Weatherproof batten and high bay lights: where to use them and how to choose

Written by Engin Demirel · Electrical technician, master instructor · 12 years of experience

Short answer: A weatherproof (vapour-proof) batten is an LED fitting protected against dust and water, usually to IP65, used in damp and dusty places such as car parks, warehouses, basements, garages, cold rooms and wash areas. For ceilings of 6 m and higher (factories, warehouses, sports halls), high-power high bay lights are used, with power, beam angle and spacing chosen for the mounting height and the required lux level.

Weatherproof batten

Protection: at least IP65 (dust-tight, resistant to water jets) and IK08 or higher impact resistance; body and diffuser are usually polycarbonate.
Length and power: common lengths are 60, 120 and 150 cm, mostly 18–60 W; a 120 cm LED batten is typically around 36 W.
Typical uses: covered car parks, stores, basements and shelters, garages, plant rooms, farm buildings, car washes and cold rooms.
Options: emergency kit (keeps lighting for a set time during a power cut), motion sensor and DALI dimming. Cold rooms need low-temperature drivers; chemical environments (ammonia, chlorine) need a body rated for them.

High bay lights

High-power fittings for high-ceiling spaces such as factories, warehouses, logistics centres, sports halls and showrooms. Two main types:

Round (UFO) high bay: common in open areas and production halls; 100–200 W and up.
Linear high bay: spreads light along aisles and long areas.

### Choosing the beam angle

8–12 m and higher: 60° narrow beam delivers light to the floor.
5–8 m: 90°.
Lower ceilings or wide areas: 120°.
Racking aisles: narrow or elliptical (aisle) optics that also light the rack faces.

### How many watts and how many fittings?

As a starting point, roughly 100 W at 6 m, 150 W at 8 m and around 200 W at 10 m and above; spacing is usually 1–1.5 times the mounting height. The exact number follows from a lighting calculation based on the area and required illuminance.

### How much light is needed?

EN 12464-1 gives guide values for workplaces: about 100–150 lux in stores and stockrooms, 300 lux for packing and dispatch, and 300–500 lux or more for assembly and manufacturing depending on the fineness of the work, with limited glare (UGR) and a CRI of at least 80.

Switching from old fittings to LED

Replacing metal halide or fluorescent fittings with LED battens and high bays cuts consumption considerably, gives full light instantly and reduces maintenance. Sensors and DALI dimming by daylight and occupancy add further savings.

In Bursa, ENGN provides lighting calculations, luminaire selection and installation for factories, warehouses, car parks and residential sites.

Frequently asked questions

What is a weatherproof batten?

An LED fitting protected against dust and water, usually IP65, also called vapour-proof or tri-proof.

Where are weatherproof battens used?

In damp, dusty or impact-prone areas such as covered car parks, warehouses, basements, garages, plant rooms, farm buildings, car washes and cold rooms.

How many watts is a weatherproof batten?

Mostly 18–60 W depending on length; a 120 cm LED batten is typically around 36 W.

What wattage high bay do I need?

As a starting point about 100 W at 6 m, 150 W at 8 m and 200 W at 10 m and above. The exact power and number come from a lighting calculation.

How do I choose the high bay beam angle?

60° for high ceilings (8–12 m+), 90° for 5–8 m and 120° for low ceilings or wide areas; narrow or elliptical optics for racking aisles.

How many lux does a warehouse need?

Under EN 12464-1, about 100–150 lux in stores and stockrooms and 300 lux for packing and dispatch.