The pendent style luminaire split design incorporates generally a housing split into sections, a first section of the housing is attached to the top member located at the mounting arm while the second section of the housing is attached to the lens frame. The second section swings about a hinge between the first section and the lens frame. In the open position of the luminaire, the design allows for the convenience of "hands free" maintenance of both the lamp and the electrical component assembly of the luminaire at the same time. A sealed optical chamber is created, since neither the lens nor lens frame is needed to be separated from the reflector to gain access to the lamp.