277V and 480V LED lighting, explained
Commercial buildings do not all run on the same electrical supply. Many fixtures are listed for a range that includes 120V through 277V. Some industrial and campus sites distribute power at a higher voltage, including 480V, and need fixtures that are built and listed for that supply. This page explains the difference in plain language. It does not change the voltage of any product we sell. The voltage on the product page is the voltage that matters, and a qualified electrician should confirm the supply before you order or install.
What 120–277V usually means
A fixture listed for 120–277V is intended to operate on common commercial circuits in that range. That can include familiar 120V circuits and higher commercial voltages such as 277V, but only if the product page lists them. “120–277V” is not a hint that the same fixture can be wired to 480V. It also does not mean every 120–277V fixture is right for every panel in that range. Read the voltage, phase, and wiring notes on the product page, and have the electrician match them to the circuit.
If you are replacing older HID fixtures, the supply on the building may stay the same even though the new fixture is LED. Our metal halide to LED replacement chart can help you think about the swap, but it will not tell you the voltage. That still comes from the existing circuit and the new product page.
When 480V fixtures are used
Some warehouses, plants, campuses, and large outdoor sites already distribute power at 480V. In those cases, a fixture listed for that supply can be the right tool, and it may avoid a step-down transformer when the design calls for one to be avoided. That is a design decision for the project, not a default. Use a 480V fixture only when the product is listed for the supply you have. Shop those products in our 480V lighting collection, and compare them with the standard-voltage versions in families such as LED wall packs, parking lot lights, shoebox lights, linear high bays, and warehouse lights.
Do not assume a look-alike fixture is the 480V model. The handle, the title, and the specifications on the product page should all be checked. If a site mixes voltages — for example, 480V in the plant and a standard voltage in the offices — keep the fixtures clearly matched to the circuit they will sit on. Office areas may use LED troffers or office lighting on a different supply than the high bays in the warehouse.
How to order without guessing
Write down the supply voltage from the electrician, the panel, or the existing fixture label. Then filter to products that list that voltage. If you are also planning fixture count and placement, include the voltage in your lighting layout request so the recommendation matches the site. Mounting still has to be right; see LED fixture mounting options. Outdoor and wet rooms still need the correct location rating, as explained in IP ratings and wet locations.
Listings and rebate questions are covered on our certifications and listings page and in the DLC listing and utility rebate guide. Those listings do not replace a voltage check. If you are unsure whether a fixture is the higher-voltage model, contact us and send a link to the product along with the supply voltage. Other terms are defined in the lighting glossary, and this explainer is collected with the rest of our lighting resources.
Steel Tech Lights was founded by Joe after 17 years in the lighting business, and we would rather confirm a voltage than ship the wrong fixture. Every fixture is backed by our 5-year warranty and 60-day returns. Orders ship in 1–3 business days, as described in the shipping policy. More project and order questions are answered in our FAQs.