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LED Wall Pack Lights for Commercial Buildings in Ontario
- LumaEnergy
- Aug 27
- 14 min read
LED wall pack lights are a fast way for Ontario businesses to cut exterior energy use and improve safety. Most sites see energy drop by roughly 60 to 75 percent, with far fewer service calls thanks to long lifetimes. Save on Energy programs can also improve payback when you add eligible controls or pursue custom projects.
In this guide, we’ll explore what LED wall packs are, why businesses should upgrade from outdated HID fixtures, and how Ontario rebate programs make these projects more affordable than ever.
For more context, see our related posts:
TLDR facts box
Energy use typically drops by sixty to seventy five percent
Common replacements150 watt HID becomes 45 to 60 watt LED250 watt HID becomes 70 to 100 watt LED
Typical mounting height twelve to twenty feet
Spacing rule three to four times mounting height
Best CCT for security cameras about four thousand kelvin
Preferred stylesfull cutoff on people paths and entrancesforward throw on parking edges and docks
Planning tip: Use the new Exterior Lights Estimator to size fixtures, check light levels, and preview energy/payback before purchasing
What Are LED Wall Pack Lights?
LED wall pack lights are durable exterior fixtures mounted on building walls to illuminate surrounding areas. Unlike traditional HID lamps, wall packs with LED technology deliver consistent brightness, instant on/off operation, and significantly longer service life.
Common Applications
LED wall packs are versatile and widely used for:
Loading docks – bright illumination ensures trucks can load and unload safely at night.
Perimeter paths – uniform lighting reduces dark spots around a building’s edges.
Entrances and exits – creates a welcoming appearance while improving security.
Parking lot perimeters – helps employees and visitors feel safer after hours.
Why Upgrade from Metal Halide and High-Pressure Sodium?
Legacy fixtures such as metal halide (MH) and high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps once dominated exterior lighting, but they come with high costs and poor performance compared to modern LEDs.
Key Benefits of Upgrading
Lower energy use. Many sites see about sixty to seventy five percent less electricity compared with metal halide or high pressure sodium.
Fewer service calls. Legacy lamps often last ten to fifteen thousand hours. Quality LED wall packs are commonly rated up to one hundred thousand hours, which means fewer relamps and fewer lift rentals.
Incentives that improve payback. Ontario programs offer instant discounts on eligible controls and separate pathways for custom or networked controls under the Retrofit Program.
Better safety and visuals. Neutral white LED light improves camera detail and reduces harsh shadows at entrances, docks, and walkways.
Smarter control options. Photocells, motion with dim to off, and time scheduling reduce runtime further without sacrificing visibility.
Comparison Table: Full Cutoff vs. Standard Forward Throw
Feature | Full Cutoff Wall Pack | Standard Forward Throw Wall Pack |
Light Distribution | Downward only (minimizes spill & glare) | Wide forward spread for larger coverage |
Best Use Case | Pathways, compliance with Dark Sky bylaws | Loading docks, large perimeter areas |
Energy Efficiency | High (less wasted light) | Moderate (more spill light) |
Aesthetic Impact | Cleaner look, less sky glow | Traditional appearance, broader coverage |
Wall Pack Types and When to Use Each
Picking the right wall pack style is the fastest way to get safer walkways, clearer camera images, and lower energy bills without overlighting your site.
Full cutoff for light control and Dark Sky compliance
Full cutoff wall packs send light down and forward while blocking uplight. This reduces sky glow, controls spill into neighbouring properties, and improves camera contrast. They are a strong choice for building perimeters, pedestrian paths, and entrance zones where you want focused light with minimal glare.
Standard forward throw for wide area coverage
Forward throw wall packs push light out and across a broader area. They are often selected for loading docks and parking lot edges where coverage is the priority. Many sites use them as a simple one to one replacement for older metal halide or high pressure sodium fixtures while still cutting energy use dramatically.
