LED corn lights: what they are, where to use them and how to choose the best option

In this guide:

• What are LED corn lights?
• Where are corn lights used?
• Metal halide vs SON lamps vs LED corn bulbs
• Corn lights by wattage and lumens
• Retrofitting corn lights
• Low bay fitting

What are LED corn lights?

Corn lights are designed as an energy efficient replacement to high intensity discharge (HID) lamps and SON lamps. They use a large arrangement of LEDs on their metal structure to provide a large amount of light. This arrangement of LEDs closely resembles a corn cob, hence the name “corn lights”.

They are used in places like car parks, football stadiums, street lights—anywhere that requires a lot of light.

Unlike halogen HID lamps and SON lamps, LED corn lights can provide a large amount of light efficiently, while still retaining a wide colour spectrum.

If you are looking for a more efficient, cheaper replacement for a HID/SON lamp, corn lights could be the right product for you.

Where are corn lights used?

Corn lights are an energy-rated replacement for any high-lumen lights, whether inside or out. They are used to light:

• car parks
• football stadiums
• streets
• roads
• Interior high bay lamps

Metal halide vs SON lamps vs LED corn bulbs

	Metal halide**	Sodium vapour lamps***	LED corn bulbs
Energy rating	C	B	A+
Cycling (turning on/off)	Can take up to 15–30 minutes to warm up	5–10 minutes	Instantaneous
Ultraviolet	Yes. Emits UV radiation which requires a filter built into the bulb.	Small amounts	None
Heat emissions	A significant amount (10–15% of the total energy consumed)	A significant amount (15% of total energy)	Produces very little heat
Costs	From £22	From £22	From £22
Average lifespan	6,000–15,000 hours	18,000—24,000 hours	50,000 hours
Colour temperature	2,700k (very warm) to 20,000k (super daylight)	2,700k (very warm)	2,700k (very warm) to 6,500k (daylight)

** Metal halide—produces light through a mixture of vaporized mercury and metal halides. Often used for sports stadiums, car parks, warehouses and other large spaces.

*** Sodium vapour lamps—high-pressure sodium lamps that are often used in street lighting and general floodlighting.

Corn lights by wattage, lumens and colour temperature

LED wattage (w)	SON/MH equivalent	Lumens (lm)	Colour temperature (k)	Cap Type	click to view product
20w	75w	2,200lm	6000k (daylight)	E27	View Here
30w	105w	3,200lm	6000k (daylight)	E27	View Here
				E40	View Here
40w	150w	4,200lm	6000k (daylight)	E27	View Here
				E40	View Here
60w	200w	6,500lm	6000k (daylight)	E40	View Here
80w	250w	7,800lm	6000k (daylight)	E40	View Here
100w	400w	9,800lm	6000k (daylight)	E40	View Here
120w	400w	13,000lm	6000k (daylight)	E40	View Here
150w	450w	15,000lm	6000k (daylight)	E40	View Here
200w	600w	20,000lm	6000k (daylight)	E49	View Here

Wattage vs lumens

Wattage: An amount of electrical power expressed in watts. In the past, we relied on watts (w) to show the brightness of a bulb. However, with the rise of energy-saving LED lighting, wattage simply doesn’t give us enough information. For example, a standard 40w CFL bulb will produce the same lumens as a 5w LED.

Lumens: Used to measure the brightness of light. The higher the lumens (lm), the brighter the light. For an area that needs plenty of light, you will want to look at bulbs that offer a minimum of 5,000lm. The larger and darker the space, the more lumens it will require.

Corn light reviews

(1 Review)

Wayne Cartwright "replaced a 250w HPI-T plus very happy with light output and saving"

To see the full review click here or click on the five stars above.

(5 Reviews)

Geo "Great white light and super bright in the lowbay fitting. Brightens up the workshop"

To see the full review click here or click on the five stars above.

(5 Reviews)

Damien "Very bright and easy to swap in the fitting with a rewire. Takes the need of a choke out of the fitting which is great for me"

To see the full review click here or click on the five stars above.

Retrofitting LED corn lamps

Retrofitting LED corn lamps can be a complicated procedure and it is recommended you hire a professional electrician.

What sockets do corn lights fit?

E27

Also known as the Edison screw. It is an extremely common light fitting and is used around the world. The E27 in particular is the most widely used amongst the Edison screw family, and is 27 mm in diameter (hence the name).

E40

Also known as the Giant Edison Screw. The E40 lamp fitting was originally designed for lamps over 500W. However, thanks to the energy efficiency of LED bulbs, our LEDs can be as low as 20W while still retaining their brightness.

Low bay fittings

Low bay fittings are specifically designed for buildings with high ceilings, such as warehouses and factories.

The low bay fitting comes complete with ballast removed ready to run the 240v LED corn light. It also comes with a three-year warranty should you experience any issues with the product during that time.

Lamp Shop Online’s low bay fitting is available in the following wattages:

• 40w
• 60w
• 80w
• 100w
• 120w