Warehouse lighting design: what a DIALux calculation should prove

A warehouse is more than one open floor

A useful warehouse calculation separates operational zones. Receiving, storage aisles, picking areas, packing benches and loading bays often need different targets and different visual conditions.

In DIALux, the model should reflect rack heights, aisle geometry, mounting height and the surfaces people actually work on. An average lux value alone does not show whether the light is usable where staff pick, scan or move goods.

High-bay selection starts with distribution

Wattage is not a layout strategy. The photometric distribution, mounting height, spacing and aiming determine whether a high-bay luminaire creates consistent coverage or bright pools with dark gaps.

For racked storage, vertical light on rack faces can be as important as horizontal light at floor level. A calculation helps compare wide, narrow and aisle optics before equipment is ordered.

What to request in a warehouse lighting study

Provide a plan, clear height, rack dimensions, operating zones, target illuminance, preferred luminaires and any daylight or emergency-lighting requirements. Clean information shortens the calculation process and makes the results easier to trust.