Slim wall mount for architectural facades and side doors
Slim wall mounts deliver a clean look while providing reliable light at secondary entrances and along architectural facades. They are popular on retail fronts and office side doors where you need good illumination without drawing attention to the fixture.
Adjustable head for aiming along walkways and fence lines
Adjustable head models let you tilt and aim the beam. This makes them ideal for long walkways, fence lines, or narrow service lanes where a precise beam avoids glare and dark pockets. Proper aiming also helps cameras capture clearer images.
💡Tip: If you are unsure which family fits your site, start with full cutoff on people paths and entrances, and use forward throw along parking edges and dock aprons. For a quick plan, book an exterior assessment on our Outdoor Lights Upgrade page.
How to Size and Place Wall Packs
Good placement is as important as the fixture itself. The goal is even light on the ground with no hot spots in the field of view of drivers or cameras.
Mounting height and spacing rules of thumb
Most commercial wall packs work best between twelve and twenty feet above finished grade. A simple spacing rule is three to four times the mounting height measured along the wall. For example, a fixture at fifteen feet typically lands between forty five and sixty feet from the next one. This yields smooth overlap without bright scallops on the wall or pavement.
Beam spread and forward throw for parking edges and loading bays
Optics determine where the lumens go. Narrow distributions suit walkways and dock faces where you want punch close to the wall. Wider forward throw optics suit parking edges where you need reach without adding poles. When you place fixtures near corners, rotate or select optics that push light along both legs of the corner to avoid shadow pockets at the turn.
Avoiding glare for drivers and security cameras
Keep the bright part of the beam below normal driver eye height at your site entrances. Use full cutoff or shielded optics where cameras are mounted near the fixture to avoid lens bloom. A warmer neutral colour such as three thousand to four thousand kelvin usually gives better camera detail than very cool white in fog or rain. If you add a unit above a camera, test at night and lower the output or add a louver if you see white wash on the image.
If you want a quick layout that shows mounting heights, spacing, and expected energy use, ask us for a complimentary sketch and run your numbers in the Lighting Operating Cost Calculator.
What to Look for in a Quality Wall Pack
You can avoid most service calls by choosing fixtures with the right certifications and components from the outset.
DLC listing and Ontario utility eligibility
Select models that are listed by the DesignLights Consortium. DLC listing is commonly required for Ontario incentives and is a strong proxy for real world performance. When you are planning a rebate, match the exact catalog number and options to the listing before you order.
IP and IK ratings for weather and impact
A high IP rating keeps water and dust out of the housing and optic. A solid IK rating protects against incidental impacts around loading zones and service yards. These ratings matter in Canadian winters where freeze and thaw cycles stress gaskets and seals.
IP ratings for weather protection
IP code | Solids protection | Liquids protection | Typical exterior use |
IP54 | Dust protected | Splashing water | Covered entries, soffits |
IP55 | Dust protected | Water jets | Canopies, partial exposure |
IP65 | Dust tight | Water jets | General outdoor wall packs |
IP66 | Dust tight | Powerful water jets | Wind driven rain, harsh sites |
IP67 | Dust tight | Immersion to 1 m | Low areas prone to puddles |
IP68 | Dust tight | Continuous immersion* | Specialty flood or submersion zones |
*Depth and time per manufacturer
IK ratings for impact resistance
IK code | Impact energy | What it means in practice |
IK06 | 1 joule | Light knocks, small tools |
IK07 | 2 joules | Moderate bumps on busy paths |
IK08 | 5 joules | Strong strikes, good for car parks |
IK09 | 10 joules | Heavy impacts, loading docks |
IK10 | 20 joules | Severe impacts, high risk or vandal areas |
💡Tip for Ontario wall packs: target IP65 or IP66 and IK08 to IK10, plus sealed gaskets and surge protection.
Lumen output, wattage selectable, and colour selectable CCT
Pick lumen packages that meet your target light level without overlighting. Wattage selectable drivers let you fine tune output at commissioning and reduce energy later if needed. Colour selectable CCT gives flexibility across entrances, walkways, and parking edges so you can keep one family of fixtures while matching the look by area.
