Linear lights with drop lenses extend the lens below the plane of the fixture housing, typically by one to two inches, to create a wider light distribution and softer appearance than a flat or regressed lens. Drop lenses are made from acrylic or polycarbonate diffusers that scatter the LED point sources into an even, glare-softened output, making these fixtures a common choice for retail showrooms, grocery stores, schools, and general commercial spaces where broad coverage and a visible lens are both acceptable.
The drop lens profile gives these fixtures a more traditional fluorescent fixture appearance, which can be an advantage in retrofit situations where existing fixtures had a similar profile and tenants or occupants expect a familiar look. The lens also provides some protection to the LEDs and driver components from dust and incidental contact, which matters in environments like warehouses and food service that have elevated particulate levels or occasional fixture contact.
From a performance standpoint, drop lens fixtures typically deliver higher delivered lumens than louvered fixtures of the same wattage because the diffuser transmits more light than the shielding cells in a louver. The tradeoff is less precise glare control. For spaces where screen glare is a significant concern, louvered linear lights are the better fit.
For an architectural low-profile appearance, see linear lights with regressed lens. The full direct linear lights section covers all lens options and configurations available through QuickShipLights.
