How to Install a UFO High Bay LED Light: Step-by-Step Guide

Installing UFO high bay LED lights is straightforward for licensed electricians and experienced facility maintenance teams. This guide covers all common mounting methods and wiring configurations.

Before You Start

Required tools:

• Wire stripper and crimpers
• Voltage tester (non-contact recommended)
• Adjustable wrench
• Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
• Lift equipment (scissor lift, boom lift, or scaffolding)

Safety first:

• ALWAYS turn off power at the breaker before starting
• Verify zero voltage with a tester
• Use proper fall protection when working at height
• Follow all local electrical codes and NEC requirements

Mounting Options

1. Hook Mount (Most Common)

UFO high bays include a built-in hook or carabiner at the top.

Install a ceiling hook or eye bolt rated for the fixture weight (typically 5-15 lbs)

For drop ceilings with structure: attach hook to steel beam or purlin

Use safety cable as secondary support (code required in many jurisdictions)

Hook the fixture and adjust chain/cable length for desired mounting height

2. Pendant Mount

For fixed-height installation:

Attach mounting bracket to ceiling junction box

Thread power cord through pendant tube

Connect wiring in junction box

Secure fixture to pendant with lock nut

3. Surface Mount

Direct attachment to ceiling:

Remove hook assembly from fixture

Attach mounting plate directly to ceiling or beam

Make wiring connections

Secure fixture to mounting plate

Wiring Guide

Most Auvolar UFO high bays accept 120-277V universal input.

Wire connections (inside junction box):

• Black (hot) → Black (fixture line)
• White (neutral) → White (fixture neutral)
• Green/bare (ground) → Green (fixture ground)
• Purple (if present) → 0-10V dimming signal (+)
• Gray (if present) → 0-10V dimming signal (-)

For 277V circuits: Same color coding, but verify with a voltage tester. The fixture's universal driver auto-detects voltage.

Spacing Layout

Tip: For precise layouts, request a free photometric design from Auvolar with your floor plan dimensions.

Adding Motion Sensors

Auvolar's Motion Sensor for High Bay ($29, SKU: SENS-HB-MS) screws into the sensor port on the fixture:

Remove knockout plug from fixture sensor port

Screw in motion sensor module

Set detection range (10-50ft adjustable)

Set hold time (30s to 30min)

Set dim level (10-50% when unoccupied)

Motion sensors add 30-50% additional energy savings beyond the LED upgrade itself.

Common Installation Mistakes

Not using safety cable: Required by code — fixture could fall if hook fails

Wrong wire gauge: Use 12AWG minimum for 20A circuits

Over-tightening connectors: Can damage driver connections

Incorrect mounting height: Too low = glare; too high = insufficient ground illumination

No dimming wires connected: If 0-10V dimming is planned, connect purple/gray wires

For large installations, Auvolar can connect you with certified electrical contractors in your area. Contact sales@auvolar.com.