Home » Egress Learning Center » Wall Pack Lights 101: Understanding the Different Types
Wall Pack Lights 101: Understanding the Different Types

Wall Pack Lights 101: Understanding the Different Types

Choosing the right wall pack light can be overwhelming if you don’t know the options. This guide walks you through the major types of wall packs—what they are, where they’re used, and how to pick the best one for your building or project. 

What's Inside

HID Wall Pack Lights

HID wall packs use traditional lamp types like metal halide and high-pressure sodium. They're bright but power-hungry and require regular maintenance.

LED Wall Pack Lights

LEDs are the modern standard—energy-efficient, low maintenance, and long-lasting. They work great for most applications and come in many styles.

Forward Throw Wall Packs

Forward Throw Wall Pack

💡 These cast light far outward from the wall—ideal for lighting large, open areas like parking lots or driveways.

📌 Highlight: Best for broad coverage when glare or skyglow isn’t a concern.

Full Cutoff Wall Packs

Full Cutoff Wall Pack

Designed to eliminate uplight, these fixtures point straight down and comply with dark-sky regulations. Great near homes or sensitive zones.

📌 Pro Tip: Use full cutoffs in cities with light pollution codes or for LEED certification projects.

Semi Cutoff Wall Packs

Semi Cutoff Wall Pack

💡 Semi cutoff models balance glare control and forward spread. They work well when you need decent reach without the harshness of full exposure.

Adjustable Wall Packs

Adjustable Wall Pack

Need flexibility? Adjustable wall packs let you aim the light exactly where it’s needed. Perfect for evolving lighting needs or highlighting signage.

📌 Highlight: One fixture can adapt to multiple beam angles—great for varied requirements or changing projects.

Slim & Mini Wall Packs

Compact, stylish, and functional. These fixtures are great for apartment buildings, offices, or residential walkways where looks matter.

Emergency Wall Packs

Built-in battery backups keep these lights running for at least 90 minutes during power outages. Critical for code compliance and safety.

Decorative / Architectural Wall Packs

💡 If you want lighting that complements your building’s aesthetics, these fixtures combine form with function—ideal for entrances, hotels, or retail.

Hazardous Location Wall Packs

Hazardous Location Wall Pack

Specially built for areas with flammable gas or dust. These tough fixtures meet strict safety standards and are essential in industrial settings.

📌 Note: Always confirm the fixture’s hazard rating (Class, Division, etc.) matches your environment’s requirements.

Matching Lights to Your Project

Still not sure what to pick? Here's a quick cheat sheet:

  • Parking Lot or Open Area: Forward Throw LED
  • Walkways & Residential Areas: Full Cutoff
  • Alleyways & Narrow Paths: Full Cutoff or Adjustable
  • Loading Docks: Adjustable or Semi Cutoff
  • Stylish Entrances: Decorative/Architectural
  • Explosion Risk Areas: Hazardous Rated
  • Emergency Egress Routes: Emergency Wall Pack

Final Thoughts

📍 Wall pack lights might all live on a wall, but that’s where the similarities end. From industrial-strength safety lights to stylish architectural fixtures, there’s a wall pack for every project.

The key is knowing your space, your needs, and your codes—and now you do. If you’re lighting up your next project, make the smart call with the right wall pack. Your building—and your energy bill—will thank you.

Need a power outage solution? Explore our full emergency lighting collection for reliable backup during blackouts, or browse our complete wall pack lineup for exterior and security lighting.