When it comes to spacing lights in commercial projects, it is important to understand how far apart to space the lights for proper brightness and energy efficiency. If you space the lights too far apart, you could end up with areas that are too dim. If the lights are too close together, you could end up with areas that are too bright. This is true whether you are working on large warehouses or small office spaces. Here are some guidelines to help get you started.
I’ll now share the recommended spacing in commercial spaces according to ceiling height. These are general guidelines. Your specific project may require adjustments. Generally, in high-ceiling applications, like warehouse aisles, you’d space lights about 20 to 25 feet apart. In standard rooms with regular ceiling heights, you’d divide your ceiling height by two to determine the ideal spacing. For example, if you had an 8-foot ceiling, you would space your lights 4 feet apart.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get specific. Here is the spacing you would want for some different types of lights in commercial environments.
What Is the Recommended Distance Between Lights?
The recommended lighting fixture spacing in a commercial setting is usually determined by ceiling height. The general rule is to divide the ceiling height by two. So, for example, if you have an eight-foot ceiling, you would space your lights four feet apart. This rule is meant to evenly distribute light throughout the entire space.
For spaces that have higher ceilings, especially in larger industrial or warehouse settings, you can space the lights further apart, perhaps up to 25 feet. The higher the ceiling, the more light will spread out, allowing for more separation between fixtures.
What Is the Spacing Between Shop Lights?
In a shop facility, the spacing of lights is often dictated by the amount of drop you have from the ceiling. For example, if you’re on a 13-foot ceiling and your lights are hanging down 4 feet, the optimal spacing between each fixture should be no more than 9 feet. Doing that kind of spacing helps to prevent dark spots and ensures sufficient lighting for work areas.
Another factor that affects the spacing of fixtures in shops is the type of LED light you’re using. Putting in the right type of light, high bay or low bay, can help you make sure you have the correct spacing. Always consult the product specifications for detailed recommendations.
What Is the Distance Between Two Lights in Outdoor Spaces?
When it comes to outdoor lighting, such as street lights or poles, there are different guidelines for spacing. If the poles are shorter and up to about 6 meters (20 feet), you would space the lights about 10 meters apart. If the poles are taller, you could space them anywhere from 10 to 25 meters apart, depending on the area you need to light and the intensity of light you require.
What Is the Minimum Distance Between Lighting Fixtures?
For recessed lighting or indoor commercial setups, you want to keep your fixtures 1.5 to 3 feet away from walls. That way, you don’t create bad shadows on the walls and there isn’t a really bright spot next to the walls. Also, keep the distance between fixtures consistent to look balanced and professional.
Conclusion
Spacing lighting fixtures correctly in commercial spaces is important if you want lighting to work and want to save energy. It doesn't matter whether you’re putting lights in a warehouse, office, or outside. Paying attention to the proper distances mentioned above guarantees that your space is bright, comfortable, and functional. If you’re doing a big project, I also recommend you check a lighting layout calculator. On the subject of big projects, if you are an electrical contractor working with big clients, SLG Lighting would be happy to help you price your big job.
