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Common LED Retrofit FAQs

Once someone has discovered retrofitting as a completely viable option for upgrading their existing lighting system, there often comes up some very commonly ask questions about retrofitting, more specifically LED retrofits.

 

What is a retrofit kit anyways?

Well, we’ve actually put together a post explaining this more in-depth. But to recap, it is the process of upgrading your lighting system with a new light source all while maintaining the integrity of your existing fixture itself.

In better terms, it’s basically like replacing an old light source with a new one without getting rid of the entire fixture it is housed in.

 

Can you dim a LED retrofit?

Yes, you can dim LED retrofits if you want to. By dimming you opt-in for the exact illumination that you want, while reducing your energy consumption even more. Just make sure you are buying a LED retrofit kit that has the option to be dimmable, otherwise you will NOT be able to dim them.

 

Retrofit vs full replacement, why should you consider retrofitting with LED?

While a full replacement of an entire is fixture is very valid to do especially when they are outdated or literally falling apart; often times you can avoid that by retrofitting your fixtures. With retrofitting you get to keep your old fixture but just replace the light source in it with a new one. This will allow you to reduce the costs associated with the lighting upgrade tremendously, which will allow you to realize a much larger ROI.

Although there are benefits of both, you need to think about your facility or buildings own situation, and go from there. To recap; retrofitting is great if you can keep your old fixtures but if you can’t (due to reasons like outdated or near falling apart), then a full replacement is probably the better option.

 

Why should I even switch to LED in the first place?

Very good question, and this not only applies to those retrofitting but for any facility that plans to make a lighting system update. LED technology has vast benefits in almost every area of the definition “quality” for commercial lighting purposes. Here are just a few of the major benefits that more often than not win over businesses to commit to the conversion over to LED technology:

  • Reduce energy costs by 30% all the way up to 75%
  • No flickering or buzzing EVER with LED technology, not even near the end of it’s lifespan
  • Longer lifespan by 2-3 times
  • Higher Color Rendering Index (CRI)
  • and more…

As you can see these are all some pretty big benefits, and that’s only the start. These reasons are why many companies are making the conversion over to LED products from other outdated technologies such as metal halide, HPS, and even fluorescent. Why not convert to LED with a retrofit LED kit and realize all of these benefits and more? It just makes sense!

 

Is it difficult to retrofit an existing light fixture?

For retrofitting LED lights from metal halide, HPS, or othre lights; it can depend. To someone who has no knowledge about lighting fixtures and electrical wiring, then yes this will seem like an extremely difficult task. On the other hand for someone who is a professional, this isn’t a difficult task at all.

The process, in theory, is simple because all it consists of (for the most part) is a replacement of all the existing lamps, ballasts, sockets, and brackets with new ones to fit your retrofit kits. If you have no experience doing this, and even if you do, it is always recommended to bring in a licensed electrician if you can to ensure it is done right and to safety standards.

 

Are LED retrofits that are compatible with existing ballasts a good idea?

You need to consider the age of the ballast that is currently installed. In most cases, it will be nearing the end of it’s life and thus it won’t be the most up-to-date ballast that you could have. This adds for an additional point of failure, which could cost you more down the line in maintenance fees to replace them when they die out.

You have to consider that since you are considering the switch over to LED through retrofitting, you most likely haven’t recently upgraded you lighting system or replaced much. This means that the ballasts currently installed are most likely, at best, as old as the lights in your fixtures currently. But more often or not, they are even older than that which can definitely mean they are nearing the end of their lifespan.

 

Can you retrofit all Metal Halide and High Pressure Sodium fixtures?

Not all, but most. There has to be enough room in the fixture to install our LED Heads and drivers. We have options designed for High
Bays, Canopy Lights, Wall Packs, Shoe-boxes and High Masts. (High Intensity Discharge is the family of lights that include Metal Halide, High Pressure Sodium and Mercury Vapor). If you are unsure, just call our lighting professionals at (866) 452-1113 and we will help you figure it out.

 

How big are your Commercial / Industrial Retrofit Lights?

The 30, 45 and 60W retrofit mini heads are 4.6″ L x 4.6″ W x 1.9″ H, about the size of the PAR 38. The 75W, 105W and 120W heads are 6.8″ L x
4.9″ W x 1.5″ H. The 150W and 200W are 8.6″ L x 5.7″ W x 1.4″ H. The 280, 320 and 350W heads are 11.6″ L x 9.0″ W x 2.3″ H.

 

How much energy can I expect to save after I buy?

We would expect at a minimum 70% and higher energy savings, depending on the model.

 

What can each of your retrofit lights replace in terms of existing Metal Halide or High Pressure Sodium Lamps?

We can replace everything from 100W to 1000W. This makes our lighting options the best LED replacement for high pressure sodium bulbs (and metal halide).

 

If your 100W LED retrofit light replaces 400W Metal Halide, then how can you replace 1000 Watts Metal Halide?

