• 18-05-2021
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What is LED retrofitting and its benefits

In the current energy conscious environment, LED has become the predominant name in lighting throughout the world, be it residential, commercial or industrial lighting applications.

The well-publicized energy saving benefits of LED has been discussed and shared so many times, but there are other benefits that especially business and buildings owners/managements should consider in their decision making process on whether they should go ahead with LED retrofitting.  

Apart from a better lighting experience, it will significantly reduce maintenance costs or minimize unnecessary downtime due to a blown fuse or ballast – a common occurrence for fluorescent fixtures.

Through this article, we will go in detail on the steps and process of retrofitting, and how it is beneficial for those who are on a tight budget yet looking forward to enjoy the benefits of LED.

What is LED retrofitting?

In essence, a LED retrofit is to replace existing light fixtures – such as fluorescent troffers –  with higher energy saving and longer lifespan LED lights.

With LED retrofit, we are able to reduce unnecessary wastage of fixtures that are still functional, and also reduce overall replacement costs when making the switch to LED.

If a LED retrofit is not practical or permissible, in such cases the existing fixtures will have to be replace entirely with a new LED fixture.

Is LED retrofitting able to create a positive impact?

Energy consumption – Fluorescent light on average require twice the energy to emit the same light output as compared to a LED. In essence, business owners and building managers will actually stand to witness at least 50% or more in a reduction of energy consumed, after switching over to LED lighting.

The amount of energy saved may go even higher for retrofits that are more comprehensive, such as installing additional occupancy and daylight sensors. Sensors are a great way to reduce unnecessary wastage of energy consumption.

*An example of energy consumed and energy costs.

Productivity – Researches and studies have been conducted over the years, and they have all presented similar results. A study from the International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics – comparing fluorescent and LED lighting – found an 8.3 percent performance improvement whilst carrying out visual and cognitive tasks. The same study has also reported that employees working under LED lights have faster reaction time, reduced fatigue and an increase in productivity. 

Maintenance – Switching to LED lights, will also see a significant reduction of in maintenance costs, as LED lights have a longer rated lifespan when compared to fluorescent lights.  

A typical fluorescent tube has a rated lifespan of 10,000 – 15,000 hours, whereas Paragon LED tubes have a rated lifespan of 50,000 hours. This translates to a reduction in calling for maintenance labors by up to 5 times, and this is not inclusive of any other associated costs such as new fluorescent tube, ballast, starters and etc. These costs may seem insignificant, but as it adds up overtime, it might actually costs more than making the switch to LED lighting solution.

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and air-conditioning) – Incandescent and fluorescent are notorious for the amount of heat generated and this is attributed to how inefficient it is in converting electrical energy into visible light. Whereas a LED is able to convert electrical energy into visible light more efficiently.

A single fluorescent light, will definitely not create a significant impact in the overall ambient temperature, but when multiple fluorescent lights are being used to light up a room, it will actually put additional pressure on the air-conditioners to keep the room cool at a certain temperature.

*An example of heat emitted

Types of LED retrofitting?

Batten light fixtures: This is probably considered the most common type of LED retrofit. With light fixtures and LED tubes exposed to the surrounding environment. This type of retrofit is considered the simplest of all as it requires minimal effort in replacing the LED tubes.

Troffer fixtures (Reflective luminaire): A luminaire that is synonymous with commercial lighting, it can almost be found throughout areas such as offices, hospitals, classrooms and countless of other areas. These highly reflective fixtures are typically installed with fluorescent tubes, with its signature humming and occasional flicker when users switch it on. 

Dustproof and water-resistant fixtures: It’s dustproof and water resistant properties makes it perfect for both outdoor and indoor lighting application. Although such light fixtures are commonly found in humid and dusty environment such as parking garage, manufacturing plant and etc.

Garden light & Wall light: Such light fixtures are commonly affixed with incandescent or fluorescent light bulbs. Which both are notoriously bad in converting electrical energy into light and in the course of it emit unnecessary heat that affects the overall ambient temperature. Typically have an E27 socket built-in, users will only need to remove the existing light bulbs (incandescent or CFL) and replace it with Paragon LED light bulbs.

Carrying out LED retrofitting?

The term retrofitting might come across as easy as replacing a water bottle dispenser with a new bottle, whereas there are some who are stumbled open hearing this term. But fear not, as we will be showing the guide in carrying the retrofit work with these simple steps.

In response to the retrofitting of ‘Batten light fixtures’, ‘Troffer fixtures (Reflective luminaire)’ and ‘Dustproof and water-resistant fixtures’. They should share similar if not the same wiring layout, as most fluorescent tubes are double-ended and fluorescent light fixtures are affixed with shunted lamp holder.

For a detailed explanation of what double-ended and shunted lamp holder is, do click on this link.

Before we proceed further, do conduct some basic checks on your current light fixture and the new LED tube that you have just purchased.

Understanding the basis, will prevent errors that are avoidable during the retrofit process.

Follow this 3 easy steps before carrying out retrofit work

Step 1: Find out if the new LED tube if single-ended or double-ended.

Step 2: Check the current light fixture, if its lamp holder is shunted or non-shunted.

Step 3: Select the correct installation guide from below to carry out retrofit work.

For the budding electrician, who gets their hands on fixing stuff at home this might not pose a challenge for you. But for those who are not properly trained nor possess any electrical knowledge, it is best to leave it to professionals who are able to carry out the retrofit in a safe and efficient manner and ensure the safety of users who are under these lights.

Interested in LED retrofitting?

Intrigued by what you have read and is interested in getting to know more about how LED retrofitting or a full replacement of LED light fixtures. Contact our lighting experts today, for advice, quote and free lighting design service.

Paragon – A leading manufacturer of LED lighting in Vietnam, with offices in Cambodia, Myanmar and Sri Lanka (Authorized distributor). We specialized in all forms of LED lighting for both residential and commercial lighting application.

Our LED lighting solutions are designed and manufactured in accordance to IEC 60598 standards, and have underwent certification to certify product’s reliability and are safe for operation.