Mounting Bay Lights: An Installation Guide

Bay lights are a type of commercial light fixture that illuminate large areas with high ceilings. High bay and low bay lights make up the two categories of bay lights. The type of bay light indicates what ceiling height the fixture requires.

Low bay lights are best for ceilings between 12 and 20 feet in height. Anything higher than that, all the way up to 45 feet, requires high bay lighting.

Styles

High and low bay lights come in many different varieties, which means there are multiple ways to install them depending on the type. The two main styles of bay lights are UFO LED high bay lights and linear LED high bay lights.

• UFO high bay fixtures are round, disc-shaped lights that provide 360 degrees of illumination.
• Linear high bays are elongated, rectangular fixtures that provide long stretches of light. Linear bay lights are ideal for large spaces with aisles or lanes.

When choosing bay lights, keep in mind the ceiling height and layout of your space. First, decide whether you require low or high bay LED lights, then choose the style of fixture that would best suit your lighting needs.

Spacing

After that, you must determine how many fixtures you need to buy to light your space adequately and evenly. Spacing your fixtures a proper distance apart will prevent shadows and glare. A good rule of thumb for spacing is to place the lights as equally apart as the ceiling height. If the ceiling is 15 feet high, you can place each light 15 feet apart.

Once you’ve purchased your favored style of light in the correct quantity, it’s time to mount them to the ceiling.

For both high and low bay light fixtures, there are three main ways to mount them: surface, suspended, and recessed. Whether you can do any of these depends on the capabilities of the fixture and the ceiling type you have.

Surface mounting attaches a fixture directly to the ceiling. Fixtures with surface mounting capabilities are typically called “flush mount” fixtures because they sit flush with the ceiling. If your space has an open or industrial ceiling, surface mounting may be more difficult than with a standard flat ceiling.

Suspended mounting hangs the fixture with an apparatus such as a chain, hook, bracket, or rod. This type of installation is suitable for any kind of ceiling because of its versatile nature.

Recessed mounting is rarer and gives off a more modern appearance. Recessed fixtures tuck into the ceiling so they hide from view, which leaves only the lamp exposed. If you have a lower ceiling or limited space for low-hanging fixtures, recessed mounting could be a lighting solution for you.

Depending on the make and model, both linear and UFO LED bay lights are capable of all three types of mounting. Bay lighting manufacturers will always indicate the type of mounting a given fixture accommodates. Based on that, you can select the fixture that will mount most easily in your space.

Amongst the three types of mounting, there are many different methods of attaching the fixture to the ceiling. Here, we’ll go over the three most common installation methods: hanging, bracket, and NPT.

Disclaimers

Before proceeding with any of these installations, make sure you turn off the power supply from the main circuit panel. Dealing with wiring while active electricity runs can risk shortages and dangerous shocks.

You should also ensure that the voltage of your power source matches the voltage of your bay lights. If you’re unsure or don’t feel confident installing your lights on your own, consult a professional electrician.

Installation Methods

Hanging installation is the simplest and most common form of suspended mounting for bay lights. This type of mounting encompasses both chains and hooks as hanging apparatuses.

For hook mounting, the installation should proceed as follows:

1. First, fix the hook into the ceiling or support beam with bolts, typically included with the fixture.
2. Affix the attachment ring to the top of the fixture, either by clipping or screwing it in to the attachment point.
3. Loop the hook through the ring and ensure the fixture hangs securely.
4. Connect the power cord to the wiring in the ceiling, ensuring the ground wire, live wire, and zero wire are all connected.
5. Turn on the power supply and test your light switches to ensure the bay light works.

For chain mounting, follow these steps:

1. Attach the chain(s) to the fixture with provided clips or hooks.
2. Hang the chain from a crossbar or support beam and adjust the length to your liking. If a crossbar is not already on the ceiling, you will need to install one or find an alternative method of attaching the chain.
3. Wire the fixture to the power supply according to manufacturer instructions.
4. Turn on the power supply to make sure the lamp illuminates without issue.

Bracket installation suits UFO high bay lights best because it allows the individual fixture to tilt at different angles. To install a bracket mount, follow these instructions:

1. Drill holes in the ceiling or crossbeam and drive in the appropriate expansion screws or anchors.
2. Fit the bracket to the anchors and tighten the screws, making sure the bracket is level with the ceiling.
3. Follow the wiring instructions and connect the fixture to the main power supply.
4. Turn on the power supply at the electrical box to test the lamp. Then you can adjust the angle of the fixture so it shines in the direction you want.

Lastly, NPT installation uses a metal pipe to connect fixtures directly to the ceiling for extra durability. If your bay light has NPT mounting capabilities, follow these installation steps:

1. Attach the bracket to the fixture and unscrew the NPT nut.
2. Fix the steel pipe and the mounting bracket together, then screw down the NPT nut.
3. Connect the wiring to the main power supply and test the lights.

If your bay lights have other mounting requirements not listed here, consult the manufacturer for further instruction.

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