fixtures for your mounting height, ambient conditions, and lux requirements
- Fittings that are resistant to extreme conditions such as high temperatures, vibrations, dust, and corrosion
- Certification and standardization guidance, and any subsidy programs for energy saving
- Installation, commissioning, and aftercare by certified specialists (ISO9001 and VCA**)
Whether it’s a new production facility, a renovation of existing lighting, or an environment with special technical requirements, JEL Products works with you every step of the way—from your initial inquiry to the final light fixture. Get in touch for a no-obligation conversation about your situation.