LED Wall Pack Lights
Commercial LED wall packs for exterior perimeter lighting—traditional and cutoff options selected for durability, distribution control, and wet-location performance.
Commercial LED wall packs for perimeter security and code-aligned glare control
LED wall packs are the primary solution for securing commercial perimeters and illuminating building envelopes. Specifically engineered to replace energy-draining Metal Halide (MH) and High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) fixtures, these commercial-grade LED wall packs provide high-lumen, forward-throw illumination that eliminates dark spots in loading docks, alleyways, and parking areas.
Read more about LED Wall Pack Lights
Wall pack types and compliance options in this collection
Our collection features rugged, die-cast aluminum housings and shatter-resistant lenses, all IP65 rated to withstand rain, wind, and extreme temperature swings. With Field-Selectable CCT and Wattage, you can standardize your facility’s exterior lighting with a single fixture while adjusting the brightness and color temperature to meet specific safety or municipal "Dark Sky" requirements.
Answer summary: LED wall packs are specified by cutoff classification, mounting height, forward throw distance, glare control, and surrounding site conditions—not lumen output alone.
Wall Pack Cutoff, Compliance & Perimeter Control Context
Selecting the Correct LED Wall Pack Cutoff Type Full Cutoff vs Semi-Cutoff Wall Packs for Exterior Compliance BUG Ratings and Glare Control for LED Wall Packs Meeting 3000K Dark-Sky Requirements with LED Wall Packs
Wall pack spec workflow: cutoff selection, forward throw checks, and documentation routing
Use this guide to select wall packs by cutoff classification, mounting height, and forward throw requirements, then confirm glare and light-trespass constraints before installation. The table of contents links to the decision points used in real perimeter specifications, including documentation routing (photometrics, submittals, shipping visibility, closeout) for commercial projects.
Wall pack lighting specification guidance
Proper wall pack performance depends on mounting height, beam cutoff classification, forward throw distance, glare control, and surrounding site conditions. Incorrect fixture selection can result in light trespass, uneven coverage, or non-compliance with local dark-sky ordinances. For a complete breakdown of exterior photometric planning, cutoff types, BUG ratings, and code considerations across area, canopy, flood, and wall-mounted fixtures, reference our commercial site lighting buying guide.
Specification note: Common wall pack failures include excessive light trespass beyond property lines, glare at driver or pedestrian eye level, uneven coverage along building façades, and non-compliance with local Dark Sky ordinances due to improper cutoff selection.
Technical selection guide for commercial LED wall packs
Wall packs are specified for perimeter zones where forward throw, cutoff control, and mounting geometry determine whether coverage is useful or creates glare complaints. Use the sections below to align optics and layout with the jobsite constraints.
Cutoff types and selection rules
The primary difference between wall pack models is how they distribute light. Selecting the right cutoff is essential for balancing security needs with local light pollution ordinances.
Selection rule: Specify traditional wall packs where maximum forward throw is required for perimeter visibility, and full-cutoff wall packs where glare control, light trespass prevention, or Dark Sky compliance is mandated.
Cutoff selection shortcut: Use this table to choose traditional vs full-cutoff wall packs based on site constraints and compliance risk.
| Wall pack type | What it prioritizes | Best-fit locations | Primary risk | Spec check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional (non-cutoff) | Maximum forward throw and broad perimeter brightness | Loading areas, alleyways, back-of-house drives, open perimeters | Glare and spill light near property lines or pedestrian approaches | Confirm no ordinance constraints; validate neighbor exposure and sightlines |
| Full cutoff | Downlight control for reduced glare, reduced uplight, lower trespass | Sites near property lines, residential adjacency, Dark Sky/ordinance zones | Under-lighting if specified too low or spaced too far | Validate forward throw distance + spacing with photometrics |
| Selectable / configurable (where available) | Standardization with tunable output/CCT for multi-site rollouts | Facilities with mixed constraints across buildings | Inconsistent settings across zones create uneven appearance | Set a site-wide CCT/output policy and document final settings at closeout |
Traditional wall packs
Traditional (non-cutoff) wall packs are optimized for maximum forward throw to cover drive lanes, loading areas, and open perimeter zones where broad visibility is the priority.