We have a 280W, 320W and 350W LED Retrofit Kit that produces over 50,000 lumens. And you won’t need a special plate made to fit your fixture. There is no need to send your fixtures to us. Converting your lighting to LED is simple and easy with our metal halide LED retrofit kits.

 

So what is all included in a LED retrofit kit box?

Our kits contain a LED Head, a driver, and multiple installation adapters. This is typically no more difficult than a bulb or ballast
replacement. Our DLC Approved LED retrofit does not include a socket adapter. We don’t think they are safe. Our kits are light weight but
still heavier than the bulb the sockets were meant to hold. Given time, the sockets will fail. We highly recommend you stay away from kits that
use a socket adapter as it’s not a long term solution.

 

What if I don’t want to retrofit and want new fixtures?

No problem. We have a full line of :

  • LED High Bays
  • Canopies
  • Wall Packs
  • Flood Lights
  • Explosion Proof Lights
  • High Mast Lights
  • Street Lights

So we can retrofit your existing fixture or supply new LED fixtures. When you browse our website, you will find both new fixtures and
retrofit options – and we can help you determine which option is best before you buy. Not sure whether to retrofit or fully replace? Read the
new FAQ. Or better yet, call us or send us a note.

 

Why would I retrofit versus buy a new fixture?

Typically purchasing our retrofit light is cheaper than a new fixture. There are times where there are specific fixtures that just need to be used in their existing setting. There are times companies want to replace their old fixtures. There is no right or wrong answer here as it can depend on the facilities personal circumstances. If you like your fixtures and are tired of hearing that you have to replace them to move over to LED, let us show you that is not your only option and that a LED retrofit kit will be a great option for you.

Also, we often talk about the benefits of retrofitting and the related on our blog. Be sure to check out our posts on retrofits!

 

Is there a maximum number of heads we could use in a retrofit?

No. The size of the fixture is the physical limitation. We have to keep the LED retrofits cool, so as long as your fixture is able to support a LED retrofit head and its cooling needs, and there is physical room to install everything, it can be retrofitted. But that being said, our retrofits are powerful enough that one LED kit should be more than enough to retrofit your existing fixtures. Unlike some competitive product whose solution is to create custom plates with
multiple heads, our 11 models can replace from 100 to 1000+ watts metal halide.

 

Will a normal fixture lose it’s UL or ETL certification after it is retrofitted?

It shouldn’t, as long as you follow all the instructions associated with the product. Our LED Retrofits are listed under the UL1598C standard, which is a retrofit standard. UL and ETL understand that the purpose of our lights are to retrofit the existing fixture, replacing the ballast with the driver and the bulb with the LED Head.

 

How long do your LED Retrofit Lamps last?

They are rated for 100,000 (L70) hours of use, in normal operating conditions. This is approximately 2-3 times longer than metal halide, HPS, or other similar lighting technologies.

 

What voltages do you have available?

We offer 2 power supply options. One for 100-277V and one for 480V. There is a slight up-charge for the 480V drivers. We can also supply step down transformers to convert higher voltage down to 277V.

 

How long is the warranty?

Our heads are ALL warrantied for up to 10 years, the drivers are warrantied for 5 years. Follow the installation instructions, remove the reflector, keep them dry and you shouldn’t have any problems.

 

What is the difference between DLC Standard Qualified and DLC Premium Qualified?

In a nutshell, it is about efficiency. DLC Premium Qualified is only for high efficiency LED products. This means that these lights are typically brighter and use less energy. For example, a LED Light at 150 lumens/watt creates 15,000 lumens at 100 watts consumed. A LED light at 97 lumens/watt only creates 9700 lumens using the same 100 watts. Or if you want to look at it another way, you would only need 64 watts to produce the same 9700 lumens as the other less efficient product which requires 100 watts.

 

Do you offer large quantity discounts?

Yes. Talk to us about your needs and give us the opportunity to quote you on both retrofitting existing lights as well as other new LED fixtures. If you are an electrical contractor or facility manager, give us a call at (866) 452-1113.

 

Is retrofitting cheaper than replacing?

The answer is yes (the majority of times). Fixtures are expensive, and if you have a large investment in your fixtures, then why not keep them? If your fixtures are in good condition, why not re-use them? And one thing we heard back on several occasions from our customers, disposing of fixtures was more expensive than they thought it would be.

 

Are your LED replacement bulbs designed for metal halide fixtures?

They are a great LED replacement for not only metal halide lights but also work as a great high pressure sodium to LED conversion as well as fluorescent and other industrial lighting technologies. Typically, as long as the kit fits (which we can help you determine), our LED retrofits will replace virtually any luminaire.

 

What’s the best way to inquire about your retrofit options?

You can contact us or call directly at (866) 452-1113. We will guide you through anything you need to know about retrofitting to LED and even help you through the entire process, step by step.

 

Whats the best way to install the retrofit head inside the fixture?

The best option is to remove the fixtures socket. Using the mounting holes where the socket was installed, use one of the many mounting brackets we include. The best screws to use may in fact be the screws used to hold the socket, but we also include screws in the box.



Article Source : www.thelightingcenter.com/c...
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