How to choose an LED batten

Integrated LED batten or LED tube batten?

The first key decision is the batten's light source: either the LEDs are built in, or the batten holds a replaceable LED tube (usually T8 format). Each option has its advantages.

LED batten mounting options

Most battens are surface-mounted, on a wall or ceiling for example, using clips or screws. This direct mounting suits most situations (garage, corridor, workshop, commercial and industrial spaces), as the slim profile of LED fittings keeps them discreet once installed. Other models are designed for different mounting types to meet specific needs.

Batten type	Description	Advantages	Ideal for	Examples
Surface-mounted / wall LED battens	Fixed directly to the wall or ceiling with clips/screws.	Quick, easy installation Suits most spaces Standard, budget-friendly solution	Garages, cellars, workshops, corridors, car parks, commercial and industrial spaces.
Recessed LED battens	Built into a ceiling, wall or furniture; only the diffuser remains visible.	Discreet, attractive finish Uniform linear lighting Possible connections (X, T, corner) for a continuous line	Suspended ceilings, offices, coving, shelving, bespoke integrations.
Suspended LED battens	Hung from the ceiling on cables or chains (kits included).	Ideal for high ceilings Light closer to the area being lit Modern, designer look	Kitchens (islands), dining rooms, laboratories, shops, industrial-style workshops.
Linkable LED battens	Connected to one another (wired electrically in parallel) via through-wiring or connectors.	Continuous, shadow-free lighting Fewer power supplies needed Modular installation	Long corridors, shelving, aisles, garages/workshops, large worktops.

Additional options and features

An LED batten can come with handy options that improve ease of use or safety. Here are some of the features available and what they are for:

How to choose an LED batten: key criteria

Before choosing an LED batten, assess the area to be lit and the mounting height to work out the right length and light output.

LED batten length

According to a professional guide, here is a rough idea of the area lit depending on batten length:

Power and luminous flux

Don't rely on electrical watts alone: look above all at the luminous flux stated in lumens, which tells you how much light is emitted. Choose a flux suited to the size and use of the room: a workshop or industrial space, for example, needs more lumens than a kitchen or cellar. As a rule, the longer the LED batten, the higher its light intensity, since it holds more LEDs along its length.

• Luminous efficacy (lm/W): this is the ratio of lumens per watt. The higher it is, the more energy-efficient the LED batten (it gives more light for the same power consumption). Current models typically offer around 100 lm/W at entry level, and up to 150 lm/W (or more) for the highest-performing battens.

For example: around 4,800 lumens can be achieved with ~30 W at an efficacy of 160 lm/W, compared with ~40 W at 120 lm/W.

Choosing a high-efficacy LED batten means you get as much light (or more) while using less energy, which reduces both the number of fittings needed and your electricity bill.

Finally, make sure the total luminous flux of the batten you choose matches your needs.

As a guide, a 120 cm LED batten usually delivers around 4,000 to 5,000 lumens, enough for a space of ~15 m².

Colour temperature

The colour temperature of the light (measured in kelvins) shapes the atmosphere of a room. LED battens mainly come in three shades of white:

• Warm white (~3000 K): soft, yellowish-white light, similar to incandescent bulbs. Creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere, ideal for relaxing.
• Neutral white (~4000 K): neutral white light, close to daylight. A good balance between warmth and visibility, with excellent visual comfort (kitchens, offices, workshops, shops).
• Cool white (~6000 K): very bright, bluish-white light, like the brightness of midday. Ideal for garages, workshops, warehouses or car parks where maximum visibility is the priority.
• Adjustable white (tunable CCT): some models have a selector that lets you change the colour temperature (e.g. 3000 K / 4000 K / 6000 K) on the same batten. Handy for adapting the light to the time of day (cool white during the day to see better, warm white in the evening for a more relaxed mood) without changing the fitting.

Ingress protection (IP) rating and waterproofing

The IP rating shows how well the fitting resists the ingress of solid objects (first digit) and water/liquids (second digit). This is crucial if the LED batten will be used in a dusty or damp environment: outdoors, for example, you will need at least IP65 (dust-tight and protected against heavy rain), while a bathroom installation requires IP44 as a minimum.

The table below summarises the most common IP ratings and their uses:

Colour rendering index (CRI)

The CRI (colour rendering index) measures the ability of a light source to faithfully reproduce the colours of the objects it lights. It is expressed on a scale of 0 to 100, where 100 means perfect rendering (equivalent to daylight).

Most LED battens have a CRI ≥ 80, which is fine for general use. However, if you work with colour or in a demanding professional setting (painting, graphic design studio, shop selling colourful products), it is best to choose a high CRI (close to 90 or more) for optimal rendering. A high CRI makes it easier, for instance, to tell apart electrical wires of different colours or to judge the exact shade of paints and fabrics.

