Wall pack lighting is one of the most common outdoor lighting solutions for commercial and industrial buildings. From security lighting to perimeter illumination, choosing the right LED wall pack can significantly improve safety while reducing energy costs.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through different types of wall packs, how to choose the right wattage, and what to consider before upgrading.
What Is a Wall Pack Light?
A wall pack is an outdoor light fixture mounted on the exterior wall of a building. It is typically used to illuminate:
- Building perimeters
- Loading docks
- Back entrances
- Walkways and alleys
Modern LED wall packs provide better light distribution, longer lifespan, and lower energy consumption compared to traditional HID fixtures.
Types of LED Wall Packs
Choosing the right type of wall pack depends on your application.
1. Full Cutoff Wall Pack
- Directs light downward
- Reduces glare and light pollution
- Ideal for areas with dark sky requirements
2. Semi Cutoff Wall Pack
- Some light spills upward
- Wider light distribution
- Suitable for general commercial use
3. Adjustable / Rotatable Wall Pack
- Adjustable beam angles
- Flexible for different mounting heights
- Ideal for retrofit projects
How to Choose the Right Wattage
Wattage determines how much light output you get, but with LED, it’s more about lumens.
General guideline:
- Low mounting (10–15 ft): 20W – 40W
- Medium height (15–20 ft): 40W – 80W
- High mounting (20–30 ft): 80W – 120W
A proper lighting layout ensures you avoid:
- Over-lighting (higher energy cost)
- Under-lighting (safety issues)
Mounting Height & Spacing
Wall packs are typically installed between 10 to 30 feet high.
Spacing depends on:
- Fixture output
- Beam angle
- Application
A common rule:
- Spacing = 1.5 to 2.5 × mounting height
Proper placement ensures even illumination and eliminates dark spots.
LED vs HID Wall Packs
Upgrading from HID to LED wall packs offers significant benefits:
- Up to 70% energy savings
- Instant on / no warm-up time
- Longer lifespan (50,000+ hours)
- Better light uniformity
Most older wall packs (Metal Halide or HPS) are inefficient and require frequent maintenance.
Add Sensors for More Savings
Adding motion sensors or photocells can further improve efficiency.
Benefits:
- Lights turn off when not needed
- Reduced energy consumption
- Longer fixture lifespan
Many utility rebate programs now encourage or require sensor integration.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too high wattage “just in case”
- Ignoring glare (especially near entrances)
- Poor placement causing shadows
- Not considering beam angle
A simple lighting plan can prevent these issues.
How to Upgrade Your Wall Pack Lighting
A typical upgrade process:
- Evaluate existing fixtures
- Select LED replacements
- Review mounting layout
- Install and test
- Apply for rebates
Get a Free Wall Pack Lighting Plan
Not sure which wall pack is right for your project?
We can help you choose the right fixture and layout based on your building.
Send us your photos or site details and get a free lighting recommendation with fixture options and pricing.
Final Thoughts
LED wall pack lighting is one of the easiest and most cost-effective upgrades for commercial buildings.
With the right fixture selection and layout, you can improve security, reduce energy costs, and minimize maintenance.
If your current lighting system is outdated, upgrading to LED wall packs is a smart move in 2026.