High Bay LED Lighting
Industrial Low Bay Lighting
Industrial Strip Lights
Vapor Tight Lighting
LED Shop Lights
Hazardous Area / Explosion Proof Lighting
Loading Dock Lights
Construction / Portable Lighting
Industrial Ceiling Fans
LED Work Lights
Clearance
Troffer Lights
LED Flat Panel Lights
Drop Ceiling Lights
Suspended LED Lights
Exit / Emergency
Wrap Lighting Fixtures
Gooseneck and Barn Lights
Commercial Stairway Lighting
Hospital Bed Lights
Commercial Sign Lights
UV Disinfecting Lights & Air Purifier Fixtures
Recessed Lighting
Wafer Lighting
RGB LED Lights
Grow Lights
Refrigeration Lighting
LED Flood Lights
Outdoor Wall Lights
LED Area Lights
Parking Lot Lights & Poles
Outdoor Post Top Lights
LED Stadium Lighting
Canopy Lights
Security Lights
LED Bollard Lights
Solar Powered LED Lighting
Dusk to Dawn Lights
Landscape Lighting
Outdoor String Lights
Coastal Wildlife Lighting
Outdoor House Lights
Ceiling Fans
Ceiling Lights
Chandelier Lights
Pendant Lighting
Island Lights
Track Lighting
Under Cabinet Lighting
Vanity Lights
Wall Sconces
LED Tape Lights
LED Light Bulbs
LED Tube Lights
LED Corn Lights
Vintage LED Bulbs
Decorative LED Bulbs
Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Metal Halide Lamps
Shatterproof Light Bulbs
LED Magnetic Strip Retrofit Kits
LED Strip Light Retrofit Kits
High Bay LED Retrofit Kits
LED Troffer Retrofit Kits
LED Wall Pack Retrofit
LED Street Light Retrofit Kits
Recessed Lighting LED Retrofit Kits
CFL Ballasts
Electronic Halide Ballast
Emergency Ballasts & Inverters
Fluorescent Ballasts
LED Drivers
High Pressure Sodium Ballasts
Metal Halide (HID) Ballasts
Pulse Start Metal Halide Ballasts
Electric Vehicle Chargers
Ballasts & Drivers
Electrical Supplies
Electrical Tools
Switches & Receptacles
Hand Dryers
Electrical Power Cords
Sensors and Timers
Smart Home Automation
High Bay Occupancy Sensors
Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights
Walkway Lights
Office Lights
Gym Lighting
Exterior Building Lights
Sports Lighting
Hospital Lights
Airport Lights
Classroom Lights
Factory Lights
Restaurant Lights
Corridor Lights
Church Lights
What Is the Difference Between an HID and LED Light?
The first step in comparing LED versus HID is to fully understand the difference between these two lighting options. Obviously, each is a type of light bulb/fixture. They both come in high bay styles, and the installation process is relatively similar for them. Below, you'll find out the definition of each so you can see their differences.
What Is an HID Light?
HID stands for High Intensity Discharge. The broad term "HID" is used to describe any gas-discharge light — the traditional form lighting that probably pops into your head when you think of a light bulb. The light within is produced by an electrical arc that forms between two conductors within an ionized gas. HID light bulbs have to warm up to their full intensity because of the changing conditions inside the bulb. Additionally, HID light bulbs have voltage requirements, and they require more volts over time due to the slow degradation of materials, making them less efficient throughout their lifespan.
What Is an LED Light?
An LED light is a Light Emitting Diode, meaning it produces electricity through an anode and cathode. The materials that make up these diodes are typically semiconductive, meaning they will conduct electricity under the correct circumstances. Visible light is produced when a current flows through these materials. The nature of these materials means they last longer, and are thus more efficient throughout their use, a major point of comparison between HID and LED.
LED vs. HID High Bay Light Varieties
There have been many advancements in lighting technology over the years and each type has its own advantages and disadvantages over the other. In comparing HID versus LED lighting, however, modern LED lighting tends to outperform all other types in every way. Let's run down the basics regarding the older HID technologies when used for high bay lighting applications:
Metal Halide (MH) High Bay HID Lighting Fixtures
Metal halides were once the gold standard for high bay lighting. They provided good color rendering, color temperature and lumen output in relation to other types of lighting. Their drawbacks included higher maintenance expenses, long warm-up times and too much energy wasted as heat. They would also begin to flicker on and off when they began to fail.
High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) High Bay HID Lighting Fixtures
HPS lights used to be a good choice for high bay applications due to relatively high energy efficiency, cheaper start-up costs and longer life. Their drawbacks included poor color rendering, brief warm-up times and hazardous material in the form of mercury, which made for waste disposal concerns at the end of their life.