Choosing an LED batten by location and use

Kitchen

For a well-lit kitchen, an LED batten provides both precise task lighting on the worktop and even light across the whole room.

Use	Recommendation	Selection criteria	Examples
Under-cabinet lighting	30 to 60 cm batten with built-in switch or sensor.	Small size for easy integration Flux of 500 to 1,000 lm/m for worktops Neutral white (~4000 K) to see food clearly
Main lighting	60 to 120 cm batten (≈120 cm, 30 to 40 W ≈ 3,000 lm) to cover 10 to 15 m².	Enough flux for the whole kitchen Neutral white (~4000 K) for true colour rendering IP44 if near a water point

Bathroom

Good bathroom lighting must be both practical and safe: an LED batten provides comfortable light while coping with humidity.

Use	Recommendation	Selection criteria	Examples
Above the mirror	30 to 60 cm batten, warm/neutral white (3000 to 4000 K), flux of 300 to 600 lm	IP44 min. (IP65 near the shower) Suitable colour tone to avoid a washed-out complexion Compact format for wall mounting
General lighting	60 to 120 cm batten (~2,000 to 3,000 lm) in neutral white	IP44 min. (IP65 if the ceiling light is near the shower) Even flux to avoid shadows Central ceiling installation

Garage, cellar, workshop or workbench

These spaces need powerful, reliable lighting. Whether it is a garage, a cellar or a workshop, an LED batten delivers optimal results, ideal for industrial lighting or home use.

Use	Recommendation	Selection criteria	Examples
Single garage (~15 to 20 m²)	120 cm LED batten, ~30 W, 3,000 to 4,000 lm, cool white (6000 K)	IP44 min. for dust/humidity Cool white for visibility Centred on the ceiling
Large garage / basement	Several linkable 120 to 150 cm LED battens, cool white (6000 K)	Add more light points for even coverage Sensor handy for automatic switch-on IP44 to IP65 depending on humidity Cellar tip: go for 2×60 cm per corridor
Workbench / precision workstation	60 to 90 cm surface-mounted batten above the worktop, 1,500 to 2,500 lm, cool white	Mount close to avoid shadows Localised intensity Switch/sensor useful
Workshop: general lighting	At least 2×120 cm in a staggered layout, total flux ≥ 4,000 lm, neutral/cool white	Use several sources to reduce shadows Suspension possible with high ceilings

Offices & workspaces

Good office lighting must combine visual comfort and efficiency. LED battens meet the needs of reading, screen use and long working hours.

Use	Recommendation	Selection criteria	Examples
Office 10 to 15 m²	120 cm batten, 2,500 to 3,000 lm, neutral white (~4000 K)	Anti-glare opal diffuser Flux suited to reading/screen work CRI ≥ 80
Open-plan office / meeting room	Designer suspended battens, dimmer-compatible	Attractive LED batten Adjustable intensity Neutral white for long-lasting visual comfort

Retail & shelving

Shop lighting must be uniform and show products at their best. LED battens ensure true colour rendering and optimal visual comfort for customers.

Use	Recommendation	Selection criteria	Examples
Store aisles	Discreet LED battens (slim profile), aligned or suspended	Neutral white (~4000 K) for true rendering. ≈ 150 cm / 50 W (≈ 6,000 lm) every 3 to 4 m at a height of 3 m. Anti-glare diffuser for customer comfort.
Cold rooms / stockrooms	IP65 LED battens, cool white	Enhanced waterproofing. Cool white for maximum efficiency.

Underground car parks and industrial warehouses

Whether for car park lighting or warehouse lighting, LED battens provide safety, robustness and efficiency, even in the most demanding conditions.

Space	Use	Recommendation	Selection criteria	Examples
Underground car parks	Driveways	150 cm IP65 battens every 5 to 7 m, cool white (≈ 6000 K)	Enhanced waterproofing Robustness (high IK rating) HF sensor with zone synchronisation for energy savings
Industrial warehouses	High ceilings (>4 to 5 m)	Powerful suspended LED battens	Flux suited to high ceilings Cool white for productivity
Industrial warehouses	Standard height	150 cm battens ~50 W (≈ 6,000 lm) in parallel rows	High flux for large areas Cool white to boost productivity

Checklist for choosing the right LED batten

• Installation location: dry indoor, damp (IP44+), outdoor (IP65+).
• Area to be lit: suitable length and power (lumens required).
• Use: desired atmosphere (warm/neutral/cool white), colour rendering (CRI).
• LED batten type: integrated, T8 tube, recessed, suspended, linkable, etc.
• Handy options: sensor, emergency battery, rechargeable.
• Quality and durability: efficacy (lm/W), lifespan, robustness (IK, IP).

If you can tick all the boxes, you have the LED batten best suited to your needs.