Upgrading to LED lighting is one of the most cost-effective ways to save energy and reduce your electricity bills. However, when it comes to retrofitting existing fixtures, you have a few different options to choose from, including Type A and Type B retrofit, as well as complete lighting replacements. In this blog post, we will explore the difference between these options and the benefits of each.
Type A Retrofit:
Type A retrofit, also known as "plug and play," refers to LED lamps that are designed to be installed directly into an existing fixture without any modifications to the wiring or electrical components. These retrofit lamps are designed to work with the existing ballast, just like traditional fluorescent lamps, and can be easily installed by simply removing the old lamp and replacing it with the LED lamp.
The benefits of Type A retrofit are that it is easy to install and requires no rewiring or modification to the fixture. This means that you can upgrade your lighting system quickly and without any major changes to your existing infrastructure. Additionally, Type A retrofit is a cost-effective option, as it eliminates the need for expensive electrical work.
However, one downside to Type A retrofit is that it may not be compatible with all ballasts. Some ballasts may not be able to provide the correct voltage or current to the LED lamp, which can cause flickering, buzzing, or premature failure of the lamp. It is important to check with the manufacturer of the LED lamp to ensure compatibility before making the switch to Type A retrofit.
Type B Retrofit:
Type B retrofit, on the other hand, is a little more involved than Type A retrofit. These LED lamps are designed to bypass the ballast and be wired directly to the electrical circuit. This means that when you install a Type B retrofit, you need to remove the existing ballast and rewire the fixture to connect the retrofit directly to the electrical circuit.
The benefits of Type B retrofit are that it is more efficient than Type A retrofit, as it eliminates the energy consumption of the ballast. Additionally, Type B retrofit is a more reliable option, as it eliminates the potential failure points of the ballast. This can result in a longer lifespan and lower maintenance costs.
However, one downside to Type B retrofit is that it requires more electrical work and may be more expensive than Type A retrofit. Additionally, if the wiring in the fixture is not up to code, it may need to be updated to ensure safety and compliance.
Complete Lighting Replacement:
Finally, the third option for upgrading to LED lighting is to replace the entire fixture with a new LED fixture. This option is the most involved and expensive, but it offers the most flexibility and control over the lighting system.
The benefits of complete lighting replacement are that you can design a new lighting system that is tailored to your specific needs and preferences. This can include selecting the color temperature, color rendering index (CRI), and light output of the new fixtures. Additionally, complete lighting replacement can be a more energy-efficient option, as the new fixtures can be designed to meet the specific lighting needs of the space.
However, one downside to complete lighting replacement is that it is the most expensive option and may require significant electrical work. Additionally, replacing the entire fixture may not be necessary in all cases, especially if the existing fixture is in good condition.
From a maintenance perspective, the type A and type B retrofits are becoming increasingly popular due to the fact that when a lamp burns out, it can be replaced by anyone rather than with a integral LED fixture where the entire fixture would need to be replaced, requiring the services of a licensed electrician.
In conclusion, when it comes to upgrading to LED lighting, you have a few different options to choose from. Type A retrofit is an easy and cost-effective option, but it may not be compatible with all ballasts. Type B retrofit is a more involved option, but it offers greater efficiency and reliability. Complete lighting replacement is the most flexible and customizable option, but it is the most expensive option.
Contact ElecTrade today to discuss the different lighting upgrade options and what is right for you and your application.
519-648-3532
info@electrade.ca