Inventory the existing lighting
Count the fixtures and note their locations, operating hours, and any flicker, noise, or uneven lighting. Include areas with difficult access or frequent lamp changes. Photos taken safely from below can help begin the discussion; leave internal inspection to a qualified electrician.
Check more than the tube size
LED tube options differ in how they work with existing equipment. Some depend on a compatible ballast; others require electrical changes. Similar-looking fixtures can contain different components. Product compatibility and manufacturer instructions need to be checked for the actual installation, not assumed from the lamp length.
Compare three possible scopes
The options may include compatible LED replacement tubes, an LED retrofit kit, or new LED fixtures. Reusing a housing can reduce some work, while replacement may offer a different light distribution or control arrangement. Ask what components remain, what is replaced, and what maintenance will be needed afterward.
Review costs over the life of the installation
Compare the proposed system with the equipment currently in use. Operating hours, power consumption, maintenance, and installation cost all influence the result. Avoid treating a product’s advertised savings as a guaranteed reduction in the whole building’s electricity bill.
Use the project to address existing problems
Tell us where people experience glare, shadows, or poor task lighting. Discuss scheduling around the business and whether work should be divided into areas. A written scope should explain both the electrical changes and the lighting result you are trying to achieve.
Further reading: U.S. Department of Energy: LED retrofit application guide (2017) (opens in a new tab).
Let’s talk about your project.
Tell us about your property and the work you have in mind.
Explore this service