What does warehouse LED lighting cost? This guide covers high bay LED fittings at £15 to £40 per fitting installed, lux level requirements, emergency lighting, lighting controls, and realistic project costs for electricians and facilities managers.
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Warehouse lighting is one of the most significant electrical costs in industrial premises. The shift from traditional HID (metal halide and SON) fittings to LED high bays has transformed the economics of warehouse lighting — reducing energy consumption by 50% to 70% and dramatically improving light quality and controllability.
Whether you are a warehouse operator planning a lighting upgrade, a facilities manager comparing quotations, or an electrical contractor pricing a warehouse lighting project, this guide provides realistic per-fitting costs and practical guidance based on current UK market rates.
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LED high bay fittings have replaced metal halide and SON fittings in almost all new warehouse lighting projects. They offer superior light output per watt, instant start, excellent dimming capability, and lifespans of 50,000 to 100,000 hours.
Installation costs include mounting (chain suspension, bracket, or direct fix), connection to the lighting circuit, and basic commissioning. They do not include the distribution wiring from the board to the circuit junction points.
The required lux level determines the number and specification of fittings needed. Lux levels for workplaces are specified in BS EN 12464-1:2021.
A professional lighting design using DIALux or Relux software should be produced for every warehouse lighting project. This ensures compliance with BS EN 12464-1 and prevents disputes about light levels after installation.
Emergency lighting is a legal requirement in all warehouse premises under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The system must comply with BS 5266-1 and be designed to illuminate escape routes and high-risk areas in the event of a mains power failure.
Self-contained emergency luminaires with integral batteries are the most common choice for warehouses. LED self-contained emergency fittings cost £30 to £80 each installed. High bay emergency fittings for mounting heights above 6 metres cost £80 to £150 each. 3-hour duration is standard for most premises.
Central battery systems supply emergency power to dedicated emergency luminaires or conversion kits built into standard fittings. Costs £5,000 to £15,000 for a typical warehouse system. More expensive to install but easier to maintain and test. The battery life is longer and more predictable than individual batteries.
Emergency lighting in warehouses costs approximately £3 to £8 per square metre depending on the system type and the complexity of the escape routes. A 1,000m² warehouse typically requires 15 to 25 emergency luminaires plus illuminated exit signs.
Lighting controls are essential for reducing energy consumption in warehouses. A well-designed control system can reduce lighting energy costs by 40% to 60%.
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Here is a summary of realistic total costs per fitting installed, including the fitting, wiring, mounting, controls, and commissioning.
Elec-Mate's quoting app handles fitting schedules, per-fitting installation rates, and control system costing.
Try it free for 7 daysWarehouse lighting installations must comply with several standards and regulations:
An Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) must be issued for new lighting installations. Emergency lighting requires a separate commissioning certificate and an ongoing test log to BS 5266-1.
Warehouse lighting projects are profitable work that showcases your ability to deliver energy-efficient commercial installations. Here are tips for quoting these projects:
Always base your quote on a proper lighting design calculation. Most LED manufacturers (Thorlux, Tamlite, Philips) offer free lighting design services. The design gives you exact fitting quantities and positions, eliminating guesswork from your quote.
Calculate the energy saving and payback period for the client. A warehouse replacing 25 x 400W metal halide fittings with 25 x 150W LED high bays saves approximately 6,250W — at 12 hours/day, 260 days/year, that is roughly 19,500 kWh per year or £5,850 at 30p/kWh. Present this in your quote.
Factor in access equipment costs. Warehouse high bay installation typically requires a MEWP (mobile elevating work platform) at £150 to £300 per day hire. IPAF certification is required for operators. Include this in your quote as a separate line item.
Elec-Mate's quoting app handles per-fitting pricing, access equipment, controls, and emergency lighting as separate line items.
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