By Anerhui Engineering Team | Last updated: May 2026 | UFO LED high bay housing · warehouse lighting · industrial high bay · die-cast aluminum · SKD kit
The UFO LED high bay housing is the most widely installed commercial LED product in the world — present in virtually every warehouse, logistics center, manufacturing facility, and sports hall built or renovated since 2015. Its combination of 360° radial fin cooling, robust IP65 construction, versatile mounting options, and compact high-output form factor has made it the definitive solution for high-ceiling commercial and industrial lighting.
For related technical content, see our industrial LED housing solutions guide, heat dissipation LED housing guide, waterproof LED housing IP rating guide, and smart LED housing design guide.
1. What Is a UFO LED High Bay Housing?
A UFO LED high bay housing is a circular die-cast aluminum luminaire enclosure designed for high-ceiling commercial and industrial spaces — typically with mounting heights of 6–15 meters. The name “UFO” derives from the distinctive saucer-shaped profile: a flat lower plate (the LED module mounting surface) combined with a dome-shaped upper shell integrating the radial heat sink fin array.
The defining structural feature is its radial fin array — typically 20–28 aluminum fins arranged radially around the full circumference of the upper dome. This geometry provides 360° convective cooling regardless of the fixture’s rotational position during installation — a critical advantage over linear fin designs that require specific orientation to maintain thermal performance.
UFO high bay housings are manufactured as LED housing SKD kits — the aluminum housing components are supplied without LED module and driver, allowing the lighting manufacturer to install their own electronics and create a differentiated product.
2. Why UFO Is the Dominant Industrial High Bay Design
The UFO high bay housing displaced traditional linear high bay and pendant-mount industrial luminaires globally between 2015 and 2020. The reasons are specific and quantifiable:
- 360° thermal performance: Radial fins provide equal cooling regardless of mounting orientation. Linear fin fixtures must be aligned in a specific direction — an installation error that is common and invisible to inspection.
- Compact form factor: The circular UFO profile minimizes wind loading on suspension cables and reduces visual obstruction in high-rack storage environments.
- High power density: Die-cast aluminum UFO housings achieve 100–300W output in a compact diameter (300–500 mm), delivering high illuminance from a single point rather than requiring multiple fixtures per bay.
- Versatile mounting: Hook mount (cable or chain), trunnion bracket (rigid conduit or I-beam), and surface mount cover every industrial ceiling scenario.
- Smart sensor compatibility: The top-center dome position is optimal for PIR occupancy sensors — providing 360° aisle detection from a single sensor per fixture. Series 4 and 5 housings incorporate Zhaga Book 18 sockets at this position.
3. Series 3, 4 & 5: Which UFO Housing for Your Application
| Specification | Series 3 | Series 4 | Series 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wattage range | 100W–150W | 100W–250W | 150W–300W |
| Fin count | 20 | 24 | 28 |
| Fin height | 20 mm | 25 mm | 30 mm |
| Surface area multiplier | 2.6× | 3.0× | 3.4× |
| Max ambient temperature | 45°C | 55°C | 55°C |
| Zhaga socket option | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| A413 alloy option | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Best for | Standard warehouses, cool climates | General industrial, tropical climates | Steel, foundry, food processing, 24/7 tropical |
How to Choose the Right Series
Choose Series 3 if: temperate climate (ambient below 40°C), wattage is 150W or below, no smart sensor integration planned.
Choose Series 4 if: tropical climate (ambient up to 55°C), wattage extends to 250W, or Zhaga sensor socket wanted for occupancy sensing or future smart upgrade.
Choose Series 5 if: high-power (200W+), 24/7 in high-ambient conditions (steel plants, foundries, food processing, tropical logistics), or maximum thermal reserve needed for long LED service life.
4. Wattage Selection by Ceiling Height
Important: The figures below are starting points only. Always verify with a photometric calculation using actual IES files from your LED module supplier before finalizing fixture count and spacing.
| Ceiling Height | Application | Target Illuminance | Recommended Wattage | Typical Spacing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4–6 m | Light assembly, workshop | 300–500 lux | 60W–100W (Series 3) | 4–5 m |
| 6–8 m | Bulk storage warehouse | 150–200 lux | 100W (Series 3) | 5–6 m |
| 6–8 m | Picking / logistics | 200–300 lux | 150W (Series 3 or 4) | 5–6 m |
| 8–10 m | General warehouse | 200–300 lux | 150W–200W (Series 4) | 6–7 m |
| 10–12 m | High-rack warehouse | 200–300 lux | 200W–240W (Series 4 or 5) | 6–8 m |
| 12–15 m | Manufacturing, assembly hall | 300–500 lux | 240W–300W (Series 5) | 7–9 m |
| 12–15 m | Steel plant, foundry | 300–500 lux | 300W (Series 5, A413) | 6–8 m |
5. Thermal Design: Radial Fin Engineering
The radial fin array is the defining thermal engineering element of the UFO high bay housing. Its performance is determined by four parameters:
Fin Count
More fins = more surface area = lower thermal resistance. Anerhui’s Series 3/4/5 progression (20/24/28 fins) reflects increasing thermal demand at higher wattages and ambient temperatures.
