What LED Canopy Light Should I Buy? | Superior Lighting
What LED Canopy Light Should I Buy? (Contractor Guide)
Short answer: Match the fixture style to the application and ceiling height, then choose wattage-selectable, color-selectable (4000K–5000K), and 0–10V dimming/photocell options for control. For gas station forecourts and parking garages, favor low-glare optics, wet-location ratings, and DLC-listed models for rebate eligibility.
Explore all styles in our category: LED Canopy Lights.
Quick Comparison (Choose by Use Case)
| Style | Best For | Typical Mounting Height | Typical Output Range* | Glare Control | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round LED Garage Canopy | Parking garages, soffits, decorative upgrades | 8–14 ft | ~16–60W (≈2,500–9,000 lm) | Good (diffused lens) | Clean aesthetic; easy surface mount |
| Square LED Garage Canopy | General garages & fueling areas | 10–16 ft | ~24–80W (≈4,000–12,000 lm) | Good–High (prismatic/frosted) | Most common for retrofits |
| Recessed LED Gas Station Canopy | Gas station forecourts with recessed pans | 12–18 ft | ~40–120W (≈6,000–18,000+ lm) | High (flush, controlled optics) | New builds or existing recessed housings |
| Halo Effect Garage Canopy | Brand-forward sites, retail forecourts | 10–16 ft | ~24–80W (≈4,000–12,000 lm) | Good (diffused; accent ring) | Visual appeal without glare |
| LED Vapor Tight Garage Canopy | Damp, dusty, or corrosive environments | 8–16 ft | ~24–80W (≈3,000–12,000 lm) | Good (diffused linear lens) | Sealed housing; IP65/66 |
| Wide Beam Canopy | Large bays; uniform coverage | 12–18 ft | ~40–100W (≈6,000–16,000 lm) | High (uniformity-focused) | Ideal for fueling lanes & wide soffits |
| LED Round Up/Down Canopy | Entries, architectural soffits, branding glow | 9–14 ft | ~16–60W total (up+down) | Accent (not task) | Pair with task lighting for code levels |
*Ranges are typical selection starting points; always validate with a photometric layout.
How to Choose (Fast Checklist)
- Height & spacing: Size wattage/lumens to mounting height and bay spacing; confirm with a layout.
- Optics & glare: Use wide/symmetric distributions with prismatic or frosted lenses.
- CCT & CRI: Choose 4000K (neutral) or 5000K (maximum clarity); target CRI ≥80.
- Controls: 0–10V dimming for off-peak; photocell for dusk-to-dawn; sensors as needed.
- Durability: Wet Location, IP65/66, UV-stable lens, corrosion-resistant finish.
- Electrical: 120–277V standard; some sites require 347–480V.
- Compliance & rebates: Prefer DLC-listed + UL/ETL; follow IES guidance.
Round LED Garage Canopy
Best for: Parking garages, commercial soffits, clean modern look.
Why choose it: Round form softens the source; diffused lenses reduce glare. Great for low-to-mid heights with high foot traffic.
Spec tips: Multi-watt (e.g., 16/24/32/40W), color-select 4000K/5000K, 0–10V, wet location, DLC listed.
Square LED Garage Canopy
Best for: Most garages and many fueling canopies; the go-to retrofit shape.
Why choose it: Prismatic/frosted lenses and wide distributions provide uniform coverage and reduce hot spots near dispensers.
Spec tips: 24–80W wattage-select, CCT select, 0–10V + photocell option. Verify IP and sealing hardware.
Recessed LED Gas Station Canopy Light
Best for: Forecourts with recessed pans (new build or replacement).
Why choose it: Clean, flush appearance with excellent glare control; typically higher output for 12–18 ft heights.
Spec tips: 40–120W, flicker-controlled drivers for cameras/broadcast, 0–10V scenes, DLC, UL/ETL.
Halo Effect Garage Canopy
Best for: Branded retail sites and modern garages seeking visual differentiation.
Why choose it: Perimeter “halo” accent ring elevates the space without sacrificing uniformity.
Spec tips: Wattage/CCT select, diffused lens, dimmable drivers; match halo color to brand standards.
LED Vapor Tight Garage Canopy
Best for: Damp, dusty, or corrosive conditions (near sea air, chemicals, or frequent wash-downs).
Why choose it: Sealed housings (IP65/66) protect components; long life with minimal maintenance.
Spec tips: Balance uniformity and efficacy with lens choice; confirm mounting hardware for your soffit.
Wide Beam Canopy
Best for: Large fueling bays and wide soffits needing consistent horizontal and vertical illumination.
Why choose it: Engineered optics push light where you need it, smoothing dark patches between dispensers.
Spec tips: Multi-watt 40–100W, 0–10V for late-night dimming, photocell orientation correct for dusk-to-dawn.
LED Round Up/Down Canopy
Best for: Entry canopies, architectural soffits, and branded perimeters needing both task and accent light.
Why choose it: Attractive wash on the soffit/ground while maintaining functional light below.
Spec tips: Treat up-light as accent; ensure down-light meets egress/task levels. Pair with wide-beam task fixtures as needed.
Why Contractors Choose Superior Lighting
- Multi-watt & color-selectable canopy families to right-size on site.
- Low-glare, wide-beam optics for fueling lanes and garages.
- Wet Location, IP65/66, UL/ETL, DLC for compliance and rebates.
- 0–10V dimming, photocell/sensor-ready drivers.
- Retrofit plates and low-profile housings to reduce install time.
FAQs
Which shape is better for garages—round or square?
Both work. Round offers a clean, modern look with low glare; square is the most common retrofit footprint and pairs well with prismatic lenses.
When should I use recessed gas station canopy fixtures?
Use recessed fixtures when the canopy has a compatible pan or you’re building new. They deliver a flush look with strong glare control at higher heights (12–18 ft).
What color temperature should I choose?
Pick 4000K for a neutral brand presentation or 5000K for maximum clarity; keep it consistent across the site.
Do I need dimming or a photocell?
Yes. Use a photocell for dusk-to-dawn and 0–10V dimming to trim output overnight while maintaining safety.
Will these qualify for rebates?
Choose DLC-listed models and check your utility program. DLC model numbers on the invoice typically unlock incentives.
Need help selecting the right style and wattage? Request a photometric layout and we’ll size it to your canopy height and spacing.