LED Retrofit Lighting

Light retrofitting is the process of replacing outdated lights, such as incandescents, HIDs, or fluorescents, with newer LEDs. In a retrofit installation, you usually keep some part of the existing fixture and install new components compatible with the existing wiring. This can be as easy as replacing old bulbs or tubes with new ones. Retrofitting is a popular option for individuals looking to upgrade their lighting systems since you do not have to replace the entire lighting fixture.

Traditional lights had many problems, such as slow turn-on times, ballast failure, and inefficient lighting design. LED retrofits found a way around these problems. Most retrofit solutions involve bypassing the ballast, which eliminates this typical point of failure for traditional fixtures. LEDs also emit directional lighting and feature secondary optics to better focus the light beam so light isn't wasted in reflectors. Additionally, LEDs have a longer lifespan than traditional lighting solutions, so retrofitting your lighting is a cost-effective way to improve energy efficiency, lower operating costs, and lower maintenance costs. Unlike metal halides and HID lamps, LED lights do not contain harmful chemicals, so they are an environmentally friendly lighting option. With a variety of color temperatures, equivalent wattages, and ballast compatibilities available, it can be very easy to find a retrofit light that fits your existing system.

Plug-and-play lights can be installed into existing sockets and fixtures without needing to alter the wiring or ballast, hence the name "plug-and-play.” This makes these LED lights suitable for both residential and commercial applications since anyone, from the average homeowner to an experienced electrician, can install these lights. The most common plug-and-play LED retrofit lights are Type A, Type A/B, and 3-in-1 Universal fluorescent replacement tubes.

LEDs consume less power than fluorescent and metal halide lights while still emitting the same lumen output. Therefore, your LED retrofit lights will have a lower wattage than that of your current lights. When choosing an LED retrofit, use an equivalent wattage or the total lumen output to ensure a similar lighting effect. Equivalent wattage measures the wattage needed for an LED to emit the same brightness as a traditional light. For example, a 9W LED bulb with a 60W equivalent wattage would produce the same amount of light as a 60W incandescent bulb but at a much lower wattage point.