Solving Dark Spots: Designing a UFO High Bay Lighting Layout

Solving Dark Spots: Designing a UFO High Bay Lighting Layout

Dark spots, or areas of insufficient illumination, are a common problem in large, high-ceilinged spaces like warehouses and factories.¹ They can compromise safety, reduce productivity, and make a workspace feel dull and uninviting. The solution isn't just to install more lights; it's to design a smart lighting layout using UFO high bay fixtures that ensures uniform, consistent light across the entire floor.²

Here's how to solve the dark spot problem by designing an effective UFO high bay lighting layout.

1. Understanding Uniformity: The Key to a Good Layout

Uniformity is the ratio of minimum light level to the average light level across a space. In a perfectly uniform layout, this ratio would be 1:1, but in reality, a target of 0.6:1 or higher is considered excellent for most industrial and commercial applications.

• Scientific Principle: Lighting designers use specialized software to create a photometric layout, which is a virtual map of a space showing how light will be distributed. This plan is based on the fixture's beam angle and lumen output to ensure consistent light levels without dark spots or hot spots (areas of excessive brightness).

• The Problem with Dark Spots: Dark spots often occur when fixtures are spaced too far apart.³ Light spreads out from a central point, and if the coverage areas don't overlap sufficiently, you'll get areas of low illumination between fixtures.

   

2. The Spacing-to-Mounting-Height Rule

One of the most effective and simplest methods for designing a uniform layout is the spacing-to-mounting-height rule. This rule helps you determine the ideal distance between fixtures.

• Scientific Principle: A fixture's beam angle is a key factor in this rule. A wide beam angle (e.g., 120°) is designed to cover a larger area from a high mounting height, while a narrow beam angle (e.g., 60°) is better for very high ceilings where a more concentrated light is needed.⁴

   

• The Rule: A good rule of thumb is to keep the spacing between fixtures approximately equal to or less than their mounting height.

Example:

• Mounting Height: 25 feet

• Recommended Spacing: 25 feet

• This ensures the light from each fixture overlaps with its neighbors, creating a blanket of consistent illumination across the floor.

3. Step-by-Step Layout Design

Once you have your key metrics, you can design a simple layout to solve the dark spot problem.

Step 1: Calculate the Number of Fixtures:

• First, determine the total lumens needed for your space by multiplying the square footage by the desired foot-candle level.

• Next, divide the total lumens by the lumens of your chosen UFO high bay to find the total number of fixtures.⁵

   

Step 2: Plotting Your Layout:

• Imagine your space as a grid. Divide the length and width by the recommended spacing (your mounting height).

• Example: A 100 ft by 50 ft warehouse with a 25 ft mounting height.

  • Length: 100 ft / 25 ft = 4 rows

  • Width: 50 ft / 25 ft = 2 columns

  • This gives you a total of 8 fixtures arranged in a 4x2 grid.

Step 3: Adjusting for Walls and Aisleways:

• To avoid dark spots along walls, it's a good practice to place the first row of fixtures at a distance of half the spacing from the wall.

• Example: If your spacing is 25 ft, the first fixture should be 12.5 ft from the wall. This ensures the light reaches the edge of the space uniformly.

• Consider any permanent shelving or equipment that might obstruct light. Your layout should be designed to illuminate aisles and work areas, not the tops of shelves.⁶

   

By following these simple scientific and design principles, you can create a UFO high bay lighting layout that eliminates dark spots, enhances visual clarity, and creates a safer, more productive environment.