Tips on How to Choose the Right High Bay Lighting for Harsh Industrial Environments

High bay lighting is important for any industrial space. It gives the brightness and coverage needed for safe and efficient work. However, many high bay lights aren’t built to endure the demanding conditions in warehouses, factories, and manufacturing facilities.

That’s why it’s essential to choose purpose-built Industrial LED Lighting solutions that can handle the heat, dust, moisture, and constant use typical of these environments. Choosing the wrong product can lead to early failures, poor lighting performance, increased maintenance, and even safety or compliance issues.

Here’s how to ensure your high bay lighting is up to the job, and what to look for before making a purchase.

1. Know Your Environment

A common mistake is assuming all high bay lights perform the same across different environments. In reality, temperature, humidity, airborne particles, and even insects can all impact the lifespan and performance of your lighting.

If your high bay light is only rated to operate in environments up to 40°C, it may fail prematurely in facilities where ambient temperatures regularly exceed that. In Australia, that’s just about every factory and warehouse every hot summer day, thanks to our predominant use of metal roofing.  Warehouses with poor ventilation, manufacturing plants, and facilities with heat-generating machinery will surpass that range even more often.

What to check:

• Operating temperature range (ideally -30°C to 55°C or higher)
• IP rating for dust and moisture protection
• Material durability (aluminium alloy housing, corrosion-resistant coatings, etc.)

If your site includes food production or cold storage, you’ll also need specialised options like HACCP-Approved Industrial LED Lighting to ensure compliance with hygiene and safety standards.

2. Don’t Be Fooled by Cheap Products

Not all LED high bays are the same. Some budget options on the market may look similar but fail to meet performance standards. This is especially risky in high-demand industrial spaces, where cheap lights can lead to high failure rates, excessive maintenance, and safety hazards.

Avoid common traps like lights fitted with low-grade drivers or poor heat dissipation, as these often lead to early failures. Steer clear of products that don’t list proper test certifications, as they may not meet industry standards.  And don’t touch anything without a Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) – whilst it’s not an assurance of quality, anything without this is illegal as it has not been tested to Australian electrical safety standards.

Also, be cautious of lights with limited warranties or vague technical specifications, which can indicate low-quality manufacturing and poor long-term reliability.

To understand more about these traps, check out our blog on the common mistakes LED buyers make. It covers how to avoid costly errors when selecting industrial lighting.

3. Pay Attention to Heat Management

Heat is the enemy of LED lighting. Even if the light works at first, poor thermal design can lead to light degradation, reduced efficiency, and early failure.

High-quality high bay lights should be engineered with proper heat sinks and effective thermal design to manage heat buildup. They must also have high ambient temperature ratings to perform reliably in hot environments, which is exactly what it is like under a hot tin roof in Australian summer..

Additionally, using quality LED chips and durable drivers ensures the lights can withstand harsh industrial conditions without compromising performance or lifespan.  It is impossible to identify this by looking at a light in most cases.  But does the lamp data sheet mention any brands for drivers or the LED chips?  If every part of the lamp is from an unknown source, how can you know whether those are good-quality components or below average?

If you’re operating in an enclosed space or near heat-generating equipment, ask specifically about thermal testing and performance at higher temperatures.

4. Choose the Right Optics and Mounting for Your Space

High bay lighting isn’t one-size-fits-all. The ceiling height, the layout of your facility, and the tasks performed below all influence which beam angle and light output you’ll need.

Consider:

• Wide beam angles (e.g. 120°) for general open areas, especially on lower ceilings – there must be plenty of overlap of the light between lamps
• Special beam angles for narrow spaces such as corridors or racking aisles
• Mounting options — surface mount, chain, or hook
• Motion sensors or daylight harvesting to improve energy efficiency

Endura Light offers tailored advice based on your floor plan and usage patterns to ensure optimal light performance and coverage.

5. Work with an Industrial Lighting Specialist

General lighting suppliers or online retailers often don’t understand the specific lighting requirements of industrial spaces. That’s where many projects go wrong, especially if you’re upgrading in a live facility or trying to meet compliance requirements.

At Endura Light, we focus purely on industrial LED lighting. We work closely with facility managers, installers, and contractors across Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland to deliver high-performance solutions with long-term value.

What to Look for in High Bay Lighting for Harsh Conditions

• High ambient temperature rating (above 55°C)
• IP65 or higher for dust and moisture protection
• Durable construction with thermal management
• Custom optics and mounting to suit your space
• Specialist guidance for compliance and installation

Get the Right Advice Before You Buy

Whether you’re lighting a hot, dusty warehouse or a temperature-controlled processing plant, the Endura Light team can help you choose the right high bay lighting.

We’ll help you improve safety and visibility, reduce energy and maintenance costs, and ensure compliance with industry standards.

Call us at 1300 901 207 or contact us online for expert advice and tailored recommendations.