Commercial Architectural Lighting Design: Discussing LED Retrofitting and Retrofit Kits

Contributed By Daniela Rabito for 299Lighting.com

With LED Lighting retrofitting, you are replacing your existing lighting with a new and often better lighting technology. Apart from improving the quality of lighting in the facility, the LED retrofitting process can help increase energy efficiency. Retrofitting in commercial lighting design basically refers to the replacement of dated lighting technologies like CFL, metal Halide and Fluorescent with LED technology.

Why Is LED Retrofitting Important In Commercial Lighting Design?

More companies are waking up to the numerous benefits of being ecologically friendly. Apart from enhancing brand perception, environmental friendliness can be achieved with LED retrofitting that offers financial benefits.

Reduced energy consumption means reduced energy costs. With energy-efficient LED lighting upgrades, companies can enjoy tangible financial returns that may not be achievable with other lighting systems. According to LED Architectural Lighting experts at 299Lighting.com, companies can expect to get a return of  capital in as little as 36 months, depending on the lighting system being phased out.

General Benefits of LED lighting itemized:

• Eligibility for tax rebates in the UK and US, utility incentives
• Improvements in lighting
• Longer lamp life, with 10 year warranties in many cases
• Reduction in carbon footprint
• Near zero maintenance expenditure
• Up to 90% in energy savings

LED Retrofitting in Traditional Fixtures

In many cases, LEDS can be installed in the same old fixtures, both indoors and outdoors.  During an audit, the commercial lighting design will determine which old fixtures can still work with your new LED system and which ones will need total replacement. This saves money and improves efficiency.

Components of an LED Retrofit Kit

With a proper retrofit kit, you have a comprehensive system that makes the installation of LED lighting systems straightforward. The main components of a retrofit kit are screws, fasteners, wiring, sockets and brackets. These are vital for a clean and hitch free installation process.

Application of Retrofit Kits

Retrofit kits are generally used in situations where design and layout are deemed satisfactory but there is need for improvement in energy efficiency of the system to reflect the technological strides we have made over the years. Retrofit kits are typically used in commercial and industrial establishments like warehousing, logistics, manufacturing, retail, learning environments, airports, nuclear plants and more.

LEDs and retrofits can be deployed in new constructions or new spaces in existing establishments.

Retrofitting vs Redesign

A full lighting redesign is not cost-effective in a layout where existing fixtures are still satisfactory after a professional audit. With a redesign, fixtures and other components have to be change. When businesses choose to retrofit instead of redesign, they can save up to 75% of the redesign costs. LED retrofitting is also less disruptive for business operations as the entire process can be completed while existing fixtures are still functional.

Current LED technology means commercial lighting design is no longer cost-intensive. More businesses will continue to tap into the well-documented benefits.

Contributed by lighting expert and keen aspiring journalist Article Daniela Ribia on behalf for 299lighting.com who provides superior commercial architectural lighting solutions.  Contact them for more information.