Home › Commercial Refrigeration Guide › Walk-In Cooler & Freezer Guide › Walk-In Strip Curtains, Lights and Shelving
Updated October 14, 2026
Quick answer
Strip curtains cut the warm air that rushes in when the door opens, LED lights add far less heat than old fixtures, and the right shelving keeps product off the floor and air moving. Federal design rules already require strip doors or an equivalent on walk-ins built since 2009.
Strip curtains
Overlapping PVC strips hung inside the door frame slow the exchange of air when the door is open. Walk-ins manufactured since 2009 must have strip doors, spring-hinged doors or another method of minimizing infiltration (10 CFR 431.306).
- Replace strips that are torn, missing, cloudy or stiff.
- Freezers need low-temperature strip material that stays flexible.
- Strips should overlap and reach close to the floor.
- Do not tie strips back; staff often do, and it defeats the purpose.
Lights
Old incandescent and fluorescent fixtures add heat to the box and often struggle in the cold. Sealed LED fixtures rated for coolers and freezers use less power, add little heat and start instantly in the cold. Fixtures must be sealed against moisture and suitable for food areas.
- Replace cracked covers; broken glass or plastic is a food-safety issue.
- Use vapor-proof fixtures rated for the box temperature.
- Have a technician or electrician check the light switch and wiring if lights flicker.
Shelving
- Keep food at least 6 inches off the floor; many health inspectors cite this.
- Use corrosion-resistant shelving (epoxy-coated, polymer or stainless) in the damp walk-in environment.
- Leave space between shelves and walls so air can circulate.
- Keep shelving and product clear of the evaporator face and fan guards.
- Use adjustable shelving so product does not get stacked to the ceiling.
Why these small parts matter
All three affect the refrigeration system. Missing strips and propped doors overload it with warm, wet air. Hot lights add heat. Poor shelving blocks airflow and creates warm spots near the door. Each makes the system run longer and ice up sooner. See what a walk-in costs to run.
Strip curtain types and fitting
| Type | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard clear PVC | Coolers | Most common; replace when cloudy |
| Low-temperature PVC | Freezers | Stays flexible in the cold; standard strips crack |
| Ribbed or reinforced | Pallet jack or cart traffic | Resists abrasion |
| Swinging door alternatives | Very high traffic | Spring-hinged doors also satisfy the federal infiltration rule |
Strips should overlap by roughly a quarter to half their width and hang close to the floor. Mount hardware should let strips be replaced one at a time. Clean strips with mild soap so they stay clear; staff are more likely to keep them in place if they can see through them.
Shelving materials compared
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Epoxy-coated wire | Affordable, resists rust, allows airflow | Coating chips; rust starts at chips |
| Polymer (plastic) with removable mats | Rustproof, dishwasher-safe mats | Higher cost |
| Stainless steel wire | Durable | Expensive; can still corrode in harsh conditions |
| Chrome wire | Cheap | Rusts quickly in damp walk-ins; avoid |
Wire or vented shelves let cold air move around product; solid shelves create warm pockets. Keep the top shelf low enough that product does not block the evaporator.
Lighting and safety
Walk-in lights must work: staff need to read labels, find the inside release and avoid ice. Use vapor-tight fixtures with shatter-resistant covers rated for the box temperature, and an outside switch with a pilot light so lights are not left on. In freezers, LEDs start instantly in the cold where fluorescents struggle.
Bay Area considerations
With high electricity costs, every bit of heat added inside the box costs more to remove here than in many regions. LED fixtures and intact strip curtains are among the cheapest ways to reduce that load. Ask about utility incentives for efficient lighting and controls before buying; programs change frequently.
Owner checks
- Count missing or torn strips and note how far they hang above the floor.
- Check every light works and covers are intact.
- Look for rust on shelving, especially at joints and feet.
- Check product is at least 6 inches off the floor and clear of the evaporator.
- Check shelf spacing lets air move to the back wall.
Most of these are quick fixes staff can arrange themselves; lights and wiring need a technician or electrician.
When to call a technician
Call if you see heavy frost after door openings, warm spots on shelves, or lights failing in the cold. These are often the first signs of a bigger airflow or door problem.
Open 7 days, 8 AM to 5 PM, with emergency service until 9 PM. CA Lic. #776244.
Frequently asked questions
Are strip curtains required on walk-in coolers?
Walk-ins built since 2009 must have strip doors, spring-hinged doors or an equivalent method to limit infiltration.
How often should strip curtains be replaced?
When strips tear, go missing, turn cloudy or stiffen. Busy doors may need new strips every year or two.
Can I use regular LED lights in a walk-in freezer?
Use fixtures rated for low temperature and wet locations. Ordinary fixtures can fail or crack in the cold.
How high off the floor should walk-in shelving be?
Keep food at least 6 inches off the floor.
Does shelving placement affect cooling?
Yes. Shelves and product blocking the evaporator or walls stop air circulating and create warm spots.
Why do my freezer strip curtains crack?
Standard PVC stiffens and cracks in freezer temperatures. Use low-temperature strips.
Is chrome shelving OK in a walk-in?
It rusts quickly in damp walk-ins. Epoxy-coated, polymer or stainless shelving lasts longer.
Do walk-in lights need special fixtures?
Yes: vapor-tight, shatter-resistant fixtures rated for the box temperature and wet locations.
Can strip curtains be replaced one strip at a time?
Yes, with most hanging systems; it is cheaper than replacing the whole curtain.
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