LED Tube Retrofit

This project is to assess the state of LED tubes for retrofitting linear fluorescent lamps used in recessed troffer applications. The options range from simple lamp only replacements to full lamp and ballast retrofits. The assessment would include research for existing literature on specifications and code implications of available products and laboratory testing to compare photometric and energy performance for various types of LED tubes as a viable energy efficient replacement/retrofit for linear fluorescent baselines.

SCE’s Technology Labs conducted a laboratory assessment of a selective group of industry representative linear LED replacement lamps to validate this technology and gain a better understanding of previously identified concerns raised in previous studies. This project set out to validate the technology and manufacturer-provided data about linear LED replacement products. The main areas of focus were lamp performance, light output quality, power quality, safety, compatibility with existing fluorescent fixtures designed for linear fluorescent lamps, and potential installation issues. Results from this study will be analyzed to determine the technology’s level of readiness for customer incentives. Products tested generally perform in accordance with manufacture’s specifications with some exceptions. Ballast compatible lamps appear to be the better performing product family when the lamps are used in accordance with the manufacture’s specifications. External and internal driver product families had some inconsistencies with manufacturer provided information with some products not meeting minimum performance standards set by industry. These products also have some safety risks that need to be addressed including misleading or incorrect information provided on the product or by the manufacturer and labeling of the rewired fixtures.