
Master-Bilt® Refrigeration News & Product Information
The Brightest Idea In Walk In Lighting

LED fixture mounted above a walk-in door.
Walk-in lighting may not be the first thing you think of when specifying a cooler but it is, nevertheless, an important aspect. After all, no one likes a dark walk-in!
Main Considerations
There are several factors to keep in mind when it comes to lighting. For example, energy efficiency, longevity and brightness are some of the main considerations. In addition, the placement of a fixture within a walk-in is important. Position your lights so they help you find stored items, avoid bumping into things and see potential slip-and-fall hazards on the floor. Also, with larger walk-ins, make sure there are enough lights to completely cover the space.
The Clear Choice
While there may be other types of lighting available, including incandescent, fluorescent and compact fluorescent, LED lighting is the most energy efficient, long lasting and brightest. For those reasons, most standard walk-in lighting fixtures these days are LED.
LED lighting is also ideal for walk-in coolers and freezers because its performance is maximized in cold environments. In addition, there are many other features and benefits:
- Instant-on to full brightness with no waiting for lights to warm up. In comparison, it can take several minutes for fluorescent lights to achieve full brightness, especially in freezers.
- Brighter white output at 5000°K at 15% of the power usage
- Same lumen output as incandescent lighting but at much lower wattage: For example, a 15-watt LED = 1500 lumen (max output). It takes a 100-watt incandescent to equal the same lumen rating. (Lumens measure the amount of light emitted from a bulb)
- Reduced heat output reduces cooling costs. LEDs emit 3 BTUs/hour while incandescent bulbs emit 85 BTUs/hour
- Ninety percent of an incandescent light bulb’s energy is wasted heat
- Reduced maintenance cost: LEDs average 50,000 hours of life vs. 1,000 hours for incandescent
- Ideal for operating temperature of -40°F (-40°C) to +122°F (+50°C)
Additional Optimization
When it comes to brightness, efficiency and longevity, LED lighting is the best choice. But there are additional ways to optimize.
- Center the LED light fixture above the entry door, so it is not blocked by shelving or other obstructions
- If you have a larger walk-in, there are optional ceiling-mounted fixtures to fully illuminate the space. Typical offerings include 9”, 24” and 48” inch long fixtures.
- While not really related to efficiency, look for a five-year replacement warranty to cover defects or other issues

LED walk in lighting options include 9”, 24” and 48” inch long fixtures.
For more information, see our LED lighting flyer, call us at 800-647-1284 or email us.