Full-cutoff wall packs
Full-cutoff models are designed to direct light downward to reduce glare and limit uplight. These are commonly specified where ordinances restrict light trespass or where Dark Sky compliance is required.
Mounting height and forward throw checks
Mounting height affects both coverage and perceived brightness at eye level. Too low can create harsh glare and short throw; too high can increase spill light and reduce useful illuminance on the target zone.
Selection rule: Choose cutoff and output based on the target zone distance (forward throw) first, then validate coverage with photometrics when glare, trespass, or compliance is a constraint.
Layout check: Use this table to align mounting height and forward throw to the target zone without creating eye-level glare.
| Condition | What happens | Spec fix | Photometric validation trigger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mounted too low | Short throw; harsh brightness in pedestrian sightlines | Increase height or switch to full cutoff + lower output | Always if near walk paths/entries or reflective surfaces |
| Mounted too high | More spill/trespass; reduced useful light on target plane | Reduce output, use full cutoff optics, refine spacing | Required if property line constraints exist |
| Forward throw must reach drive lane / dock apron | Edge zones can go dark if optics are too tight/downward | Select distribution that matches target distance; confirm spacing | Required when “dark zone” risk exists near corners/doors |
| Facade hot spots between fixtures | Bright pools with dark gaps create perceived insecurity | Adjust spacing and output; avoid over-driving near entry lines | Use photometrics if uniformity is a project requirement |
Glare and light-trespass control
Wall-mounted fixtures can create intense glare when peak intensity lands in common sightlines (drive approaches, walk paths, door lines). Cutoff optics and smart aiming help keep light on the property and off neighboring windows.
Selection rule: Control glare using full-cutoff optics where required, appropriate mounting height, and layout spacing that avoids hotspots along the façade.
Field-proven fixes: Use this table to correct glare and trespass complaints before swapping fixtures.
| Complaint / symptom | Typical root cause | Spec fix (design) | Field fix (commissioning) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver-eye glare on approaches | Non-cutoff optics; high output; poor placement relative to sightlines | Specify full cutoff or shielding; reduce output; revise spacing | Aim/tilt down where allowed; apply high-end trim if control-ready |
| Light trespass into neighboring windows | Overly wide distribution near property line; too high mounting | Full cutoff optics; reduce output; adjust mounting height/placement | Re-aim/rotate (if adjustable); confirm settings are consistent by zone |
| Uneven facade coverage (dark gaps) | Spacing too wide; optic mismatch; corners not addressed | Adjust spacing/layout; validate with photometrics | Add fixtures at corners/critical points; normalize output settings |
| “Too bright” at doors and walk paths | Output too high for height; high-luminance optic in direct view | Specify lower output or full cutoff; consider 3000K where required | Reduce wattage setting; apply bi-level dimming if permitted |
Controls and operating strategy
Most perimeter security zones use dusk-to-dawn operation. In low-traffic areas, scheduled reductions (bi-level dimming) can lower energy use while maintaining baseline security lighting.
Controls strategy: Use this table to apply predictable dusk-to-dawn operation while reducing late-night energy use where allowed.
| Control approach | Best use | Behavior | Spec / commissioning notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photocell (dusk-to-dawn) | Perimeter baseline security | On at dusk, off at dawn | Confirm location avoids stray light triggers; standardize across buildings |
| Schedule / timeclock | Sites with predictable operating hours | On/off or reduced output by time | Document hours; avoid dark transitions between adjacent zones |
| Bi-level dimming | Low-traffic late-night areas | Baseline output + higher output on activity | Set baseline for perceived safety; confirm sensor placement reduces nuisance triggers |
| Networked control node (where applicable) | Multi-site standardization + reporting | Central scheduling, dimming profiles, monitoring | Confirm compatibility and maintenance plan before standardizing |
Durability and exposure conditions
Outdoor wall packs should prioritize sealed housings, reliable gaskets, and corrosion-resistant finishes. Wind-driven rain, temperature swings, and coastal or industrial exposure can shorten driver life if the housing integrity is weak.