BUG rating to minimize light spill and sky glow
BUG stands for backlight, uplight, and glare. Lower values generally mean tighter control and less neighbour spill. Choose models with low uplight and controlled glare when you are near residential streets or sensitive sites.
Surge protection and reliable drivers
Exterior circuits see spikes from storms and grid events. Choose fixtures with robust surge protection and drivers rated for Canadian winters. This protects boards and keeps cameras and entrances lit when you need them most.
Before you buy, run the product through our Lighting Rebate Estimator to confirm incentive
eligibility and expected savings, then see our Outdoor Lights Upgrade page if you want a supply and install quote with a controls plan.
Controls that multiply savings and improve safety
Smart controls make LED wall pack lights more efficient and more predictable while improving security after dark. Start with the simplest automation and add sophistication where it delivers measurable value.
Photocell dusk to dawn
A dedicated photocell turns fixtures on at dusk and off at dawn. This eliminates daytime burn and removes the need for manual switching. It is the first control most Ontario sites should add because it works with any wall pack and pays back quickly.
💡Tip: Use quality commercial photocells rated for Canadian winters. Specify a short warm up delay to prevent brief cycling during fog or sunrise.
Motion sensing with dim to off
Motion sensors keep a low background at night and brighten only when people or vehicles approach. You get clear camera images without running at full output all night.
Example setting
Background 20 percent from 11 pm to 5 am
Boost to 100 percent for 10 minutes when motion is detected
If no motion for 30 minutes, turn off
Quick math
Annual savings per fixture equals baseline kWh times the fraction of quiet hours times one minus the background level.
Time scheduling and zones
Time scheduling lets you run different rules by area. Entrances can remain bright through the night while warehouse walls dim after the last shift. On multi building sites, networked control platforms make it easy to group fixtures into zones and apply scenes for weekdays, weekends, and seasons.
Where zones help most
Campuses with multiple buildings and entrances
Sites with early deliveries or late retail hours
Properties that need seasonal schedules for holidays or winter operations
Control options at a glance
Control option | What it does | Typical setpoint | Best locations | Notes |
Photocell | On at dusk and off at dawn | Factory set | All exterior wall packs | Prevents daytime burn |
Stand alone motion | Boosts output when motion is present | Ten to twenty minute hold | Walkways and side doors | Keep background above ten percent for camera clarity |
Networked scheduling | Time based scenes by area | Site specific | Multi building campuses | Enables reporting and fine tuning |
Use our Lighting Rebate Estimator to see how controls change incentives, then model annual run cost in the Lighting Operating Cost Calculator.
Retrofit versus replacement on exterior walls
Choosing between a simple swap and a small redesign comes down to coverage quality, camera performance, and neighbor friendliness.
When a one to one swap is best
Keep the existing locations when coverage is already uniform and there are no glare complaints. Select a full cutoff or forward throw LED wall pack with a matching lumen package, add a photocell, and record the exact catalog number for rebate documentation.
💡Tip: If you are replacing metal halide or high pressure sodium, test one step lower in lumen output. Better optics in modern LED wall pack lights often deliver equal or better ground illumination with fewer lumens.
When to change locations or add fixtures
Move or add fixtures when you see obvious dark gaps, bright scallops, or camera bloom. Adjustable head models can push light along fence lines or around corners. Full cutoff bodies help reduce spill into neighboring properties and lower sky glow.
Small layout checklist
Map doorways, cameras, and vehicle paths
Mark blind corners and long fence runs
Note any neighbor windows and signage
Identify zones that can dim earlier at night
Wiring checks, junction box condition, conduit seals
Before installation, have a licensed electrician confirm branch circuit capacity, inspect wall boxes and anchors, and reseal all conduit entries. Water ingress and freeze thaw cycles are the most common causes of driver failure outdoors.
Start a quick plan on our Outdoor Lights Upgrade page if you want a layout that shows fixture moves, optics, expected uniformity, and a controls plan.
