At MHSC Energy, we specialize in designing and implementing lighting solutions that maximize performance, efficiency, and safety. Our recent project at Wylie High School highlights the value of proper planning and execution when it comes to illuminating large athletic spaces. With advanced photometric analysis, carefully selected fixtures, and a layout designed for consistent results, we delivered a system that enhances both athletic performance and long-term sustainability.
Project Overview
Wylie High School needed a lighting upgrade for its indoor field—an environment where athletes, coaches, and officials rely on clear visibility. Unlike general-purpose lighting, sports facilities demand consistent illumination across every square foot, minimizing glare, dark spots, and uneven distribution. The goal was to provide a system that was bright, efficient, and capable of maintaining high performance for years to come.
Our team approached the project by analyzing the space in detail, running photometric simulations, and tailoring the solution specifically to the school’s needs. The result is a uniform, efficient, and athlete-friendly lighting system that sets a new standard for the facility.
Luminaire Details
To achieve these goals, MHSC Energy installed LHB-ECO-110W high-bay luminaires, chosen for their balance of output, efficiency, and reliability.
Fixture Model: LHB-ECO-110W
Lamp Count: 1 per fixture
Lumens per Fixture: 14,299
Quantity Installed: 126 fixtures
Total Wattage: 13,860W
Light Loss Factor (LLF): 1.000
These luminaires are built for large-scale applications such as gyms, sports fields, and warehouses, where durability and long-term performance are essential. By installing 126 units strategically across the ceiling, we created balanced coverage that minimizes shadows, even when the space is fully in use.
Lighting Performance Results
Performance testing showed that the completed layout achieved an average of 51.59 foot-candles (fc) across the indoor field. To put this into perspective, most indoor sports facilities aim for 30–50 fc, depending on the sport and level of competition. At Wylie High School, the lighting is comfortably above this range, ensuring visibility is never compromised.
For metric measurement, we convert this into lux:
51.59 fc × 10.764 = approximately 555 lux
This is equivalent to professional-grade sports lighting standards, making the facility suitable not only for practices but also for competitive events, tournaments, and community use.
Layout & Design Specifications
To deliver consistent results, our design accounted for multiple environmental and structural factors:
Layout Dimensions: Based on field coordinates in feet/inches
Wall Height: 16 ft
Mounting Heights: 16–32 ft
Workplane Height: 2.5 ft (eye level and activity zone)
Room Reflectance:
Ceiling: 0.80
Walls: 0.50
Floor: 0.20
These reflectance values matter because surfaces can either absorb or bounce light, directly impacting how illumination feels on the field. A bright ceiling reflectance, for example, helps diffuse light evenly, while darker flooring prevents excessive glare.
Why High-Quality Lighting Matters for Schools
The benefits of this project go far beyond aesthetics:
Safety First: With even light levels, athletes and coaches can see clearly, reducing the risk of collisions or injuries.
Performance Boost: Proper visibility helps athletes focus on technique, timing, and coordination.
Better Officiating: Officials and referees benefit from consistent illumination, ensuring fair play.
Energy Savings: By using efficient LED luminaires, the school reduces operational costs without sacrificing quality.
Community Use: A well-lit facility is more inviting for after-school activities, tournaments, and public events.
Long-Term Benefits of MHSC Energy’s Approach
Lighting is a long-term investment, and MHSC Energy ensures that investment pays off. With LLF values factored into the design, the luminaires are expected to maintain their brightness and efficiency with minimal depreciation over time. This means fewer maintenance calls, reduced downtime, and predictable performance for years to come.
Additionally, the school will benefit from:
Reduced Energy Consumption: The entire system uses just 13,860 watts across the field—impressively low for the amount of illumination provided.
Lower Maintenance Costs: LED fixtures have a much longer lifespan than traditional metal halide or fluorescent systems.
Sustainability: Efficient lighting reduces environmental impact and supports the school’s commitment to eco-friendly operations.
The MHSC Energy Advantage
What sets MHSC Energy apart is not just the products we install, but the expertise behind the design. Every project undergoes a thorough photometric analysis, ensuring the final results match the plan. This approach eliminates guesswork and gives clients confidence in their investment.
For Wylie High School, this meant:
Selecting the right fixtures for both efficiency and output.
Strategic placement to ensure uniform light distribution.
Precision calculations in both foot-candles and lux for measurable results.
Customized design to account for the building’s unique dimensions and reflectance factors.
Conclusion
The Wylie High School indoor field lighting project demonstrates how technical expertise and precision planning can create real-world impact. Students, athletes, and the community now enjoy a space that is brighter, safer, and more energy-efficient than ever before.
At MHSC Energy, we’re proud to deliver projects like this—projects that not only meet today’s needs but also prepare facilities for the future.
📞 Contact MHSC Energy today to learn how our lighting design and installation services can transform your school, business, or commercial property.
