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How to Size Wall Pack Lights (HID→LED Replacement Chart)

This resource explains wall pack lights—specifically how to size them correctly using an HID→LED replacement table, how cutoff styles affect distribution and glare, which specs to prioritize (lumens, efficacy, CCT, sensors), and how certifications impact rebates and compliance. It includes a detailed HID→LED comparison chart, a sizing checklist, and practical use-case recommendations.

Last updated: August 2025

Educational Guide UL • DLC • Title 24 • IP/IK Written for Facilities & Specifiers

 Quick Picks

Start With Output

  • Match by lumens, not watts (LED is directional).
  • Use the HID→LED chart to pick a lumen band.
  • Selectable wattage lets you tune on site.

Choose Distribution

  • Full cutoff: Zero uplight, glare control.
  • Forward-throw: Push light 2–3× mounting height.
  • Shield/visor: Trim spill near windows/roads.

Lock Compliance

  • Photocell + motion for energy codes.
  • DLC for rebates; UL wet outdoors.
  • CCT: 3000K (softer) • 4000K (neutral) • 5000K (crisp).

Sizing Basics (HID→LED & Why Lumens)

Right-sizing isn’t watt-for-watt. A 35–100W LED can outperform a 70–250W HID because LEDs send light where you need it and hold their output over time. Start by identifying the legacy HID wattage and the mounting height, then choose an LED lumen band from the chart. Fine-tune for distribution (full-cutoff vs forward-throw), color temperature, and controls.

  • Lumens first: Pick a lumen band that matches the job (door vs dock vs lot edge).
  • Distribution drives perception: Forward-throw LEDs can meet target illuminance with fewer lumens than “spray” optics.
  • Mean vs initial lumens: HID drops fast; LEDs maintain output—size to maintained light levels.
Highlight: A simple rule of thumb for coverage is ≈ 2× mounting height (broad beams). At 20 ft, expect ~40 ft effective reach; go forward-throw if you need more.

Mounting Height & Spacing Essentials

Height changes coverage, on-ground brightness, and glare. Use these starting points, then verify after dark and adjust aim/sensor settings.

  • 8–12 ft: 1,500–3,000 lm; 20–30 ft spacing; full-cutoff near windows.
  • 10–15 ft: 3,000–6,000 lm; 30–40 ft spacing; balanced cutoff vs reach.
  • 15–25 ft: 8,000–20,000 lm; 40–60 ft spacing; forward-throw for docks/lots.

Spacing Cheatsheet

Application Mounting Height Lumens / Fixture Starting Spacing (OC) Notes
Doorways & Short Walkways 8–12 ft 1,500–3,000 20–30 ft Overlap slightly for continuous paths.
Perimeter / Façade 12–18 ft 3,000–6,000 30–45 ft Stagger near corners/alcoes.
Loading Docks 15–20 ft 6,000–12,000 One per bay or 30–40 ft Forward-throw; manage driver glare.
Parking Lot Edge 18–25 ft 10,000–18,000 40–60 ft Beyond ~2–3× height, add poles.
High-Security / CCTV 20–25 ft 15,000–24,000 ≤ 2 × height Overlap for uniformity & recognition.

HID→LED Replacement Chart

Use this to translate legacy HID wall packs to practical LED ranges. Size within the band, then select optics and controls for your site.

Legacy HID System Watts / Typical Lumens LED Replacement (W) LED Lumens (approx.) Typical Uses
70W MH/HPS ~85W / 5,000–6,000 20–35W 2,000–4,500 8–12 ft doors, short walks
100W MH/HPS ~129W / 8,000–9,000 35–50W 4,500–6,500 10–15 ft façades, small lots
150W MH ~186W / 12,000–15,000 60–90W 8,000–12,000 12–18 ft perimeters
175W MH ~210W / 14,000–16,000 80–100W 10,000–13,000 15–20 ft docks
250W MH ~290W / ~20,000 100–150W 14,000–18,000 18–25 ft lot edges
320W PSMH ~364W / 25,000–30,000 150–180W 18,000–22,000 20–25 ft large perimeters
400W MH ~460W / 24,000–36,000* 150–200W 18,000–24,000 20–30 ft long façades

*Metal halide loses output quickly—size to maintained light, not just initial lumens.

Sizing & Controls Checklist

Use this checklist to lock in the right combination before you buy.

Decision Best Practice When to Choose
Lumen Band Pick from HID→LED table Match door/perimeter/lot needs; avoid over-lighting
Distribution Full-cutoff or forward-throw Cutoff for neighbors/dark sky; forward-throw for reach
CCT 3000K / 4000K / 5000K Warm near residences; neutral general; cool for security
Controls Photocell + motion (bi-level) Code compliance, energy savings, hands-off operation
Emergency 90-min battery or separate egress At exit discharge / required paths
Ratings UL wet, DLC, IP65+, IK as needed Outdoor exposure, rebates, vandal-prone sites
Adjustability Selectable wattage/CCT Tune on site without re-specifying

Use-Case Sizing Recipes

  • Entry Doors (8–12 ft): 1,500–3,000 lm; full-cutoff; 3000–4000K; photocell standard; motion optional for bi-level.
  • General Perimeter (12–18 ft): 3,000–6,000 lm; cutoff or wide; 4000K; photocell + motion; 30–45 ft spacing.
  • Loading Docks (15–20 ft): 6,000–12,000 lm; forward-throw; 4000–5000K; visor if driver glare; one per bay.
  • Parking Edge (18–25 ft): 10,000–18,000 lm; forward-throw; 4000–5000K; 40–60 ft spacing; add poles beyond ~2–3× height.
  • High-Security/CCTV (20–25 ft): 15,000–24,000 lm; cutoff or controlled forward-throw; 4000–5000K; spacing ≤ 2× height; overlap beams.

7-Step Workflow

  1. Identify legacy HID and mounting height (or target area if new).
  2. Choose LED lumen band from the chart.
  3. Select distribution (cutoff vs forward-throw).
  4. Lay out spacing; tighten for uniformity/security.
  5. Pick CCT and add photocell + motion.
  6. Verify UL/DLC/Title 24/IP/IK; confirm rebate path.
  7. Night test: aim, sensor timeouts, selectable wattage tuning.

Certifications & Rebates

  • UL Listed (Wet): Outdoor safety/construction.
  • DLC (Std/Premium): Efficiency/quality; often required for utility incentives.
  • Title 24 (CA): Photocell + motion (bi-level) typically required ≤ ~24 ft mounting.
  • IP/IK: IP65+ for weather; IK for impact resistance in tough sites.
  • Egress: Provide 90-minute illumination at exit discharge (integral EM or separate egress lighting).

Pro tip: Field-selectable wattage/CCT models simplify plan review, help meet dark-sky targets (use ≤4000K), and maximize rebate eligibility.

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