This resource explains commercial 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
Sizing Basics (HID→LED & Why Lumens)
Right‑sizing isn’t watt‑for‑watt. A 35–100 W LED can outperform a 70–250 W HID because LEDs send light where you need it and hold their output over time. Start by identifying the legacy HID wattage and your mounting height, then choose an LED lumen band from the chart. Fine‑tune for distribution (full‑cutoff vs forward‑throw), color temperature, and controls. This keeps glare down, improves uniformity, and meets energy goals.
- Lumens first: choose a lumen band that matches the job (door vs dock vs lot edge). LED efficacy means fewer watts for the same delivered light.
- Distribution drives perception: forward‑throw optics can reach farther with fewer lumens than “spray” beams, especially in loading aprons.
- Mean vs initial lumens: HID falls off quickly; LEDs maintain output better. Size to maintained levels so the site still works in year three.
Mounting Height, Spacing & Uniformity
Height changes coverage, on‑ground brightness, and glare. Use these starting points, then validate at night and adjust aiming/sensor settings. For deeper layout methods (including Spacing‑to‑Height Ratio), see the Wall Pack Lighting Layout & Photometric Guide.
- 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; balance cutoff vs reach.
- 15–25 ft: 8,000–20,000 lm; 40–60 ft spacing; forward‑throw for docks/lots.
Uniformity note: People notice dark pockets first. Favor even coverage over big peaks. If the Avg:Min ratio looks high on the plot, tighten spacing or step down lumen per fixture and add one more unit.
Cutoff vs Forward‑Throw (Type II/III/IV)
Pick distribution for the task and neighbors:
- Full‑cutoff: limits uplight and glare; best near residences/campuses and for dark‑sky goals.
- Type II / Type III: common façade choices. Type II is narrower/elongated; Type III reaches wider—often ideal for pedestrian edges.
- Type IV (forward‑throw): throws light outward across aprons/docks. Great for yard‑side coverage from the building line.
- Shields/visors: trim spill at windows and property lines; use when aiming increases line‑of‑sight brightness.
CCT, CRI & Camera Clarity
CCT and CRI affect how safe and comfortable a site feels—and how well security cameras see at night.
- 3000–3500 K: neighbor‑friendly and less harsh to the eye; popular near residences.
- 4000 K: neutral “white” and a solid default for most perimeters.
- 5000 K: crisp, high contrast for cameras and security‑critical zones; can feel intense near windows.
- CRI ≥70: typical outdoors; higher CRI may help color recognition for CCTV and incident reports.
HID→LED Replacement Chart
Use this to translate legacy HID wall packs to practical LED ranges. Pick the band, then select optics and controls for your site. For quick equivalencies and spacing tips, see the HID→LED sizing & spacing guide.
| Legacy HID | System Watts / Typical Lumens | LED Replacement (W) | LED Lumens (approx.) | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70W MH/HPS | ~85 W / 5,000–6,000 | 20–35 W | 2,000–4,500 | 8–12 ft doors, short walks |
| 100W MH/HPS | ~129 W / 8,000–9,000 | 35–50 W | 4,500–6,500 | 10–15 ft façades, small lots |
| 150W MH | ~186 W / 12,000–15,000 | 60–90 W | 8,000–12,000 | 12–18 ft perimeters |
| 175W MH | ~210 W / 14,000–16,000 | 80–100 W | 10,000–13,000 | 15–20 ft docks |
| 250W MH | ~290 W / ~20,000 | 100–150 W | 14,000–18,000 | 18–25 ft lot edges |
| 320W PSMH | ~364 W / 25,000–30,000 | 150–180 W | 18,000–22,000 | 20–25 ft large perimeters |
| 400W MH | ~460 W / 24,000–36,000* | 150–200 W | 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 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 |
| Voltage | 120–277 V (check 347/480 V SKUs) | Match service; avoid transformers where possible |
| 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; 3000–4000 K; photocell standard; motion optional for bi‑level.
- General Perimeter (12–18 ft): 3,000–6,000 lm; cutoff or wide; 4000 K; photocell + motion; 30–45 ft spacing.
- Loading Docks (15–20 ft): 6,000–12,000 lm; forward‑throw; 4000–5000 K; visor if driver glare; one per bay.
- Parking Edge (18–25 ft): 10,000–18,000 lm; forward‑throw; 4000–5000 K; 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; 4000–5000 K; spacing ≤ 2× height; overlap beams.
- Neighbor‑Sensitive Campuses: 2,000–4,000 lm; full‑cutoff + shields; 3000–3500 K; level aim; vacancy dimming after hours. See Dark‑Sky Friendly Wall Packs.
