Replacing hangar HiD lights with LEDs?

[Noob builder]

Recently purchased a hangar with 2 large Hubbell bl-a400h8-wh 400W HiD lights mounted in the overhead ceiling (~25'), want to replace them with LEDs. Any thoughts for an equivalent?


TIA

[WLIU]

I will venture a reply.

Modern building codes have you calculate the illumination per square foot, and mandate a minimum number. Best look this up. And commercial building code for an airplane hangar requires explosion-proof light fixtures. That is likely why you have those lights in place. The Hubbell info for those lights says that they are good for damp locations and are gasket-ed enclosures. MH lights are actually relatively efficient. Not as much as LED's, but not bad. Suggest calling Hubbell to find out the light output of those units.

It is unlikely that you will find a direct replacement LED fixture. Looking around the internet for high-bay warehouse lighting, what you have, it looks like you will need to install 2x to 3x more fixtures to get the same light coverage with LEDs. Which means a discussion with your electrician (read $$).

I would leave what you have alone.

Best of luck,

Wes

[Noob builder]

Thanks for taking the time for a detailed response, Wes, I hadn't even thought of the building code, since I'm in a row of condo hangars if something went wrong with my replacements I'd be on the hook for not following code.

I've got some extra outlets in the ceiling, so that's no problem, but the replacement cost might be.

[FlyingRon]

If you're making the change be sure your LED lighting drivers are designed for the same voltage. A lot of the commercial space discharge stuff is set up for higher voltages (208 or 277V).

[WLIU]

Out of curiosity, where are these condo hangars located?

Best of luck,

Wes

[Noob builder]

The fixtures are 120v plug in, so they're easy to remove and replace, lots of plugs already in the ceiling. I'm up by Seattle, so they're going to get a lot of use during the winter.

I was also thinking of are replacing the bulbs with something called a "corncob" LED bulb plugin replacement, which means bypassing the ballast, not a big deal, and if they plug right into the current housing that takes care of the explosion-proof problem. https://www.shineretrofits.com/lighting-resources/how-to-retrofit-a-400-watt-hid https://www.homedepot.com/p/Feit-Electric-300W-Equivalent-Daylight-LED-High-Lumen-Utility-Light-Bulb-C4000-5K-LED/206677057 https://www.superiorlighting.com/HID_to_LED_replacement_bulbs_p/led-highoutput-retrofit.htm

They get a bit expensive quickly, but they have a longer life and turn on instantly.

[laytonl]

I believe these are the LED units I used,

http://www.cooperindustries.com/content/public/en/lighting/products/highbay_lowbay_industrials/led/_891933.ssd.html

i have a 50x50 hangar with a 14’ ceiling. I used 10 fixtures and get 50 footcandles on the floor.

lee