Cost ranges and simple payback
A short model is often all a business needs to make a confident decision. The aim is to combine energy savings, maintenance savings, and any incentives into a clear payback window.
Material and labour factors including lift access and after hours work
Project cost varies with lumen package, control strategy, wall height, and access. Labor rises when lifts are needed or when work must be done after hours to avoid disruption. Where possible, group fixtures by wall so each wall is completed in a single visit and the lift moves fewer times.
Energy model example comparing legacy 100 to 250 watt systems to LED
Use the table to plug in your own electricity price. Replace R with your cost per kWh.
Item | Legacy wall pack | LED wall pack |
Input power per fixture | 250 watts | 100 watts |
Night hours per year | 4,200 hours | 4,200 hours |
Annual energy per fixture | 1,050 kWh | 420 kWh |
Annual kWh saved | 630 kWh | — |
Annual energy savings value | 630 times R dollars | — |
If R equals 0.12 dollars per kWh, annual energy savings per fixture are about 75.60 dollars. Multiply by the number of fixtures to estimate annual energy savings for the site.
Maintenance savings from longer life and sealed optics
Legacy lamps commonly require relamping within one to two years on dusk to dawn schedules. LED wall pack lights often operate for many years with minimal service, especially when fixtures include surge protection and sealed optical chambers. Fewer lift rentals and fewer night visits should be counted in the total savings.
Simple payback method
Payback in years equals total project cost minus rebate minus maintenance avoided in year one, divided by annual energy savings plus annual maintenance avoided.
Run your exact numbers in the Lighting Operating Cost Calculator and preview incentives with the Lighting Rebate Estimator. If you prefer a turnkey quote that includes a controls plan and a rebate map, start on our Outdoor Lights Upgrade page.
Rebates for wall pack lights in Ontario
As of 2025 there is no Save on Energy instant discount line item for exterior LED wall pack fixtures. The current Instant Discounts Eligible Measures List covers items like tubes, troffers, linear ambient fixtures, high and low bays, recessed downlights, refrigerated case lighting and several types of occupancy sensors, but it does not include wall packs.
You can still capture incentives in two ways that often accompany wall pack projects
Add controls.
Standalone and fixture mounted occupancy sensors are eligible for instant discounts, which reduces upfront cost and improves savings.
Use Retrofit Program pathways for controls projects.
Most prescriptive lighting moved to the Instant Discounts Program, but Retrofit remains available for qualifying custom or networked control projects where savings are verified.
Case snapshots
Plaza perimeter upgrade with uniformity gains
A neighbourhood retail plaza had twenty legacy wall packs at two hundred fifty watts along three exterior walls. Pavement light was low with bright scallops under each fixture and deep shadows between units. Cameras struggled to capture faces at night.
Design change
16 full cutoff LED wall packs at one hundred watts were mounted at fifteen feet. Spacing was set at fifty feet on centre with forward throw optics to reach the parking edge.
Before and after
Metric | Before | After |
Average pavement light | 4 lux | 10 lux |
Max to min uniformity | 10 to 1 | 4 to 1 |
Fixture count | 20 | 16 |
Connected load | 5,000 watts | 1,600 watts |
Estimated annual energy | about 21,000 kWh | about 6,700 kWh |
Outcome
Smoother visibility for pedestrians and vehicles, clearer camera images, and maintenance calls eliminated in the first year.
Lesson
Better optics and spacing can raise light levels and cut energy even with fewer fixtures.
Warehouse dock doors with motion and photocell control
A logistics building had eight dock doors lit by metal halide wall packs that ran all night. The system was replaced with LED units that include a dedicated photocell and a paired remote motion sensor for each two doors.
Control plan
Background set to 30% from midnight to five in the morning. Boost to full when motion is detected near the docks.
