What is 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Light retrofitting is the process of replacing outdated lights, such as incandescents, HIDs, or fluorescents, with newer LEDs.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.
Benefits of LED Retrofit Lighting
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.
Type of Retrofit LED Lights
LED Corn Bulb
LED corn bulbs replace HID lamps in high bays, street lights, wall packs, shoebox lights, and other outdoor area lighting fixtures. They are called “corn bulbs” because the LED chips resemble kernels on a corn cob. The term corn bulbs is also used to describe any retrofit bulb for high bay fixtures. Many corn bulbs have EX39 bases which are compatible with both EX39 and E39 sockets.
PL Lamp
LED PL retrofit lamps replace fluorescent PL lamps and CFLs that use pin-based bulbs. With their pin-based design, PL lamps are easily plugged into existing fixtures. PL lamps are ideal for a variety of applications, including sconce lighting in commercial and residential interiors.
Fluorescent Tube Replacement
Fluorescent tube light replacements are LED lights designed to replace fluorescent tubes. These LED tubes are commonly installed in drop ceilings, troffers, and strip light fixtures. The most common replacement tube is a T8 tube, but you can also find T5, T12, T9, and T8 U-bend tubes. Make sure to choose a tube with the right ballast compatibility (Type A, Type B, or Type A/B).
LED Retrofit Kit
LED retrofit kits are a quick and easy way to upgrade troffer lights, strip fixtures, and drop ceiling lights. These strips replace fluorescent tubes while consuming around half the wattage. Magnetic retrofit kits snap into the existing steel fixtures. This allows you to install the lights you want regardless of the fixture tombstone or socket configuration. Choosing complete retrofit kits eliminates any guesswork in finding the right tube and ballast type to help simplify the decision-making process.
Retrofit LED Downlight
Retrofit LED downlights can be installed in existing recessed can light fixtures. Retrofit downlights are great for residential and commercial spaces because they provide general area lighting. There are various trims available: choose between smooth, gimbal, and flush trims to best fit your interior space. You can also choose between different color temperatures, brightnesses, and CRI options.
Plug-And-Play LED Retrofits
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.
What to Consider When Choosing an LED Retrofit
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.
