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

  • LEDVANCE Expands Ontario Presence with New Specification Agent

    LEDVANCE Expands Ontario Presence with New Specification Agent

    LEDVANCE is pleased to announce the appointment of Sterling Architectural Products Ltd. (Sterling Lights) as their new specification agent in Ontario. This partnership strengthens LEDVANCE’s presence in the region and reinforces their commitment to serving the professional lighting design and specification community with innovative, reliable lighting solutions. With decades of experience and a service-driven mindset,… Read More…

  • May 29, 2025 - Eureka Wins Three 2025 Red Dot Awards for Product Design

    Eureka Wins Three 2025 Red Dot Awards for Product Design

    Eureka is pleased to announce that its Velia, Cirra, and Junction luminaires have each received a 2025 Red Dot Design Award for Product Design. It is the 11th consecutive year that Eureka products have been honored with this prestigious award, which is a testament to the company’s consistency and relentless drive to design exceptional luminaires.… Read More…


Design

  • What is Human Centric Lighting: Benefits & Applications

    What is Human Centric Lighting: Benefits & Applications

    Human centric lighting (HCL) is a kind of illuminated way based on human physical and psychological needs. Its core goal is to imitate the changes in natural light to support the body’s circadian rhythm, improve visual comfort, and enhance mood. The key element of human centric lighting contains dynamic ​color temperature adjustment, adjustable brightness, spectrum… Read More…

  • Mac’s II Agencies: Case Study – Tesoro, Vancouver, BC

    Mac’s II Agencies: Case Study – Tesoro, Vancouver, BC

    At the crest of False Creek, Tesoro stands as a contemporary interpretation of classic luxury, offering 92 exclusive waterfront homes in the heart of Vancouver. Developed by Concert Properties, this 17-story residential tower embraces a distinctly modern character, harmonizing sleek design with timeless sophistication. The vision for Tesoro extended beyond its architectural presence—it was about… Read More…


New Products

  • Elevate Your Lighting with Magic Lite’s CCT Streamline Tape & Rotating Scene Control Panel

    Elevate Your Lighting with Magic Lite’s CCT Streamline Tape & Rotating Scene Control Panel

    Looking for the ultimate in flexibility and flawless aesthetics for your next lighting project? Meet the new CCT Streamline Tape and Rotating Scene Control Panel from Magic Lite—your solution for perfectly tunable, zero-pixelation illumination. Indoor and Outdoor options – both cuttable and re-connectable! Read More…

  • GVA Lighting: PIXEL GEN2 COLOR CHANGING

    GVA Lighting: PIXEL GEN2 COLOR CHANGING

    PIXEL GEN2 is the second generation of the direct-view PIXEL series, designed for dynamic color effects, low-resolution image displays, and media façades. Built on the award-winning COLOR-STREAM platform, it delivers 16X faster communication than DMX, ensuring ultra-smooth dimming and real-time responsiveness. With INFINITY technology, PIXEL GEN2 supports lighting circuits of up to 1,565 PIXELs, providing… Read More…