LED Lighting Retrofits
Converting fluorescent and older lights to LED saves energy but involves live circuits, ladders, old fixtures and hazardous waste. Retrofits are routine, and routine work is where shortcuts happen.
- Electricians
- Facility Maintenance
- Contractors
Types of retrofit
- Plug-and-play (Type A) tubes that work with the existing ballast.
- Ballast-bypass (Type B) tubes that need the ballast removed and the fixture rewired to line voltage.
- Direct-wire or driver-powered (Type C) tubes with a separate LED driver.
- Retrofit kits and new LED fixtures that replace the whole fixture.
Always follow the label and instructions. A fixture rewired for Type B must be labeled so the next person does not install a fluorescent tube in it.
Electrical safety
- Turn off the circuit at the breaker, lock it out and test before opening a fixture. Do not rely on the wall switch. See Lockout/Tagout and Absence of Voltage Testing.
- Do not work on live fixtures. Some fixtures are fed from multiple circuits or emergency sources.
- Use qualified electricians for rewiring. Follow the code for splices, grounding and fixture support.
- Use wire connectors rated for the wire and follow torque specifications.
- Check for damaged wiring in old fixtures; replace brittle or scorched wire.
Old-fixture hazards
- Old magnetic ballasts built before 1979 may contain PCBs and must be disposed of as regulated waste if leaking. Look for a "No PCBs" label. Mercury in fluorescent lamps. See Mercury.
- Asbestos in old ceiling tiles, wire insulation and fixtures. See Asbestos.
- Broken glass and dust from breaking tubes. Wear eye protection and gloves and avoid breaking lamps.
- Recycle lamps and ballasts through universal waste programs, as required in many places.
Working at height
- Use a stable step ladder, a platform or a lift, not furniture. See Step Ladders and Aerial Lifts
- Keep tools tethered or in a pouch. Keep the floor below clear
- Check for overhead hazards such as sprinkler heads, ducts and pipes
- Wear gloves, safety glasses and a hard hat when needed
- Work with a partner for large jobs
Standards & references
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