Fin Height
Taller fins provide more surface area per fin but with diminishing returns above 30–35 mm due to boundary layer effects. Anerhui’s 20–30 mm fin heights across the series are optimized for the wattage range of each series.
Fin Thickness
Thinner fins allow more fins per circumference. Anerhui’s minimum fin thickness of 1.5 mm on Series 5 represents the practical limit for reliable die-fill with ADC12 alloy at commercial production volumes.
Alloy Conductivity
Standard ADC12 (92 W/m·K) is adequate for Series 3 and 4. For Series 5 applications, A413 alloy (121 W/m·K) provides a 4–8°C Tj reduction at equivalent fin geometry. See our LED component materials guide for full alloy comparison data.
6. IP Rating for Industrial High Bay Applications
| Facility Type | Required IP | Recommended IP | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry indoor warehouse | IP54 | IP65 | IP65 provides future-proofing for occasional cleaning |
| Logistics center / e-commerce | IP65 | IP65 | Smart sensor integration recommended |
| General manufacturing | IP65 | IP65 | Vibration-rated fasteners near heavy presses |
| Food processing / beverage | IP65 | IP66 | High-pressure steam cleaning; FDA-grade silicone gasket |
| Cold storage (-25°C) | IP65 | IP65 | Cold-start driver; tempered glass lens mandatory |
| Car wash / vehicle wash | IP65 | IP67 | Full submersion protection required in wash zone |
| Steel plant / foundry | IP65 | IP65 | Series 5 + A413 alloy mandatory for high ambient |
7. Smart Controls: Occupancy Sensing & Energy Savings
Combining UFO high bay fixtures with smart occupancy sensing delivers the highest energy savings ROI of any commercial lighting application. Industrial warehouses have highly variable occupancy patterns — occupancy-based dimming reduces energy consumption by 40–65% versus fixed-output LED operation.
Zhaga Book 18 Socket Integration
Anerhui’s Series 4 and Series 5 UFO housings incorporate Zhaga Book 18-compatible sensor sockets at the top-center dome position. Compatible sensor nodes snap into the socket without tools or rewiring. An IP66-rated protective cap ships pre-installed and is replaced by the sensor node at installation.
| Application | Smart Feature | Additional Energy Saving vs Fixed LED |
|---|---|---|
| Warehouse aisle lighting | PIR occupancy + Bluetooth Mesh | 40–65% |
| Logistics / e-commerce center | Zone-based occupancy + DALI-2 | 35–55% |
| Manufacturing floor | Task-based scene control + occupancy | 25–40% |
| Cold storage | Door-triggered dimming + PIR | 50–70% |
8. Application Guide by Facility Type
Distribution Center / E-Commerce Warehouse
High-throughput logistics facilities have the most compelling business case for smart UFO high bay systems. Specifying Series 4 at 150–200W with Zhaga-mounted PIR sensors and Bluetooth Mesh control allows zone-by-zone occupancy dimming that saves 40–55% versus fixed-output LED while maintaining required light levels during active operations. See our industrial LED housing solutions guide for a detailed logistics center energy savings case study.
Manufacturing & Assembly
Manufacturing floors require consistent illumination at workstations — typically 300–500 lux at the work plane with CRI ≥ 80 for quality inspection. UFO high bay housings at 6–10 m mounting height deliver the required uniformity (Emin/Eavg ≥ 0.7 per IES RP-7). For precision assembly requiring color discrimination, specify LED modules with CRI ≥ 90.
Cold Storage & Freezer
Cold storage at -25°C requires: LED drivers with cold-start capability (-40°C minimum); tempered glass lens (polycarbonate brittle at -25°C); silicone gaskets maintaining flexibility to -60°C; and sealed cable entries validated for condensation cycling. All Anerhui UFO housings use standard silicone gaskets and tempered glass lenses as standard components.
Food Processing & Beverage
Food processing and beverage facilities require IP66 for high-pressure steam cleaning, FDA-grade silicone gaskets, and powder coat chemistry resistant to cleaning chemicals. Series 4 and 5 are available with IP66 and FDA-grade silicone on request. White (RAL 9003) or light grey (RAL 7035) finishes are standard for food processing environments.
9. Mounting Options & Installation
Hook Mount (Standard)
A stainless steel A2 hook with M10 threaded shaft and safety wire attachment lug. The hook accepts standard suspension cable or chain in diameters of 3–6 mm. Safety wire lug provides secondary retention per OSHA hanging fixture requirements. Included as standard on all Anerhui UFO high bay SKD kits at no additional cost.
Trunnion Bracket (Optional)
A two-bolt stainless steel yoke for conduit stub, I-beam flange, or ceiling structural member. Allows ±15° tilt and 360° rotation. Available as an option at no additional cost — specify at order time.