Before and after
Metric | Before | After |
Operation schedule | dusk to dawn at full output | dusk to dawn with dim to off and motion boost |
Night energy for dock zone | baseline | about sixty percent reduction |
Camera performance | faces washed out and dark band near trucks | faces clearer and apron edges visible |
Safety observations | occasional near misses at hand truck ramps | staff report fewer near misses |
Outcome
Night energy for the dock zone fell by roughly sixty percent. Camera images improved because motion boost removed the dark band between trucks and the loading apron.
Lesson
A simple photocell plus motion strategy delivers real savings and better visibility without adding poles or new circuits.
Common mistakes to avoid
Overlighting that creates glare and shadows
More lumens are not always better. Excess output near doors and corners can create harsh contrast that hides hazards just beyond the bright zone. Aim for a consistent average with a reasonable max to min ratio so eyes and cameras adapt comfortably.
Ignoring camera fields of view and spill on lenses
Place fixtures so the bright core of the beam is below camera height or offset to the side. If a camera must be near a fixture, use full cutoff bodies or add a louver to prevent lens bloom. Always test at night and review recorded footage before finalizing settings.
Skipping photocells which leaves lights on during the day
A simple photocell prevents daytime burn and avoids manual switching errors. Choose commercial grade units rated for Canadian winters and confirm operation after commissioning.
Mixing colour temperatures around the site
Random mixes of three thousand, four thousand, and five thousand kelvin make a property look patchy and can confuse camera auto white balance. Pick one colour for the entire site or use a clear rule such as warm at entrances and neutral on perimeters. Keep records so replacements match in future years.
Recommended next steps
Book a free exterior lighting assessment
Start with a quick site walk. We will map your existing fixtures, measure mounting heights, and note camera locations, entrances, and blind corners. You will receive a concise plan that you can implement with your own contractor or with our team.
What you receive
A layout with fixture count, mounting heights, spacing, and optics
A controls plan that covers photocells, motion settings, and zones
An energy and maintenance savings summary
A rebate map showing any eligible control incentives and program pathways
Use our tools to preview the numbers before you commit. Run your design through the Lighting Rebate Estimator and calculate annual cost in the Lighting Operating Cost Calculator.
When you are ready to move ahead, visit our Outdoor Lights Upgrade page and request your assessment.
FAQ: LED Wall Pack Lights
What wattage LED replaces 150 watt and 250 watt HID wall packs in Ontario
Most sites replace 150 watt HID with 45 to 60 watt LED and 250 watt HID with 70 to 100 watt LED. Confirm with photometry and your target light level since LED optics place light more precisely. If unsure, request a layout through our Outdoor Lights Upgrade page.
How high should I mount LED wall pack lights and how far apart should they be
A practical range is twelve to twenty feet above grade with spacing set at three to four times the mounting height along the wall. Tighten spacing near doors and corners to avoid dark pockets. Validate your plan with our Lighting Operating Cost Calculator.
Which is better for my site, full cutoff or forward throw wall packs
Choose full cutoff for people paths and entrances where glare control and Dark Sky friendliness matter. Choose forward throw along parking edges and loading areas where you need wide reach. For mixed sites, use full cutoff near cameras and forward throw at the perimeter for balanced coverage.
Do controls like photocells and motion sensors reduce cost and affect incentives in Ontario
Yes. Photocells prevent daytime burn and motion with dim to off cuts run hours during quiet periods. Incentive eligibility in Ontario changes over time, so check current options for controls using our Lighting Rebate Estimator and include controls in your quote for the best payback.
What colour temperature is best for cameras and safety at entrances and parking edges
Neutral white around four thousand kelvin usually gives a clear, natural look with strong camera detail. Keep colour consistent across the site to avoid patchy scenes and camera auto white balance drift. Use warmer tones near hospitality entrances if you want a softer appearance.
How long do LED wall pack lights last and what maintenance should I expect
Quality LED wall pack lights often carry ratings approaching one hundred thousand hours. That can mean many years on dusk to dawn schedules with minimal service. Specify surge protection, sealed optics, and reliable drivers, then log catalog numbers for future replacements and warranty support.
