What Are UFO LED High Bay Lights?
UFO LED lights are a specific type of high bay fixture, named for their distinctive compact, circular "saucer" shape. A UFO high bay light is the modern replacement for old, bulky metal halide fixtures. Unlike linear high bays, which are long and rectangular, the round high bay design provides an extremely efficient and wide, circular beam of light, making it the perfect solution for open-area spaces.
These UFO shop lights are a popular choice for their simple installation, high performance, and sleek, low-profile design.
Quick Setup Guide: UFO Mounting Height & Lumens
To maintain professional light levels (30–50 footcandles) at the floor, use this table to match your ceiling height to the correct UFO output. Read more on our UFO high bay guide.
| Ceiling Height | Recommended Lumens | Replacement Equivalent |
| 12 – 15 ft | 9,000 – 15,000 lm | 250W Metal Halide |
| 15 – 20 ft | 15,000 – 22,000 lm | 400W Metal Halide |
| 20 – 30 ft | 22,000 – 36,000 lm | 750W Metal Halide |
| 30 – 45 ft | 36,000 – 65,000 lm | 1000W Metal Halide |
Why Choose a UFO High Bay Light?
While all LED high bays save energy, the UFO LED high bay light design offers unique advantages:
- Superior Thermal Management: The finned-aluminum housing acts as a massive heat sink, dissipating heat away from the LEDs. This allows the LED UFO to maintain its brightness over a 100,000-hour lifespan.
- Precision Optics: Most UFOs come with a standard 120° beam angle. However, they can be fitted with 60° or 90° reflectors/lenses to focus light in higher-ceiling environments, preventing light waste on the walls.
- Ease of Installation: Unlike heavy linear fixtures, a UFO shop light is typically a single-point hook mount. This makes them significantly faster and safer for a single technician to install via a lift.
- Compact Footprint: The low-profile design is perfect for facilities with overhead obstructions like cranes, sprinklers, or HVAC ducting.
Common Applications for UFO Lights
The wide light distribution of a UFO light makes it the ideal choice for high-ceiling spaces that are more square or open, rather than long and narrow.
- Open Warehouses: Best for general area lighting where shelving isn't blocking the circular spread.
- Manufacturing & Workshops: High-intensity output for detailed assembly and machine work.
- Gymnasiums & Hangars: Durable, impact-resistant designs that can withstand vibration and high-clearance needs.
- Retail Superstores: Clean, modern aesthetic that provides a bright, inviting atmosphere for customers.
Find Your UFO Lights at Bees Lighting
Upgrade your facility with the modern standard in industrial lighting. At Bees Lighting, we stock a wide range of UFO LED high bay light fixtures to meet any ceiling height or application. If you have questions or need a free lighting layout, contact our experts today at 855-303-0665.

