Explosion Proof High Bay & Low Bay Lighting: Complete Guide
Warehouses, process units and fabrication halls need strong, even light from height — and in a hazardous area, that means certified explosion proof high bay and low bay lighting. Like every fixture in our range, these fittings meet the ATEX/IECEx standards covered in our ATEX lighting guide.
High Bay vs Low Bay: What’s the Difference?
High bay fixtures are designed for mounting heights above roughly 6–7 metres — think process towers, tall warehouses and fabrication halls — and use tighter beam angles to project light effectively over distance. Low bay fixtures suit ceiling heights below that, spreading light more broadly for pump rooms, workshops and maintenance bays.
Why Explosion Proof Ratings Matter Here
High and low bay fixtures often run at higher wattages to cover large areas, which means more heat generation to manage safely. In a Zone 1/2 or Zone 21/22 environment, that heat and any internal electrical fault must stay fully contained — which is exactly what ATEX/IECEx certification verifies.
Where They’re Used
- Warehouses and distribution centres handling hazardous materials
- Process units, pump rooms and compressor stations
- Fabrication halls and maintenance workshops
- Manufacturing and heavy industrial buildings
Choosing the Right Fixture
- Mounting height — match high bay or low bay to your actual ceiling/structure height.
- Lumen output (lm/W efficacy) — higher efficacy reduces both energy use and heat load.
- Beam angle — narrower for high mounting, wider for low mounting and general area coverage.
- Zone and temperature class — confirm the fixture is rated for your site’s exact classification.
- IP rating — IP66 is common for industrial and process environments.
Explosion Proof High Bay & Low Bay FAQs
What mounting height needs a high bay fixture?
Generally above 6–7 metres, though this varies by fixture — check the manufacturer’s recommended mounting range for the lumen output you need.
Can I use a low bay fixture in a tall warehouse?
You can, but light will spread less effectively at height — a high bay fixture with a tighter beam is usually the better fit above 6–7 metres.
What zone classification do process units typically need?
Most GCC process units and pump rooms are classified Zone 1 or Zone 2 — confirm with your site’s hazardous area classification study.
Do explosion proof high bay lights cost more to run than standard LED?
Certified fixtures use the same high-efficacy LED technology as standard fittings; the certification affects housing and construction, not the light source efficiency.
Can you help size the right fixture for my facility?
Contact Daly Middle East with your ceiling height, area size and zone classification, and our team will recommend suitable options.
Browse our explosion proof high & low bay lighting range, see our flood lights buying guide, or return to the explosion-proof lighting supplier page.