When it comes to justifying the switchover from legacy high intensity discharge ( HID ) lamps , LED HID retrofit lamps can offer an alternative . This economical and non-invasive solution allows users to retain existing light fittings and fixtures . In response to this trend , some manufacturers now offer retrofits that address the most typical HID re-lamping applications , replacing 50 to 1,000W lamps with fully CE / ROHS tested LED retrofit solutions . Some have gone even further , with Light Efficient Design offering 35 and 55W SOX bayonet cap retrofits designed to replace these increasingly hard to find and expensive lamps . In addition to energy savings , retrofits offer several advantages . After the initial payback period of around 12 to 15 months , LED retrofit lamps can often be replaced with a more efficient version of the same lamp . For example , due to ongoing improvements in LED efficacy , 150W lamps producing
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12,000 lumens 18 months ago are now available at 140W with 16,000 lumens .
This means a future proofed , lower cost LED upgrade solution for customers and lucrative ongoing repeat business for contractors and installers .
LED retrofit installation is simple . Having assessed the wattage of the lamp to be replaced , select the appropriate LED lamp and remove the existing lamp , bypass the ballast and connect the new LED retrofit lamp . This process should take about the same time as a typical HID re-lamping .
Ensure reliability
While such benefits are undoubtedly bringing LED retrofit into the mainstream , there remain spurious claims from importers over the lumen output and lifetime of products that have been neither officially tested nor certified . Tougher EU legislation and certifications are gradually squeezing these products out , but they have created uncertainty over the reliability , light quality and overall suitability of retrofit for commercial and industrial LED applications .
Professionals sourcing these types of products should therefore ensure data is based on external testing by accredited laboratories , carried out in accordance with the LM79 and LM80 standards . It is also advisable to ensure correct thermal management of LEDs and drivers in order to reach the 50,000 hour promised lifetime . Retrofits that integrate a long-life fan , specially developed for LED cooling , will be a prerequisite for many applications .
Condensation , dust , chemicals and shock can further affect long term reliability and light quality . To address this , a handful of LED retrofit manufacturers are using new production techniques to enhance performance . Conformal coatings , for example , can be used to electrically insulate the circuit from environmental stresses . Furthermore , the polymer ’ s anticorrosive properties can extend circuit life .
One further reliability issue can occur in installations where the ballast has not been bypassed . While there are products on the market which negate this , it is always recommended to bypass or
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LED retrofit installation is simple .
‘ After the initial payback period of around 12 to 15 months , LED retrofit lamps can often be replaced with a more efficient version of the same lamp .’
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remove the ballast , as using control gear adds wasted wattage . Old control gear can fail , and without knowing how long it has been in operation , it must be viewed as unreliable .
By addressing these issues carefully , retrofit solutions can be applied to many industrial and commercial lighting or re-lamping applications . From high and low bay lighting , to street lighting and rail stations , LED retrofit can provide brilliant solutions .
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