Selection rule: Specify weather-rated construction (sealed housings, durable finishes) whenever fixtures face rain, dust, road salt, or chemical exposure.
Durability checklist: Use this table to specify housings and finishes that survive rain, dust, salt, and long duty cycles.
| Exposure condition | What to prioritize | Why it matters | Spec check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind-driven rain / wet locations | Sealed housing + reliable gaskets (IP-rated) | Prevents moisture intrusion and driver failure | Confirm wet-location listing where required |
| Dust / debris | Sealed optical chamber | Maintains output and reduces internal contamination | Verify gasket continuity and lens fit |
| Road salt / coastal exposure | Corrosion-resistant finish and hardware | Prevents housing degradation and fastener failure | Note coastal/chemical exposure in submittal requirements |
| High-traffic impact risk | Shatter-resistant lens + robust housing | Reduces breakage and safety incidents | Place fixtures out of equipment swing paths where possible |
Commercial Project Support
Need documentation, lead-time visibility, or closeout-ready deliverables? Use the resources below to route your project correctly and reduce revision cycles.
- Commercial Project Support (Hub)
- Quote Intake & Project Routing
- Photometrics
- Submittals
- Shipping Reliability & Fulfillment
- Closeout Documentation
- Returns & Restocking
- Warranty Claims
- Frequently Asked Questions
Closeout-ready checklist: Use this table to reduce revisions and ensure your wall pack package supports photometrics, compliance, and turnover documentation.
| Deliverable | What it confirms | Include | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cutoff / compliance note | Optic intent and ordinance alignment | Traditional vs full cutoff choice, any Dark Sky requirements | Document 3000K policy if required |
| Photometric validation (as needed) | Coverage + trespass control | Mounting heights, spacing, property line constraints | Trigger when glare/trespass is a constraint |
| Controls intent | Dusk-to-dawn and energy strategy | Photocell, schedule, bi-level behavior | Note baseline levels for perceived security |
| Field settings record | Consistency across zones | Final wattage and CCT settings by building/zone | Prevents “mismatched perimeter” appearance later |
| Closeout-ready package | Turnover completeness | Cut sheets, control notes, settings, warranty pathway | Align with site maintenance expectations |
FAQs
How do I choose between traditional and full-cutoff wall packs?
Choose traditional models when maximum forward throw is needed for perimeter visibility. Choose full-cutoff models when glare control, light trespass reduction, or dark-sky compliance is required. Final selection should be validated against mounting height, aiming geometry, and site photometrics.
What mounting height should I use for wall packs?
Mounting height is site-dependent, but performance should be evaluated by how far the fixture must throw light forward and how much glare is acceptable at driver and pedestrian eye level. Use photometric layouts to confirm coverage without creating hotspots.
What causes glare complaints with wall-mounted exterior lighting?
Glare typically comes from high luminance at common viewing angles, mounting too high or too low for the distribution, or using non-cutoff optics near line-of-sight approaches. Full-cutoff optics, proper mounting height, and correct spacing reduce complaints.
When should I specify 3000K for wall packs?
Specify 3000K when local ordinances, dark-sky requirements, or neighboring residential exposure makes lower-CCT exterior lighting necessary. Validate that the chosen CCT still supports security visibility needs for the site.
Do wall packs need photocells or controls?
For most perimeter security applications, dusk-to-dawn control (photocell or time-based control) prevents daytime burn hours and improves consistency. In low-traffic zones, dimming with scheduled reductions can lower energy while maintaining baseline security light.