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Choosing the Right LED High Bay Lights for High School Gymnasiums: UFO-Style vs. Linear
Selecting the right lighting for high school gymnasiums is a crucial decision that influences both functionality and aesthetics. Among the popular options on the market today are UFO-style round LED high bays and linear LED high bays. Each type offers distinct advantages and drawbacks, and the optimal choice hinges on several factors, including the specific demands of the space, the kinds of sports that will be played, and budgetary constraints. This article delves into the merits and demerits of both, incorporating the latest industry trends to help guide you toward a well-informed decision.
## UFO-Style Round LED High Bays
UFO high bays represent a contemporary lighting solution defined by their circular, saucer-like design, reminiscent of a flying saucer. Primarily used in high-ceiling industrial and commercial environments like warehouses and factories, these fixtures come equipped with LED technology, ensuring high luminosity and energy efficiency. Their compact structure simplifies installation and promotes uniform illumination across expansive areas, enhancing both visibility and safety. Built to endure tough conditions, they are highly durable, making them a cost-effective option over time due to their extended lifespan and minimal maintenance requirements. With their broad beam angles and compatibility with control systems for dimming and light management, they serve as a versatile option for diverse settings.
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### Advantages:
- **Compact Design**: UFO-style high bays are typically more compact, making them easier to install. Their smaller form factor is particularly advantageous in high-ceiling spaces where installation can pose a challenge.
- **Uniform Light Distribution**: These lights often provide a more consistent light distribution, which is essential for sports requiring even lighting across the playing area. The focused light output can be particularly effective in high-ceiling environments.
- **Durability**: UFO-style high bays are robust and can withstand impacts better, an important consideration in a gymnasium where balls or other equipment might hit the lights. Their durability ensures longevity.
- **Cost-Effectiveness**: Given their compact size, the latest models of UFO-style high bays are usually less expensive than their linear counterparts when comparing similar light output. This makes them a budget-friendly choice for cost-conscious projects.
### Disadvantages:
- **Aesthetic Concerns**: The design of UFO-style high bays may not appeal to everyone. They might not align well with certain architectural styles, limiting their versatility in terms of aesthetics.
- **Glare Issues**: A significant downside of UFO-style high bays is the potential for glare. Since the light emanates from a single, concentrated point, it can create glare problems, especially in sports where players frequently look upwards. This can be distracting and potentially dangerous during fast-paced activities.
## Linear LED High Bays
Linear LED high bays are a type of lighting fixture designed to illuminate large indoor spaces with high ceilings, such as warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and gymnasiums. Unlike the compact, saucer-shaped UFO high bay, the linear LED high bay features an elongated, rectangular design, enabling broader and more uniform light distribution across a wide area. This configuration is particularly beneficial in spaces where precise control over lighting distribution is necessary, as it helps minimize shadows and dark spots. Moreover, linear LED high bays often include modular designs, offering greater flexibility in lighting arrangements and facilitating seamless integration with various control systems. Their sleek profile also tends to blend more harmoniously with modern architectural designs, providing a more aesthetic and streamlined appearance compared to the more industrial look of UFO high bays.
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### Advantages:
- **Design Flexibility**: Linear high bays offer more adaptability in terms of design and can be arranged in various configurations to suit the space. This flexibility allows for more innovative lighting solutions.
- **Even Light Distribution**: The larger surface area of linear high bays aids in distributing light more evenly across a wide space, reducing hotspots and shadows. This is particularly advantageous in gymnasiums where consistent lighting is vital for sports activities.
- **Reduced Glare**: A larger surface area can also minimize glare, which is crucial in settings where people frequently look up. This makes them a strong choice for sports that require players to gaze upwards.
### Disadvantages:
- **Installation Challenges**: The larger form factor may make installation more complex or time-consuming compared to the more compact UFO-style high bays. This could potentially raise labor costs.
- **Cost**: Due to their larger size, linear LED high bays are generally pricier than UFO-style high bays when comparing similar light output. This could be a decisive factor for budget-conscious projects.
## Sport-Specific Considerations
### Sports Benefiting from Reduced Glare
Sports like basketball, volleyball, and badminton often involve players looking upwards, making glare a significant issue. For these sports, linear LED high bays with their decreased glare and even light distribution can be a more suitable choice.
### Sports Less Affected by Glare
Conversely, sports such as wrestling, gymnastics, and indoor track and field are less likely to be impacted by glare from overhead lights. In these cases, the concentrated light output from UFO-style high bays may be more appropriate.
## Additional Considerations
### Existing Mounting Options
If your project involves replacing existing high bays, it’s essential to consider how those fixtures are currently mounted. Using a fixture that can be installed in the same manner will significantly reduce installation costs. For instance, if the current fixtures are mounted from a rigid stem, it may be simpler to replace them with a UFO-style high bay that can be mounted to the same stem. Although linear high bay fixtures often have stem mounting options, the single point of support for a relatively larger fixture may make it more prone to damage if hit by a ball.
### Ceiling Height
Higher ceilings may benefit more from UFO-style high bays due to their more concentrated light output. However, the specific needs of the space should be carefully evaluated.
### Energy Efficiency
Both types are generally energy-efficient, but specific models may offer more lumens per watt. To maximize the project's impact, it's crucial to compare the efficiency ratings of different models, even if they have the same input wattage. You might discover that a slightly more expensive fixture provides more light output with the same or lower input wattage.
### Maintenance
LED high bays, whether UFO-style or linear, typically have integrated LEDs that don’t require bulb replacements. The entire unit is replaced once it reaches the end of its operational life, which is usually around 50,000 hours or more. Your choice of fixture may be influenced by how easy it is to replace, depending on your specific needs.
## Conclusion
There isn’t a universal solution when it comes to choosing between UFO-style and linear LED high bays for high school gyms. The best choice will depend on your unique requirements, the activities taking place in the gymnasium, and your budget. By weighing the pros and cons of each type and considering the specific sports that will be played, you can make a more informed decision that benefits both athletes and spectators. If you’d like to discuss your gym lighting project and receive tailored recommendations, feel free to contact us.
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**Written by Ray De Varona**
**September 2, 2023**