Fluorescent High Bay HID Lighting Fixtures
Fluorescent high bay HID lighting fixtures would typically utilize linear lamps which were easy to replace when old ones would reach the end of their lifespan. Their benefits included cheaper cost, longer life and higher efficiency than other HIDs. Their drawbacks included decreased lifetime if frequently turned on and off and (like HPS) hazardous contents, including mercury, making them difficult and dangerous to throw away. They also required a ballast in order to stabilize the light.
How LED Improves on HID Light Fixture Options
In comparing HID and LED lighting technology, the latter has developed to the point that it can overcome most of the drawbacks of the technologies previously listed.
- LED lighting quality is superior in terms of color rendering, color temperature and lumen output (compared to wattage used). These lights don't deteriorate or fade over time like HIDs do.
- LED lights have a much longer lifespan which means that they need to be replaced less frequently than HID varieties. This is particularly important when it comes to high bay lighting which requires lifts or scaffolding to reach the fixtures for removal and installation.
- Although LED lighting is more expensive at the point of purchase, the price difference is more than made up in the long term due to the fact that they consume much less energy than an HID light fixture. This saves on utility costs over time, and they also don't waste energy emitted as heat.
- Finally, the types of HID lights listed above are omnidirectional, which means that they produce a 360-degree output. With high bay light fixtures, the light needs to be directed down and out towards the floor. Much of this is wasted or needs to be directed using a reflector. LED high bay lights have a more concentrated light beam which means that nothing is wasted. Plus, they don't need to warm up like HIDs do.
Are There Any Advantages of HID vs. LED?
HID light fixture technology has stood the test of time. While not as efficient as LED, HID lights still offer high intensity and can provide lighting over large areas. Plus, the quality of light they produce is still quite strong. However, the only real advantage of HID versus LED is that HID lighting is much more affordable.
Are There Any Drawbacks to LED vs. HID Light Fixtures?
In general, comparing LED versus HID will make it seem like LED is the clear winner — and essentially it is. That doesn't mean high bay HID lighting fixtures are bad; they just aren't quite as good. The only real drawback to LED is that the upfront cost is almost always significantly higher.
Find The Light Fixture You Need at Warehouse-Lighting.com
Both HID and LED lights have their strong points. That said, comparing HID versus LED will likely lead you to consider LEDs first and foremost. Whether you want a high bay LED or HID light fixture, trust Warehouse-Lighting.com to help you find it — at the best price possible.
SHOP FOR WAREHOUSE & INDUSTRIAL LIGHTING FIXTURES
Condor G3 Premium 2FT LED High Bay, 85 Watt, 11475 Lumens, 4000K, Comparable to 4 lamp T5, 6 Lamp 32W T8 or 250 watt HID
Condor G3 Premium 2FT LED Linear High Bay Fixture, 85 Watt, 11560 Lumens, 5000K, Comparable to 4 lamp T5, 6 Lamp 32W T8 or 250 watt HID
Aries G3 LED UFO High Bay, 80/100/150 Wattage Selectable, 120-277V, 21,000 Lumen, CCT Selectable, Black Finish, Comparable to 320-400 Watt Fixture
Aries LED UFO High Bay, 100 Watt, 120-277V, 15000 Lumen, 4000K, White Finish, 2023 Best Seller
Browse our vast collection of LED linear high bay lights at Warehouse-Lighting.com. Linear high bay LED lights are a practical and affordable alternative replacement to fluorescent lighting. These linear LED high bay fixtures use 80 percent less energy and lasting over 100,000 hours and are maintenance free. Order your linear high bay LED lights fixtures from Warehouse Lighting today.
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At Warehouse Lighting, experts will help you shop for LED UFO high bay lights online. Round UFO LED high bay lights offer a great alternative to traditional metal halides. They are designed to last up to 100,000 hours, keeping you working and not worrying about replacing lights. UFO fixtures can have hook-type mounting for easy fixture upgrades or can be wired with energy-saving sensors with a plug and cord as an option. Order LED UFO high bay lights from Warehouse Lighting today!
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Order high bay LED lights and industrial light fixtures from Warehouse Lighting. LED high bay lights can illuminate your commercial warehouse, shop, or storefront while providing safety, value, and energy efficiency for large spaces. Buy LED high bay lighting at unbeatable prices and start saving today!
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Warelight Contour High Bay Light Fixture
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Larson Electronics Explosion Proof LED High Bay
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When choosing lighting solutions, it is always helpful to have a basic understanding of the different elements of lighting. When it comes to the difference between T5 and T8 high bay light...
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The Differences Between Metal Halide Lights & Energy Efficient High Bay Lights
When changing out your lighting fixtures, there are many options available and it can become overwhelming. Many people want to change from fluorescent to something a little bit more powerf...
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The Differences Between Metal Halide Lights & Energy Efficient High Bay Lights
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