9 Questions That Can Help Maximize the Value of Your LED Retrofit

LED Lighting

LED’s Part 2

> Read LED’s Part 1 <

The benefits of LEDs almost seem too good to be true, and in some cases may be. Rapid growth in LED technology has led to equal growth in the number of manufacturers and suppliers, with sometimes questionable results. To get the greatest value out of your LED retrofit, integrate these considerations into your purchasing process.

1. Look for a manufacturer with a long-term commitment to LEDs. For example:
•    demonstrates product leadership
•    invests in research and development
•    offers a broad portfolio of LED solutions in terms of shape, beam spread, colour temperature, lumen output, and other key criteria
•    has a successful track record with new and   retrofit applications

Manufacturers such as Philips “own” every step of the products they build, from chips to drivers, to luminaries. This gives these manufacturers greater control over the delicate balance required to build every layer of what makes up an LED lamp system, which helps to guarantee an end product that will be optimized for best performance and meet the overall needs of the user.

2. Ask about product testing and quality control practices. Does the manufacturer conduct stress testing? How about testing in ”enclosed” air vs. “free” air — a more rigorous process. To protect LEDs from vibration, Philips incorporates a vibration-absorbing gel in all their LED retrofit lamp products. Furthermore, the LED lamps are designed to be +/- 120V, which protects them during power surges.

3. Determine how the manufacturer rates the life of the LED lamp. Look for lamps with life ratings based on the entire system. Many manufacturers rate it based on the rating of the LED chip itself, which is inaccurate because once the chips are incorporated into the luminaire, system performance changes.

4. Specify products only from companies you know or trust, and which have a documented support history.

5. Determine whether specifications are based on DC or AC current. Some manufacturers rate their MR16 lamps, for example, based on AC current as this delivers an exaggerated spec on light output. However, this is not real world application as they run off DC (not AC current) in real world.

6. Check for dimmer compatibility. Do dimmable lamps include a safeguard that prevents damage if used with a non-compatible dimmer?

7. Ask about the manufacturer’s sustainability practices.

8. Buy only quality lighting products that have been independently tested and certified.   Look for products that are C-UL approved, and that have an Energy Star certification, and ask for evidence of IES photometric files, to provide some examples. Otherwise, buying “bargain” products now could cost you more later.

9. Get a written warranty that includes light output and colour variation.

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • Aug 6, 2025 - Hèmèra Announces Acquistion by Industry Professionals Francois Renaud, Matthew Curatolo & Nicholas Cohen

    Hèmèra Announces a New Era of Innovation & Leadership

    Hèmèra has announced that it has been acquired by industry professionals François Renaud, Matthew Curatolo, and Nicolas Cohen. This acquisition marks the beginning of an exciting new era for Hèmèra, as the new leadership team is poised to build on the company’s legacy of delivering innovative, high-performance lighting solutions to discerning customers. The new leadership… Read More…

  • July 28, 2025 - Eureka Wins Multiple SIT Furniture Design Awards

    Eureka Wins Multiple SIT Furniture Design Awards

    Eureka is pleased to announce that it has received 2025 SIT Furniture Design Awards for its Junction, Lattice, and Velia luminaires. SIT Furniture Design Award was created to celebrate and share the remarkable work of furniture designers and those who use furniture in their projects. The creativity, innovative vision, and accessibility of the furniture design… Read More…


Design

  • How Do the Most Trusted Lighting Brands Stay at the Top

    How Do the Most Trusted Lighting Brands Stay at the Top

    In a competitive and constantly evolving lighting market, staying top-of-mind isn’t just about creating beautiful products, it’s about creating consistent value. Lighting professionals today are inundated with choices. From smart solutions and sustainable tech to design-forward fixtures, the options are vast. But amidst this sea of options, some brands always seem to rise to the… Read More…

  • A New Language of Light: Fluxwerx Unveils Speak Recessed Luminaire Family, Reimagining Architectural Integration & Performance

    A New Language of Light: Fluxwerx Unveils Speak Recessed Luminaire Family, Reimagining Architectural Integration & Performance

    Fluxwerx announces the launch of Speak—the latest addition to their expanding collection of LED luminaires for commercial, institutional, retail, hospitality and residential environments. Breaking from the paradigm of conventional downlights, Speak is a new meticulously designed luminaire family that elevates the dialogue between light, material, and spatial intent. Engineered as an extension of architectural form rather… Read More…


New Products

  • Eureka Introduces New Tulip Luminaire

    Eureka Introduces New Tulip Luminaire

    Eureka has announced the release of its new Tulip luminaires. The family features a range of fixtures that include chandeliers, pendants and surface mount units. The heart of the Tulip family is a bouquet-inspired arrangement that offers a contemporary take on a classic chandelier. The luminaire is constructed of aluminum tubes and acrylic diffusers. They… Read More…

  • Kuzco Lighting: Alora Mood Cosmo 39-in Chandelier

    Kuzco Lighting: Alora Mood Cosmo 39-in Chandelier

    Transform your space with the Cosmo lighting collection—a modern take on the timeless mid-century sputnik chandelier. Featuring opal ribbed glass shades, Cosmo adds a touch of sleek sophistication and a bold, contemporary feel to any room’s vibe. Designed for living room, dining room, foyer, bedroom, and beyond. Read More…