The Wrong LED Retrofit Will Only Cost More
LED retrofitting is the process of replacing older lighting technologies, such as incandescent, halogen, CFL, fluorescent or metal halide lamps, with LED lighting and there are several ways to do this.
OPTION 1 – REPLACE IT
At a basic level, most of the mid-base bulbs you find in ordinary lamps, floor lamps or dressers that are incandescent or CFLs can be removed and replaced directly with LED bulbs. These bulbs use different technology to create light, but as LED bulbs contain their own internal drivers, no additional fittings are required. Many lamps have a maximum wattage that should not be exceeded, which is usually not a problem as LED bulbs can produce the same amount of light as incandescent, halogen or CFLs while using much less wattage. LEDs are more efficient than other technologies and last longer, saving a lot of money and energy over time.
OPTION 2 – REPLACE IT
At a basic level, most of the mid-base bulbs you find in ordinary lamps, floor lamps or dressers that are incandescent or CFLs can be removed and replaced directly with LED bulbs. These bulbs use different technology to create light, but as LED bulbs contain their own internal drivers, no additional fittings are required. Many lamps have a maximum wattage that should not be exceeded, which is usually not a problem as LED bulbs can produce the same amount of light as incandescent, halogen or CFLs while using much less wattage. LEDs are more efficient than other technologies and last longer, saving a lot of money and energy over time.
OPTION 2 – REPLACE IT
Another retrofit option is to replace the entire luminaire. There are a large number of indoor and outdoor LED luminaires available with integrated LED lighting and drivers.These include flat panels, strips, troffers, under-cabinet lights, recessed lights, area lights, wall lights, wall sconces and much more. The benefit of these luminaires is that generally everything you need is included in the unit. However in some cases an LED driver may be required. There are also many options that allow you to choose the colour temperature or the amount of light output (lumens). This allows you to really tailor the light to your specific application. The downside to these is that if something does go wrong, or if the LEDs reach the end of their useful life, the whole fixture will need to be replaced.
OPTION 3 – UPGRADE IT
If you’re not interested in a complete lighting overhaul, there is an LED retrofit option that combines other options called a retrofit kit. These kits allow you to keep your existing luminaires, but to update parts of them with LED lighting. Some offer modules or components that contain only the LED lights and replace the internal elements of the existing fixture, others offer LED lights and a ‘face’ for the fixture, which allows you to keep the existing machinery and fixture back in the ceiling and just update the external parts of it, as well as the lighting. These can be a very efficient and economical option.
There are a large number of LED options in each category and LED is an evolving technology. It offers significant savings in terms of money and energy compared to older technologies. Another saving that is sometimes overlooked refers to the maintenance of LEDs. Because LEDs last longer, they don’t need to be replaced as often. This saves money in terms of maintenance and requires fewer workers, lifts and delayed work when bulbs need to be replaced.
For any lighting changes, be sure to consult a certified supplier or electrician to ensure your upgrade is safe, effective and the best choice for your intended purpose. You can rely on ERS Tech to offer a wide selection of LED lighting that is absolutely right for your application.
At a basic level, most of the mid-base bulbs you find in ordinary lamps, floor lamps or dressers that are incandescent or CFLs can be removed and replaced directly with LED bulbs. These bulbs use different technology to create light, but as LED bulbs contain their own internal drivers, no additional fittings are required. Many lamps have a maximum wattage that should not be exceeded, which is usually not a problem as LED bulbs can produce the same amount of light as incandescent, halogen or CFLs while using much less wattage. LEDs are more efficient than other technologies and last longer, saving a lot of money and energy over time.
OPTION 2 – REPLACE IT
Another retrofit option is to replace the entire luminaire. There are a large number of indoor and outdoor LED luminaires available with integrated LED lighting and drivers.These include flat panels, strips, troffers, under-cabinet lights, recessed lights, area lights, wall lights, wall sconces and much more. The benefit of these luminaires is that generally everything you need is included in the unit. However in some cases an LED driver may be required. There are also many options that allow you to choose the colour temperature or the amount of light output (lumens). This allows you to really tailor the light to your specific application. The downside to these is that if something does go wrong, or if the LEDs reach the end of their useful life, the whole fixture will need to be replaced.
OPTION 3 – UPGRADE IT
If you’re not interested in a complete lighting overhaul, there is an LED retrofit option that combines other options called a retrofit kit. These kits allow you to keep your existing luminaires, but to update parts of them with LED lighting. Some offer modules or components that contain only the LED lights and replace the internal elements of the existing fixture, others offer LED lights and a ‘face’ for the fixture, which allows you to keep the existing machinery and fixture back in the ceiling and just update the external parts of it, as well as the lighting. These can be a very efficient and economical option.
There are a large number of LED options in each category and LED is an evolving technology. It offers significant savings in terms of money and energy compared to older technologies. Another saving that is sometimes overlooked refers to the maintenance of LEDs. Because LEDs last longer, they don’t need to be replaced as often. This saves money in terms of maintenance and requires fewer workers, lifts and delayed work when bulbs need to be replaced.
For any lighting changes, be sure to consult a certified supplier or electrician to ensure your upgrade is safe, effective and the best choice for your intended purpose. You can rely on ERS Tech to offer a wide selection of LED lighting that is absolutely right for your application.
