If you need reliable wall-mounted fixtures for security and egress lighting, wall pack lights are the go-to solution. Modern LED wall packs deliver bright illumination with up to 80% energy savings over HID systems and lifespans of 50,000–100,000 hours. Rugged die-cast housings, IP65 wet-location ratings, and options like full-cutoff optics (for dark-sky compliance) ensure these wall-mounted lights perform in harsh commercial environments. Many models also offer built-in battery backups (UL 924 egress-ready for 90-minute emergencies), as well as dusk-to-dawn photocells and motion sensors for smart control. For planning and procurement, start with our Wall Pack Lights collection; for broader area coverage consider Outdoor Area Lights, or for targeted beams see Outdoor Flood Lights. These versatile fixtures help maintain visibility, deter crime, and support code compliance—while lowering energy bills without sacrificing outdoor illumination quality.
Last updated: October 2025
Overview: What Are Wall Pack Lights?
Wall pack lights are exterior, wall-mounted fixtures that illuminate building perimeters for visibility, safety, and security. Common placements include loading docks, parking lot edges, walkways, and entrances. Durable, sealed housings (often powder-coated die-cast aluminum) and impact-resistant lenses help them withstand weather, moisture, and debris. Options like photocells enable dusk-to-dawn operation; motion sensors can reduce energy use during low-traffic hours; and certain models include emergency battery backup for code-required egress illumination during outages.
Quick Tool: Wall Pack Chooser
Products
LED Wall Pack Lights
LED wall packs are today’s default choice: instant-on, high efficacy, minimal maintenance, and long life (50,000–100,000 hours). Broad model families let you choose optics (cutoff vs forward), output ranges, color temperature, sensors, and even emergency versions. Net result: brighter, cleaner light with lower total cost of ownership versus HID.
Forward Throw Wall Packs
Forward throw wall packs push light outward to cover wide areas like parking lots and loading zones. They maximize reach but can increase glare or skyglow if optics are not controlled. Use where broad coverage is the priority and light spill to the sky or neighboring properties isn’t restricted. For spacing and aiming best practices, see our photometric layout & spacing guide.
Full Cutoff Wall Packs
Full cutoff wall packs eliminate uplight by directing output below the fixture’s horizontal plane—ideal for dark-sky compliance and minimizing light trespass. Great near homes, campuses, and environmentally sensitive sites, and helpful for LEED projects targeting reduced light pollution. For design tips (aiming level, shields/visors, and warm CCT), read the full-cutoff dark-sky guide.
Semi Cutoff Wall Packs
Semi cutoff wall packs offer a middle ground—some forward projection with partial shielding to temper glare. Use when you need reach beyond full cutoff but want more control than a pure forward-throw optic.
Adjustable Wall Packs
Adjustable wall packs allow on-site aiming (tilt/pivot) to target pathways, signage, or architectural features. One fixture can adapt to changing needs—just make sure the aim avoids glare and hot spots. For proper mounting, sealing, and post-dusk aiming checks, follow the installation checklist.
Slim & Mini Wall Packs
Slim/mini wall packs deliver code-level light in compact housings that blend with the façade—popular on multi-family, education, and mixed-use projects. You get the performance of a full-size unit in a smaller, architecturally friendly form factor.
Emergency Wall Packs
Emergency wall packs include internal batteries that provide ~90 minutes of illumination during outages to support exterior egress (UL 924). Ideal for doors, outdoor stairs, and exterior paths of egress—where light must stay on even if utility power fails. For requirements, controls, and documentation, see the code compliance guide.
Decorative / Architectural Wall Packs
Decorative (architectural) wall packs prioritize aesthetics without sacrificing performance. Expect refined housings/finishes, controlled optics, and full LED feature sets—perfect for entrances, hotels, retail, and Class-A office exteriors.
Hazardous Location Wall Packs
Hazardous-location wall packs (e.g., Class I Division 2) are engineered for environments with flammable gases/vapors or combustible dust. Heavy-duty housings, sealed wiring, and corrosion-resistant finishes help ensure safe operation in refineries, chemical plants, and similar sites.
Matching Lights to Your Project
Use this quick mapping to select confidently:
- Parking lots / open yards: Forward-throw LED wall pack
- Walkways / near residences: Full-cutoff wall pack
- Alleyways / narrow paths: Full-cutoff or adjustable
- Loading docks / warehouses: Adjustable or semi-cutoff
- Premium entrances / façades: Decorative (architectural)
- Explosion risk areas: Hazardous-location rated
- Exterior egress routes: Emergency battery-backup wall pack
Before you buy, run through the specification checklist to verify output, optics, CCT, controls, ratings, and documentation.
Final Thoughts
Wall pack lights may share a form factor, but optics, output, controls, and construction set each class apart. With the right style and features, you’ll enhance safety, reduce energy costs, and meet local codes. Ready to spec the perfect fixture?
Also explore: Outdoor Area Lights for broad coverage and Outdoor Flood Lights for targeted beam control.