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Light retrofitting is the process of replacing outdated lights, such as incandescents, HIDs, or fluorescents, with newer LEDs.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.
LED Retrofit Lighting
Skip the hassle and expenses of replacing an entire HID or fluorescent fixture by utilizing our LED retrofit kits or bulbs. LED retrofit lights are installed directly into existing fixtures to provide low-maintenance, energy-efficient lighting. Our extensive selection of retrofit lights includes mogul screw corn bulbs, various LED fluorescent replacement tubes, direct-wire retrofit kits, commercial and residential downlights, and PL lamps. These LED retrofit options are great for both indoor and outdoor fixtures. We offer a wide variety of comparable wattages, base types, ballast compatibility, CCTs, and lumen values to help you find the right replacement light. All Super Bright LED retrofit products come backed with an industry-leading warranty.
Benefits of LED Retrofit Lighting
Lower Upfront Costs
Retrofit bulbs are typically less expensive than complete LED light fixtures. For large industrial spaces, choosing LED retrofits will help significantly lower the total upfront outfitting cost.
Utility Rebates
Many utility companies will offer rebates for DesignLights Consortium (DLC) certified products. DLC issues various requirements to encourage energy efficiency, so installing LED retrofits that use less energy will save you money upfront via rebates and help you save on your electricity bill.
Instant Start
Some traditional types of lighting experienced slow turn-on times and frequent flickering. In certain warehouse settings where suboptimal lighting conditions can cause delays in operating periods, instant start lighting is crucial. LED retrofits turn on instantly to provide immediate illumination.
What to Consider When Choosing an LED Retrofit
LEDs consume less power than fluorescent and metal halide lights while emitting the same lumen output. Therefore, your LED retrofit lights will have a lower wattage than 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.
Types of
Retrofit LED Lights
Commercial and industrial spaces rely on a wide variety of lighting types. Luckily, replacement LED bulbs and tubes are available for all of these fixtures.
Fluorescent Tube Replacements
Fluorescent tube light replacements are LED lights designed to replace fluorescent tubes. These LED tubes are commonly installed in high bays, 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. Choose your replacement based on the action required for the ballast (Type A– ballast compatible, Type B– ballast bypass, or Type A/B– hybrid). We also offer 3-in-1 universal T8 tubes that are plug-and-play Type A and single-side and dual-side Type B.
LED Corn Bulbs
LED corn bulbs replace HID lamps in 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. Many corn bulbs have EX39 bases, which are compatible with both EX39 and E39 sockets.
Retrofit LED Downlights
Retrofit LED downlights can be installed in existing recessed can light fixtures. They are great for residential and commercial spaces because they provide general area lighting. Various trims are 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.
Magnetic Retrofit Kits
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, allowing you to install the lights you want regardless of the fixture tombstone or socket configuration.
PL Lamps
LED PL retrofit lamps replace fluorescent PL lamps and CFLs that use pin-based bulbs. PL lamp fixtures use a ballast, and our products will label whether they are Type A/Type B/Type A/B. With their pin-based design, PL lamps are easily plugged into existing fixtures. PL lamps are ideal for various applications, including sconce lighting in commercial and residential interiors.
Ballast Compatibility Made Easy
There are two main types of ballast compatibilities: direct fit and direct wire. Both offer significant benefits for electricians and building managers. Direct fit, also known as plug-and-play lights, are the easiest retrofit solution to install since they can be inserted, screwed, or mounted directly in the existing light housing without changing any existing wiring or light components. Direct wire, or ballast bypass, lights require rewiring and sometimes the removal of existing components. However, direct wire retrofit solutions are typically more energy efficient in the long run.
Our Type A/B 3-in-1 Universal tube lights are compatible with both single and dual-end Type B ballast bypass, making them our most versatile option. These tubes are perfect if you need to buy lights in bulk for your facility and require compatibility with multiple existing sockets. Additionally, if you install them as Type A plug-and-play and the ballast fails later, you can easily bypass and continue using the same tube.
Before deciding which option is best for your space, talk with one of our representatives. They can help you determine which ballast compatibility you need based on the specifications of your existing lights and a number of other factors. Call us at 866-590-3533.
Quality Bulbs & Tubes
Put to the Test
All LED bulbs, tubes, and retrofit kits sold by Super Bright LEDs are tested in our in-house test lab, where our product experts measure the exact specifications of all products to ensure you receive the exact light fit for your space. We know warehouses and commercial properties commonly need around-the-clock lighting, so we test how our bulbs and tubes hold up under extended run times and verify the IP rating for outdoor-rated bulbs to ensure sufficient ingress protection.