LED Batten Light Guide: Everything you need to know before you buy

LED batten lights are become increasingly popular with customers who want to replace existing overhead lights, or use in new installations where practical, efficient, versatile and affordable lighting is required.

Batten lights have always been popular in offices, commercial buildings, garages and hallways, however the newer LED versions offer many advantages over traditional fluorescent / incandescent options.

We've put together this in-depth guide to LED batten lights and the potential benefits they could provide to your Australian home or business.

At Discount Lighting we have a wide range of LED Batten lights available on our website (if you can't find what you are looking our expert team would be happy to help).

What Exactly Are LED Batten Lights?

LED batten lights are a relatively new lighting technology, and provide an alternative to the standard fluorescent tube which has been used in homes and offices for many years. These long, thin lights are easily adaptable to any environment, making them effective independently and when paired with other illumination sources.

Most batten lights are surface mounted and depending on the model can be used in both indoor & outdoor locations. So, if you are looking for a lightning option that last longer, uses less electricity, and is more environmentally friendly than older fluorescent models, LED Batten lights might be a good choice for you. 

What Are The Advantages Of Using LED Batten Lights?

In every way, LED lights have exceeded expectations, from their long lifespan to their low energy use. Here's a summary of the benefits you can expect to experience:

Increased Efficiency

Battens with an LED light source are incredibly efficient. Swapping existing fluorescent lights for LED versions can provide significant savings on your electricity bill, especially in commercial environments where there are a high number of light fittings. This newer technology is also more environmentally friendly, and lasts significantly longer than other types of light fittings.

High Versatility

Batten lights are very versatile, and come in a variety of options including DIY, indoor, outdoor and emergency versions. Some models include an integrated dimmer to allow the user to increase / decrease the brightness to suit their individual needs. 

The newer LED versions also offer a range of colour temperatures to choose from, which can be changed to meet aesthetic preferences and functional requirements. 

All this means batten lights work well in many different environments, especially commercial settings but also increasingly in homes where they are commonly used to light hallways, garages and exit areas. 

Consistency in Brightness

These lights are ideal for lighting larger spaces such as offices, garages and commercial buildings because of the consistent brightness they give. LED batten lights are not only a great way to save on power bills, but they also last longer than incandescent bulbs do.

Low Thermal Output

LED batten lights produce very little thermal output. Because of this, you should consider using them in places where increased heat could be a problem both for users (e.g. in an office setting) or where there is a higher fire risk.  

Where To Use

LED batten lights are versatile, serving both residential and commercial needs. The new and improved technology allows them to be used in a variety of places including: 

• Garages
• Parking bays
• Factories
• Hospitals
• Warehouses
• Offices
• Kitchens
• Workshops

Different Designs / Styles

LED batten lights are produced in two distinct styles: linear and strip. Linear lights may be used as decorative accents or ambient lighting in large rooms (such as showrooms). Strip lighting is preferable for general illumination because of its ability to direct light to specific areas of a building.  

Factors To Consider Before You Purchase

LED Batten lights are ideal for garages, storage areas, carports, and workshops because of their high brightness and broad beam angle.

These light fittings provide several benefits over standard fluorescent tube lights if purchased and installed correctly. However, some factors must be considered when considering a purchase: 

• Size: Batten lights come in a variety of sizes, however 1200mm, 900mm and 600mm are the most common. 
  
  
• IP Score: The IP score designates whether the fixture may be used inside, in damp environments, or outside. If you need to use the light outside, in an area which could get wet look for a light fitting rated as IP65. 
  
  
• Colour temperature: Choose the colour temperature which works best for the location where your light is being installed. In places such as garages or workshops, a bright 5000k colour temperature will be more acceptable, whereas, in living spaces, a colour temperature between 3000k and 4000k may provide a softer and warmer atmosphere. Some lights offer integrated CCT (colour changing technology) allowing you to change the colour to suit your needs. 
  
  
• Integrated LED: For convenience and ease of use look for lights with an integrated LED. This makes it difficult to replace the bulb, however most LED lights last over 10,000 hours which makes them a cost effective choice

Tips to Maximise Performance of Your Lights 

LED batten lights are versatile, but for best use, you need to plan for the kind of lighting you require.

Think about where your lights will be used, what colour temperature would be most suitable, and how many lights are needed to sufficiently illuminate a particular space. 

Ensure you get a qualified electrician to install your lights, unless they come fitted with an Australian plug, otherwise you'll invalidate the warranty (and could potentially injure yourself). 

Where to Buy / Talk to an Expert

Our lighting experts can help you with your next residential or commercial lighting project. At Discount Lighting we have over 7000 lights available to purchase online, including a wide range of batten lights for indoor and outdoor applications.