For end‑to‑end layout steps (spacing, SHR, property‑line checks), use the layout & photometric guide. When you’re ready to install, follow the installation guide for wiring, sealing, and aiming.
Controls & Programming (Photocell + Motion/Bi‑Level)
For many sites, the best practice is dusk‑to‑dawn operation with vacancy reduction using occupancy sensors. Program a vacancy level that keeps cameras effective (often 50–70%). Group fixtures by façade or zone so motion doesn’t over‑trigger unrelated areas.
- Photocell placement: avoid reflected light from adjacent fixtures; shield if chatter occurs.
- Timeouts: set a delay (e.g., 5–10 minutes) that balances security and energy savings.
- Bi‑level set‑point: start around 50–70% and tune based on camera clarity and neighbor feedback.
- 0–10 V dimming: if provided, run low‑voltage conductors separately and cap if unused.
- Energy‑code note: California projects often require photocell and occupancy/bi‑level at common mounting heights. See our Title 24 outdoor lighting basics.
Certifications, Ratings & Rebates
- UL 1598 (Luminaires): base safety listing for non‑hazardous areas; verify Wet Location for outdoors. See UL 1598 basics.
- UL 1598C (Retrofit kits): applies when converting legacy housings with listed kits.
- UL 924 (Emergency): relevant only if the wall pack provides required egress illumination; typically ~90 minutes. See UL 924.
- DLC (Standard/Premium): utility rebates often require DLC listing; DLC Premium signals higher efficacy/controllability.
- IP/IK: for exposure and abuse resistance, match the environment with IP ratings and NEMA enclosures; consider IK where impact is likely.
- NEC coordination: branch circuiting, bonding, overcurrent protection—see our NEC guide.
Pro tip: Field‑selectable wattage/CCT models simplify plan review, help meet neighbor and dark‑sky goals (consider ≤4000 K), and keep rebate options open.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
- Over‑specifying lumens: creates glare and complaints. If the layout looks “striped” at night, step down output and tighten spacing.
- Ignoring optics: using a narrow optic on a wide apron wastes light. Pick Type III/IV based on the task and property line.
- Photocell‑only where sensors are required: some jurisdictions need occupancy with reduction. Confirm early—see Title 24 basics.
- No surge/environmental plan: long exterior runs and coastal sites benefit from integral surge and corrosion‑resistant hardware.
- Poor documentation: AHJs and maintenance teams need IES files, control set‑points, label photos, and model/SKU lists for closeout.
Glossary
- Full‑cutoff: optics that limit uplight and reduce glare—helpful near neighbors and for dark‑sky goals.
- Forward‑throw: optics that push light outward from the building, covering aprons, docks, and lot edges.
- SHR (Spacing‑to‑Height Ratio): spacing divided by mounting height; many successful layouts land ~1.0–1.6.
- Bi‑level (vacancy) dimming: reduced output when no motion is detected; often 50–70%.
- DLC: DesignLights Consortium; many utility rebates require a currently listed model/SKU.
- IP/IK: ingress and impact ratings for exposure/abuse conditions.
Resources
- How to Size Wall Pack Lights — HID→LED Replacement Chart (blog)
- Wall Pack Lighting Layout & Photometric Guide (blog)
- Wall Pack Installation Guide (blog)
- Dark‑Sky Friendly Wall Packs: Full‑Cutoff & Shielding (blog)
- Title 24 Outdoor Lighting — Controls & Compliance (page)
- UL 1598 Luminaires — Quick Guide (page)
- UL 924 Emergency Lighting — Quick Guide (page)
- NFPA 70 (NEC) Basics for Lighting (page)
- Ingress Protection (IP) Ratings (page)
- NEMA Enclosure Types (page)
FAQ
How many lumens do I need for a 12‑ft wall pack?
For doors and short walks at 8–12 ft, start around 1,500–3,000 lumens with full‑cutoff optics. Verify with a night walk and adjust spacing or output as needed.
What’s the difference between Type III and Type IV?
Type III spreads wider than Type II—great for façade/walkway coverage. Type IV pushes light forward across aprons and lot edges. If you need more yard‑side reach from the wall, Type IV is often best.
Is DLC Premium required?
Not by law, but many utility rebates require DLC listing. DLC Premium often signals higher efficacy and controllability—useful for incentive programs.
Do I need UL 924?
Only if the wall pack provides required egress illumination during power loss. Otherwise, standard UL 1598 listings cover typical outdoor use.
Can I use 277/480 V?
Most families support 120–277 V; many offer dedicated 347/480 V models. Verify driver ratings and order the correct SKU.