Wall Pack Specification Checklist: Choosing the Right Fixture

How to Use This Checklist

Print this page or copy the bullets into your project notes. Work left‑to‑right: define site goals, choose optical distribution, set lumen class, then add controls and documentation. If you still need lumen class or spacing, pair this with the HID→LED sizing & spacing guide. The objective is an approval‑ready spec sheet and a shortlist of models your team can install without drama.

Who this helps: facility managers validating submittals, contractors comparing alternates, and property teams standardizing SKUs across multiple sites. If your project sits in a dark‑sky or neighbor‑sensitive area, pay extra attention to distribution and CCT.

Site Goals & Constraints (Start Here)

• Primary purpose: perimeter safety, door egress, camera support, or wayfinding? The purpose determines lumen class and optics.
• Neighbors & light trespass: sensitive façades require full‑cutoff optics and shields; consider warmer CCT to reduce glare perception.
• Mounting height & spacing: note existing heights; keep consistent across a façade to improve uniformity and aesthetics.
• Controls policy: dusk‑to‑dawn only, or occupancy with bi‑level? Check your energy‑code triggers and security policy early.
• Power & wiring: voltage available (120–277/347/480 VAC), circuit counts, and any emergency feeds near egress doors.

Output & Distribution

• Lumens & efficacy: target a lumen range that meets task needs with good lm/W. Avoid over‑lighting; it creates glare and wastes energy. When replacing HID, match delivered lumens—not watts.
• Distribution type: use full‑cutoff near residences/campuses to limit uplight; choose forward throw for lots, loading docks, and wide perimeters. Type II/III are common for walkways and façades; Type IV throws forward for large aprons.
• Photometrics: review iso‑footcandle plots at your actual mounting height. Watch Avg:Min uniformity to avoid scallops and dark gaps along the path.
• Adjustability: if site lines vary, consider tilting/aimable heads or field‑swappable optics. Add shields/visors when property lines are close.

Pro tip: two slightly lower‑lumen fixtures often produce a better, more uniform result than one high‑lumen “blowtorch.”

CCT & CRI Selection

• CCT: 3000–4000 K near neighbors (warmer feel, reduced skyglow); 4000–5000 K for security and camera contrast.
• CRI: ≥70 is typical outdoors; consider higher CRI when accurate color aids recognition or video analytics.
• Cameras & perception: cooler CCT boosts contrast, but too much blue can feel harsh. Balance security goals with occupant comfort.

Power, Voltage & Controls

• Input voltage: most units are 120–277 VAC auto‑range; confirm any 347/480 V needs with the spec sheet or a dedicated high‑voltage SKU.
• Controls basics: photocell for dusk‑to‑dawn; motion/bi‑level for energy savings and many energy codes. Set dim level for vacancy scenes (for example, ~50–70% depending on security needs).
• Networked control: if you plan schedules or remote monitoring, select 0–10 V dimming leads or compatible nodes from the start.
• Code triggers: in some jurisdictions (e.g., California), outdoor luminaires near pedestrian areas often require occupancy sensing plus automatic shutoff/daylight control. See our Title 24 Compliance Guide for details.
• NEC coordination: coordinate branch circuiting, overcurrent protection, and bonding per the National Electrical Code. See our NFPA 70 (NEC) guide.

Wet Rating, Durability & Surge

• Environment: outdoor fixtures should be listed for Wet Location. Look beyond the label—verify gasketing, drain paths, and lens seals.
• Ingress protection: if the site faces hose‑down, dust, or wind‑driven rain, check IP ratings. For enclosure types and impact concerns, review NEMA enclosures.
• Construction: die‑cast housing, powder‑coat finish, UV‑stable lens. Consider IK/impact resistance in rough‑service locations.
• Surge protection: prefer integral 4–6 kV (or higher where power quality is poor). Add upstream surge devices on long exterior runs.
• Operating temp: verify min/max ambient (e.g., cold docks or hot façades). Prolonged heat shortens driver life—spec the correct thermal rating.
• Corrosion: near coasts or chemicals, choose enhanced hardware and finishes; add anti‑seize and a maintenance schedule.

Emergency Egress (UL 924) Options

• Integrated EM battery: provides about 90 minutes of light for exit discharge paths; verify lumen output in EM mode and spacing.
• Alternate strategy: use separate emergency lights or generator/inverter circuits if a wall pack EM option isn’t suitable for the path.
• Battery types: Ni‑Cd is common; some models offer LiFePO₄ for longer life—check temperature ratings.
• Testing: push‑to‑test and self‑diagnostics simplify inspections. Keep logs with date, duration, and observed issues.

