Everything You Need to Know About Industrial Lighting

From massive warehouses to manufacturing floors, industrial lighting plays a critical role in safety, efficiency, and productivity. Whether you're an operations manager, electrical contractor, or business owner, understanding industrial lighting helps you make smarter investment decisions.

In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover the different types of industrial lighting, their benefits, how to choose the right system, and trends shaping the future of lighting in commercial spaces.

What Is Industrial Lighting?

Definition and Purpose

Industrial lighting refers to high-performance lighting solutions designed for large-scale or demanding environments such as factories, warehouses, and production facilities. Unlike residential or commercial lighting, industrial lighting is built for durability, brightness, and energy efficiency under harsh conditions.

Common Industrial Settings

You’ll typically find industrial lighting in:

• Warehouses & distribution centers

• Manufacturing plants

• Cold storage facilities

• Processing units

• Outdoor yards & shipping docks

Types of Industrial Lighting

High Bay vs. Low Bay Lights

• High Bay Lights are ideal for ceilings 20 feet or higher, commonly used in warehouses or gymnasiums.

• Low Bay Lights are better suited for spaces with ceilings under 20 feet, such as small workshops or garages.

LED Industrial Lighting

LEDs are the go-to choice in modern facilities due to their energy efficiency, longer lifespan, and minimal maintenance. They consume up to 75% less energy than traditional options and reduce operational costs significantly.

Fluorescent and HID Lighting

While outdated, fluorescent and High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps are still found in older facilities. They're less efficient and require frequent maintenance, making them candidates for upgrades.

Explosion-Proof Lighting

Essential in hazardous locations like chemical plants, oil refineries, or grain silos. These fixtures are sealed and built to prevent sparks or explosions.

Outdoor Industrial Lighting

Used for loading docks, parking lots, and perimeter security. Weatherproof and high-lumen options ensure safety during night operations or poor visibility.

Key Benefits of Industrial Lighting

Improved Visibility and Safety

Bright, consistent lighting reduces workplace accidents and ensures compliance with OSHA safety standards. It’s especially important in facilities operating 24/7.

Enhanced Productivity

Well-lit environments improve focus, reduce errors, and enhance worker morale. A productive space starts with proper illumination.

Cost Efficiency

Switching to energy-efficient systems like LED industrial lights slashes utility bills and earns rebates or tax incentives in many U.S. states.

Maintenance and Longevity

Modern fixtures last significantly longer—LEDs can exceed 50,000 hours—reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

How to Choose the Right Industrial Lighting

Consider Ceiling Height and Space Size

Match your fixture type (high bay or low bay) to your ceiling height and area dimensions for optimal light distribution.

Match Brightness to Task Requirements (Lumens)

Use lumens, not watts, to measure brightness. For example, task-heavy zones may require 30,000+ lumens per fixture.

Check for Energy Star or DLC Certification

Products with these certifications meet high efficiency and performance standards, often qualifying for utility rebates.

Evaluate Lighting Controls and Smart Features

Advanced controls like motion sensors, dimmers, or daylight harvesting reduce energy use and extend fixture lifespan.

Factor in Environmental Conditions

If your facility has high humidity, dust, extreme temperatures, or chemicals, opt for lights with appropriate IP ratings and rugged housing.

Industrial Lighting Regulations and Standards

OSHA Lighting Requirements

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets minimum lighting requirements based on workspace type to ensure employee safety.

ANSI/IES Lighting Guidelines

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) provide detailed recommendations on light levels, uniformity, and placement.

UL and IP Ratings Explained

• UL (Underwriters Laboratories): Ensures product safety and quality.

• IP Rating (Ingress Protection): Indicates resistance to dust and water (e.g., IP65 for dust-tight and water-resistant fixtures).

Installation and Maintenance Tips

Hire Certified Electrical Contractors

For safety and code compliance, always use licensed professionals to install industrial lighting systems.

Plan for Maintenance Access

Ensure fixtures are accessible for inspection or replacement. Consider modular designs that make repairs faster and safer.

Use Modular Fixtures for Easy Replacements

Modular lights allow for quick part replacements—ideal in high-traffic or mission-critical facilities.

Industrial Lighting Trends in 2025 and Beyond

Smart and Connected Lighting Systems

Lighting systems are evolving to include networked controls, occupancy sensors, and remote management through mobile apps or dashboards.

Human-Centric and Adaptive Lighting

Facilities are adopting tunable white lighting that mimics natural light to support worker well-being and alertness.

Integration with Building Automation Systems

Industrial lighting is now part of broader IoT-based building management systems, enabling data-driven energy savings and predictive maintenance.

Final Thoughts

Industrial lighting isn't just about visibility—it’s about safety, performance, and long-term operational savings. By choosing the right Industrial lighting solution tailored to your facility’s needs, you create a safer and more efficient work environment.

Ready to upgrade your industrial lighting system?

Explore durable and energy-efficient options from Havells Lighting—built to perform in the most demanding environments.