When it comes to lighting large indoor spaces, LED high bay lights have quickly become the go-to solution across New Zealand. With their high efficiency, long lifespan, and superior light quality, they already outperform traditional metal halide and fluorescent fixtures. Add dimming functionality, and these fixtures become even more versatile—delivering not just brightness but also flexibility, comfort, and energy savings.
Warehouses and Distribution Centres
Warehouses often run around the clock, and lighting can make up a large chunk of energy costs. Dimmable high bay LEDs provide strong, even light for busy periods and can be dimmed during quieter times, or when motion sensors detect no activity. The result? Safer working conditions and significant cost savings.
Retail Stores and Supermarkets
High ceilings in retail environments demand powerful lighting, but that doesn’t mean it has to be harsh. Dimmable LEDs let retailers adjust brightness to highlight products, create atmosphere, and reduce energy use when natural daylight does the job. In a competitive retail scene, the right lighting helps boost both aesthetics and sales.
Sports complex and Gymnasiums
From community sports halls to large stadiums, lighting needs change based on activity. Training sessions might require bright, focused light, while events benefit from flexible dimming to set the mood. LED high bays with dimming offer the adaptability needed to serve both athletes and spectators.
Manufacturing Facilities
Factories and workshops often require task-specific lighting—bright for precision work, softer for general operations. Dimmable LEDs make it easy to tailor lighting levels, reduce glare, and enhance worker comfort and safety. Their durability also means less maintenance in tough industrial environments.
Convention and Exhibition Centres
These venues host everything from trade shows to cultural events. With dimmable LED high bays, organisers can create the right ambience—whether that’s bright and functional for exhibitions or softer for evening gatherings. The flexibility makes a huge difference in multi-purpose spaces.
Churches and Places of Worship
Churches and other religious venues often feature high ceilings and multi-purpose areas used for both worship and community activities. Dimmable high bay LEDs allow bright illumination during services while enabling softer, ambient lighting for prayer, weddings, or social gatherings.
Event Centres and Meeting Places
From local town halls to conference facilities, flexible lighting is key. Dimmable LEDs make it simple to shift between bright settings for presentations and softer tones for networking or social events. Their energy efficiency also helps councils and organisations save on running costs.
Movie Theatres and Entertainment Venues
Cinemas require precise control over lighting—bright for cleaning and seating, dimmed during trailers, and nearly off during the film. Dimmable LED high bays deliver smooth, flicker-free transitions, enhancing the audience experience while cutting down on energy use compared to older fixtures.
Agriculture and Horticulture
Lighting isn’t just for people—it’s for plants and animals too. In greenhouses and barns across New Zealand, dimmable LEDs provide adjustable light that supports plant growth cycles and improves animal wellbeing. Farmers also benefit from the reduced power bills and long-lasting performance.
Why Dimmable High Bay LEDs Are a Smart Choice
- Energy Efficiency – Lower brightness means lower power use, reducing costs.
- Extended Lifespan – Running at reduced output helps LEDs last even longer.
- Customisation – Bright for detailed tasks, softer for ambience or rest periods.
- Smart Controls – Many systems integrate with motion sensors, daylight harvesting, or digital controls (like DALI or 0–10V).
Common Dimming Methods
| eading-Edge (TRIAC) | Cuts the start of the AC waveform using TRIAC switches | Residential lighting | Affordable but may flicker with LEDs unless designed for compatibility |
| Trailing-Edge | Cuts the end of the AC waveform; uses electronic components | Retrofit LED installations | Smoother, quieter dimming than TRIAC |
| 0–10 V (Analog) | Uses a low-voltage DC control to vary brightness from 10% to 100% | Commercial, industrial, high bay | Reliable control, often leaves lights powered even if “off” |
| DALI (Digital) | Networked, addressable digital dimming with scene control | Large smart installations | Precise, scene-based control; higher cost and wiring complexity |
Recommeded Our Top Seller Dimmable High Bay LED – Sparky Shop
200W Commercial High Bay Light
- Integral selectable power
- Integral selectable CCT 3000K / 4000K / 5000K
- Robust, low profile die-cast aluminium
- IP65/IK08 body profile.
- High efficiency LED optics, with an impressive >140lm/W optical performance at 150W or 200W @ 4000K
- CRI > 80, 90° degree beam distribution, polycarbonate lens
- Integral 1-10V dimmable LED driver, complete with flex and plug for easy installation, optional inline DALI signal converter, optional plug and play corridor standby sensor
- Power/lumen settings at:
3000K : 100W/13000lm, 150W/18000lm, 200W/22000lm
4000K : 100W/14500lm, 150W/21000lm, 200W/26000lm
5000K : 100W/14000lm, 150W/19500lm, 200W/24000lm - Dimmable – YES
- Dimmer Type – 1-10V, optional SAL DALI signal converter
- Warranty – 3 Years
Lighting the Way for New Zealand
Across industries and communities, dimmable LED high bay lights are transforming the way New Zealand illuminates large spaces. They deliver not just light, but adaptability—supporting productivity, comfort, and sustainability.
Area & Lumens Guide
Commercial high bay lighting plays a vital role in keeping workplaces, venues, and community spaces safe and functional. With dimmable LED high bays, you get both efficiency and flexibility — but choosing the right setup means matching brightness, beam angle, and control type to your space.
Calculate Lumens Based on the Area & Usage
The right brightness level depends on what the space is used for. Instead of just thinking in watts, focus on lumens per square metre (lux).
Recommended Lux Levels for Commercial Spaces
| Application / Area | Recommended Lux (lumens per m²) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Facilities | 150–300 lux | Higher for detailed work, lower for bulk storage |
| Workshops | 300–700 lux | Precision assembly requires higher lux |
| Supermarkets | 500–900 lux | Bright, even lighting to showcase products |
| Gymnasiums | 300–500 lux | Higher levels for televised sports |
| Churches | 200–400 lux | Flexible dimming for ambience |
| Convention Halls | 300–500 lux | Adjustable for exhibitions vs. presentations |
| Movie Theatres | <100 lux | Very low, dimmed settings for audience comfort |
Disclaimer:
The lux levels and calculations provided in this guide are general recommendations only. Actual lighting requirements can vary depending on ceiling height, room layout, surface finishes, and the specific activities carried out in the space. Before purchasing or installing any lighting system, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified lighting specialist or registered electrician to ensure compliance with local standards and to achieve the best outcome for your project.
Match Ceiling Height to Fixture Output
- 4–6 m ceilings → Use low-power high bays (100–150 W; 15,000–20,000 lumens).
- 6–10 m ceilings → medium-power high bays (150–200 W; 20,000–30,000 lumens).
- 10–15 m ceilings → high-power high bays (200–300 W; 30,000–40,000 lumens).
- 15 m+ ceilings → Consider ultra-high output (400 W+ or clustered fixtures).
Beam Angle Selection
- Narrow (60°) → For high ceilings or focused task areas. Prevents wasted light.
- Medium (90°) → Good general choice for most warehouses and gyms.
- Wide (120°) → Best for lower ceilings or where broad, even coverage is needed.