For life‑safety specifics, see our UL 924 guide and NFPA 101 overview.

Mounting, Size & Aiming

• J‑box pattern & conduit entry: confirm knockout locations so gaskets aren’t compromised. Use listed boxes and exterior‑rated fittings.
• Footprint & weight: verify substrate and anchor selection; follow torque specs and seal around penetrations.
• Aiming: start level on cutoff optics; add tilt only if you need more throw. Use shields when aiming increases glare at the property line.
• Finish & color: match building aesthetics (bronze/black/white) and corrosion environment.

Installing soon? See the Wall Pack Installation Guide for step‑by‑step mounting, wiring, sealing, and commissioning.

Listings, Rebates & Documentation

• Safety listings: luminaire should carry the appropriate listing for the environment. For general luminaires, see UL 1598 basics.
• Efficiency: DLC Standard/Premium may be required for utility rebate eligibility. Verify the exact model/SKU on the current QPL.
• Energy code: when applicable, pair photocell with occupancy/bi‑level control. California projects often follow Title 24 triggers.
• Docs to keep: spec sheets, IES files, control settings, and label photos. Note any acceptance testing forms if your jurisdiction requires them.
• NEC coordination: document circuit IDs and overcurrent protection; see our NEC guide.

Photometrics Quick Method

If you’re replacing HID, start with lumen equivalence instead of wattage. Use manufacturer IES files to confirm spacing at your exact mounting height and to check uniformity along the walking surface. When time is tight, run a “rule‑of‑thumb” pass, then perform a quick point‑by‑point for the critical doors and turns.

1. Pick the optical distribution that best matches your façade: Type II/III for walkways and building faces; Type IV for yard‑side throw.
2. Choose a lumen package that meets your target without exceeding it; dim rather than oversize if you expect to tune levels.
3. Set control logic: dusk‑to‑dawn + occupancy/bi‑level where energy codes or policies require it.
4. Attach IES plots to submittals so the inspector sees how scalloping and edges are handled.

Need a starting point? Our HID→LED sizing & spacing guide offers quick lumen classes and spacing hints you can adapt to your site.

Quick Spec Defaults (Good Starting Points)

• Distribution: full‑cutoff near neighbors/campuses; forward throw for docks and wide aprons.
• CCT: 4000 K general use; 3000 K if neighbor‑sensitive; 5000 K for high‑security/camera clarity.
• Controls: photocell + motion/bi‑level; 0–10 V if dimming/networked control needed.
• Durability: wet‑listed, robust gasketing, UV‑stable lens, integral 4–6 kV surge.
• Emergency: EM battery where egress requires outdoor illumination; otherwise plan alternate egress lighting.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

• Over‑specifying lumens: leads to glare and complaints. Pick the smallest package that meets the target; tune with dimming.
• Ignoring optics: a high‑lumen but wrong distribution wastes light. Select Type II/III/IV based on paths and edges.
• Photocell‑only where sensors are required: some jurisdictions require occupancy sensing and bi‑level reduction. See Title 24 for California examples.
• Skipping surge protection: lightning or switching transients can kill drivers. Choose integral surge and add upstream protection where needed.
• Neglecting sealing and bonding: water finds its way in. Use proper gaskets, sealant, and bonding jumpers per NEC basics.
• No documentation: inspectors and maintenance teams need IES files, control settings, and label photos for closeout.

Resources

FAQ

Do I always need full‑cutoff optics?

No—use full‑cutoff near property lines or residences. Forward throw is helpful for lots and docks; aim and shield as needed to control glare.

What CCT should I specify?

4000 K is a versatile default. Choose 3000 K near neighbors or 5000 K for high‑security areas and camera clarity.

How do I qualify for rebates?

Look for DLC Standard/Premium listings and follow your utility program rules. Keep invoices, spec sheets, and photos for verification.

Can I use 347/480 V?

Yes—many families offer dedicated 347/480 V models. Verify the driver rating and order the correct SKU.

Will motion sensors cause nuisance triggers?

Aim sensors carefully, set reasonable timeouts, and choose bi‑level levels that preserve security camera performance without over‑lighting unoccupied areas.