Are you in the market for a high bay light that can be used to illuminate large indoor spaces? If so, you might have come across the terms ufo high bay and Linear High Bay, two of the most common lighting fixtures used in large commercial buildings and warehouses. While both fixtures can light up extensive areas, there are some critical differences between them that you should understand before making your purchase. We will discuss those differences here so you can choose the lighting fixture that is right for your application. Here’s an overview of how to choose between these two different types of fixtures
What Are UFO High Bays?
UFO high bays, or Under-hung Upright Fluorescent Light fixtures, are lighting systems typically found in commercial buildings such as warehouses and manufacturing facilities. They tend to be large fixtures that produce lots of light, but they can be bulky and difficult to install. In addition, they’re expensive—which makes them good options for businesses but not ideal for homeowners.
What Are Linear Bays?
A linear bay (or walk-in fixture) is an enclosed area used to store inventory that can be accessed directly from aisles or other direct routes. They are constructed with one wall made of glass and open in front, allowing customers to see inside from the central aisle or another vantage point. Several fixtures can be lined next to each other, creating even larger storage areas.
How to Choose Between Linear Bays and UFO High Bays?
Selecting between UFO and linear bays can be a difficult task. Each type of lighting has its own strengths and weaknesses that make it better suited to different applications. To help you choose which high bay lighting system will work best for your facility, we’ve outlined some essential differences between UFO and high linear bays. We’ll also discuss how to get started if you’re building from scratch or renovating your current facility.
• Comparison of Light Distribution Curves
UFO high bays emit a light distribution curve that’s nearly flat, meaning they uniformly distribute light from the center to the edge. This curve allows UFO high bays to avoid hot spots and provide consistent illumination across large work surfaces. On the other hand, linear high bays’ curved light distribution curve leads to a slightly higher average intensity of emitted light than a flat curve but still avoids hot spots.
• Consider Shape and Beam Sizes
Both UFO and high linear bays come in a range of sizes. When considering which shape and size are suitable for your application, consider how many lumens you’ll need to light your space, your desired energy usage and operating hours. Generally speaking, UFO fixtures tend to consume more energy than linear fixtures with equivalent brightness levels.
• Installation Costs
Before buying a UFO high bay or high linear bay, consider how much it will cost to install it. This can be an expensive part of a lighting project, and you should weigh your options carefully before making any decisions. The installation cost varies greatly depending on whether you hire a professional installer or do it yourself.
Conclusion
So, should you buy a UFO High Bay or a linear high bay for your next warehouse project? If you’re looking to save money on utilities and still want a high-quality light that will last, then we recommend going with a linear high bay. With fewer parts than a UFO system, it’s easier to maintain and needs less maintenance down the road. But if you need more control over an individual fixture or want better coverage on each of your ceiling tiles, then go with a UFO system.
