Warehouses need efficient, uniform light over large areas and tall racks, usually delivered by high-bay or low-bay LED fixtures with optics matched to the layout.
| Area | Target |
|---|---|
| General storage | 100 to 200 lux |
| Aisle and picking | 200 to 300 lux |
| Packing and shipping | 300 to 500 lux |
| Loading dock | 150 to 300 lux |
Fixture choice and aisles
Use high-bay fixtures above roughly 25 ft and low-bay below. In racked aisles, narrow aisle-optic distributions throw light down the canyon between racks instead of wasting it on rack tops.
Set spacing with the spacing-to-height rule, and add motion sensors and zoning in low-traffic aisles to save energy. Cold storage needs fixtures rated for the temperature.
See the High Bay Spacing Calculator and the Fixture Spacing Guide.
Lighting a warehouse
Warehouses need efficient, uniform light over large floors and tall racks, usually from high-bay or low-bay LED fixtures chosen by ceiling height. Levels follow the task: ~100–150 lux for bulk storage, 150–200 lux for active aisles, and 300–500 lux for picking and packing. In racked areas, narrow-beam high-bays aimed down the aisle keep light on the floor and shelf faces rather than spilling onto rack tops, and good vertical illuminance helps workers read labels. Occupancy sensors and aisle-by-aisle controls cut energy in spaces that aren’t always occupied — a major saving given the area warehouses cover.