Most gyms are lit with LED high bays, protected by wire guards, mounted at the ceiling height of the space. School and recreational gyms commonly target somewhere around 30 to 50 foot-candles on the floor, with higher levels for competition play or televised events. Even light and low glare matter as much as the number.
UFO or linear high bays?
Both work. UFO high bays put a lot of light in a compact round body and are quick to hang. Linear high bays spread light more evenly along the length of the court and tend to give softer, less glary light, which players notice when they look up to track a ball. For a full comparison see UFO vs linear LED high bays.
Protect the fixtures
- Wire guards. Use guards made for the exact fixture so balls cannot knock lenses loose. Many manufacturers sell a matching guard as an accessory.
- Safety cables. Add a cable from the fixture to the structure so nothing can fall if a hanger fails.
- Impact resistant lenses. Polycarbonate holds up better than glass.
How many fixtures?
Fixture count comes from the floor area, the mounting height and the light level you are after. Our high bay count guide walks through the method, and the lighting layout calculator gives you a quick estimate. A typical high school court with 25 to 30 foot ceilings often ends up in the 20 to 40 fixture range, but run the numbers for your space.
Color, glare and controls
4000K to 5000K is the usual choice for gyms. Higher CRI helps on camera. Keep fixtures out of the direct sight lines of baskets where you can. Occupancy sensors and 0-10V dimming pay off in gyms that sit empty for hours, and many energy codes require some kind of automatic shutoff.
Common questions
How many foot-candles does a gym need?
School and recreational gyms commonly target around 30 to 50 foot-candles. Competition and televised venues need more.
Do gym lights need wire guards?
Yes, in any space where balls are in play. Use a guard matched to the fixture and add safety cables.
What color temperature is best for a gym?
4000K to 5000K is the most common choice for gyms.
Shop LED high bays, UFO high bays, linear high bays and guards and accessories. Questions? Contact us or call 845-681-2684.
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