Warehouse lighting levels depend on the task, from bulk storage to detailed packing. These targets balance visibility, safety, and energy use.
Levels by area
Bulk storage needs only modest light, while picking aisles and packing stations need more so labels and contents read clearly. Loading docks sit in between.
Vertical light matters
Workers read labels on the vertical faces of racks, not the floor. Aisle-optic fixtures and adequate spacing keep that vertical surface lit.
| Area | Target |
|---|---|
| General storage | 100 to 200 lux |
| Aisle / picking | 200 to 300 lux |
| Packing / shipping | 300 to 500 lux |
| Loading dock | 150 to 300 lux |
See the Warehouse Lighting Guide and the High Bay Spacing Calculator.
Recommended warehouse light levels
Lighting needs rise with task detail. As a guide: bulk storage and seldom-used aisles need roughly 100–150 lux; active aisles and general movement about 150–200 lux; order picking and packing 300–500 lux; and detailed inspection or fine assembly 500–750+ lux. Tall spaces use high-bay fixtures, where mounting height and beam angle drive spacing — higher mounting needs narrower beams to keep light on the aisle floor instead of the rack tops. Aim for good vertical illuminance too, since pickers read labels on shelf faces, not just the floor. These are general targets; standards such as IES recommendations and local codes govern specific facilities.