Installation Notes
- Always install with fin array pointing upward — flat LED surface faces down toward the work plane
- Maintain minimum 300 mm clearance above the fin dome to surrounding structure
- For DALI-2 or smart-controlled installations, use conduit mounting (trunnion bracket) to protect control wiring
- Torque hook mount nut to 15–20 N·m for M10 hardware; install safety wire before operational load
10. Sourcing UFO High Bay Housing SKD Kits from Anerhui
Standard SKD Kit Includes
- Die-cast ADC12 aluminum housing body (upper dome + lower base)
- 4 mm tempered glass lens (IK08 impact rated)
- Full-perimeter silicone gasket (Shore A 50, pre-installed)
- Stainless steel A2 M5 locking fasteners
- PG16 IP65-rated cable gland (1 standard, 2 available)
- Stainless steel hook mount with safety wire lug
- CE / RoHS / IP65 product label
- Alloy composition certificate + dimensional inspection report + IP test report
Ordering Information
| Order Type | MOQ | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard catalog samples | 1–20 pcs | 3–7 days |
| Standard catalog production | 50 pcs | 2–3 weeks |
| Custom color / Zhaga option | 500 pcs | 3–4 weeks |
| Series 5 A413 alloy | 500 pcs | 4–5 weeks |
| Custom design / new tooling | 1,000–2,000 pcs | 8–12 weeks |
Request free UFO high bay housing samples, or contact Jamin Mo directly for volume pricing, custom specifications, or technical consultation on series selection.
11. Frequently Asked Questions About UFO LED High Bay Housing
What is a UFO LED high bay housing?
A UFO LED high bay housing is a circular die-cast aluminum luminaire enclosure for high-ceiling commercial and industrial spaces (6–15 m mounting height). The circular form factor with integrated radial heat sink fins provides 360° convective cooling in any mounting orientation — making it the dominant housing design for warehouse, logistics, manufacturing, and sports facility lighting globally.
What wattage UFO high bay do I need for my warehouse?
General guidance: 6–8 m ceiling / bulk storage — 100W; 6–8 m / picking — 150W; 8–10 m — 150W–200W; 10–12 m — 200W–240W; 12–15 m — 240W–300W. Assumes 140–160 lm/W LED efficacy and 0.8 maintenance factor. Always verify with a photometric calculation using actual IES files and confirm uniformity ratio ≥ 0.7 per IES RP-7.
What is the difference between UFO high bay Series 3, 4, and 5?
Series 3 (20 fins, 100W–150W, max 45°C): standard warehouses in temperate climates. Series 4 (24 fins, 100W–250W, max 55°C, Zhaga socket available): general industrial and tropical applications. Series 5 (28 fins, 150W–300W, max 55°C, A413 alloy available): highest thermal performance for steel plants, foundries, food processing, and 24/7 tropical operations.
What IP rating does a UFO high bay housing need?
IP65 is the standard minimum for warehouse, logistics, and general manufacturing. IP66 is required for food processing and beverage with high-pressure steam cleaning. Cold storage requires IP65 with silicone gaskets rated to -40°C. All Anerhui UFO high bay housings are IP65 as standard; IP66 available on request for food processing applications.
Can UFO high bay housings be used with smart occupancy controls?
Yes. Anerhui’s Series 4 and Series 5 UFO housings include Zhaga Book 18 sensor sockets (optional) at the top-center dome — the optimal location for 360° PIR detection. Compatible sensor nodes snap in without tools. Smart occupancy controls for warehouse high bay lighting typically achieve 40–65% additional energy savings versus fixed-output LED operation.
How do I mount a UFO LED high bay housing?
Stainless steel hook mount (standard): accepts 3–6 mm suspension cable or chain, with safety wire lug for secondary retention. Trunnion bracket (optional, no additional cost): mounts on conduit stub or I-beam with ±15° tilt and 360° rotation adjustment. Use trunnion mount for DALI-2 or smart-controlled installations requiring conduit wiring protection.
Conclusion
The UFO LED high bay housing is the engineered foundation of commercial and industrial lighting — the component that determines thermal performance, IP protection, vibration resistance, and smart sensor compatibility across the lifetime of every fixture. Selecting the right series for your ambient temperature and wattage, specifying the correct IP rating for your facility type, and evaluating smart sensor integration for energy savings are the three most consequential decisions in specifying a high bay lighting system.
Anerhui’s UFO high bay housing range — Series 3, 4, and 5 — covers 100W through 300W in die-cast ADC12 aluminum, IP65 standard (IP66 available), with Zhaga Book 18 smart sensor sockets on Series 4 and 5. All products are supplied as SKD kits with standard quality documentation including alloy composition certificate, IP test report, and dimensional inspection data.
Contact our engineering team to discuss series selection, request free high bay housing samples, or explore our complete UFO high bay housing catalog.
References & Further Reading
- IES — RP-7 Industrial Lighting Standard
- Zhaga Consortium — Book 18 Outdoor Luminaire Interface Standard
- IEC — IEC 60529 IP Rating Standard
- Anerhui: Industrial LED Housing Solutions Guide
- Anerhui: Heat Dissipation LED Housing Guide
- Anerhui: Waterproof LED Housing IP Rating Guide
- Anerhui: Smart LED Housing Design Guide
- Anerhui: LED Housing SKD Kit Guide
- Anerhui: LED Component Materials Guide