How Do I Upgrade Fluorescent Office Lights to LED?

Many offices still use fluorescent lighting systems installed many years or even decades ago.  While fluorescent lights were once considered to be the most energy efficient option of lighting available, LED technology has now earned this title.  Led lights offer significantly better performance; lower running costs, and improved lighting quality.  Upgrading fluorescent office lights to LED is one of the most effective ways businesses can reduce energy consumption and modernise their workspace.

The first step in upgrading fluorescent lighting for an office is to identify the type of existing fixtures and lights currently installed.  There are two different approaches you may want to consider when you are looking to upgrade these systems to LED:

1. One option is to replace the fluorescent tubes with LED tubes.  You will likely need to change the starters to do this or if there is no starter within the unit you will need to bypass the control gear.  This should be advised in the product information.  If you’re unsure on this you should always consult an electrician.

1. Another option to consider is replacing your fluorescent fixtures with new integrated LED panels or linear LED fittings.  This approach often provides the best long term performance, appearance, and energy savings as you do not have to worry about replacing internal tubes in the long term.  LED panels are especially popular in modern offices because they offer a clean, uniform illumination with minimal glare.

Energy savings are one of the biggest benefits of upgrading to LED office lighting from fluorescent lighting.  LED systems on average will use 40–70% less electricity than fluorescent equivalents.  For businesses which house large offices with lights running throughout the working day the long term savings quickly add up.

LED lighting also lasts much longer compared to fluorescent tubes.  Fluorescent tubes may need to be replaced every few years whilst quality LEDs can last up to 50,000 hours or more.  Reduced maintenance is especially valuable in large office buildings where accessing fixtures can be time consuming and cause delays to work within the office.

Colour temperature selection is important to consider when you are upgrading your office lighting.  LEDs are available in a wide array of colours and colour temperatures.  Most offices will use Cool White or Daylight LEDs between 4000K-6500K because they provide a source of illumination suitable for productivity and concentration.

Dimmable LED systems can also improve flexibility within a work room or office.  Meeting rooms, break areas, and collaborative spaces may benefit from adjustable lighting levels.  If you choose to buy a dimmable LED system you will need to make sure the lights state that they are dimmable and to purchase a matching dimmer switch/system.

Smart controls are something else that you may want to consider when changing over to LED office lighting.  LED lighting systems integrate well with occupancy sensors, daylight harvesting controls, and automated scheduling.  This allows lights to dim or switch off when areas are unoccupied which will further contribute to reduced energy consumption.

LEDs lights are also more environmentally friendly which is another reason as to why many businesses switch to LED.  This is due to LEDs' much lower energy consumption and because fluorescent tubes contain small amounts of mercury and require careful disposal.  LEDs do not contain mercury and generally produce less waste because of their longer lifespan.

You may want to consider emergency lighting compatibility when you are upgrading to LED lights as well.  Many office buildings use emergency lighting systems integrated with fluorescent fixtures.  You can also upgrade these systems to LED.  If you do you will need to keep in mind that these may require updated drivers or battery systems which are compatible with LED technology.

To summarise: Upgrading fluorescent office lights to LED can provide:

• Lower electricity bills.
• Reduced maintenance costs.
• Improved lighting quality.
• Longer lifespan.
• Better energy efficiency.
• Enhanced workplace comfort.
• Reduced environmental impact.