LEDVANCE Targets Opportunity in Retrofit Market
LEDVANCE is finding strong business with LED conversions in educational and commercial buildings.
While it might seem that many businesses have already upgraded to LED lighting from legacy fluorescent troffers, LEDVANCE continues to find success in the retrofit arena.
There are plenty of offices, schools and public buildings worldwide that still contain large numbers of conventional linear fluorescent luminaires. According to LEDVANCE, upgrading these installations can improve energy efficiency and lighting quality, but the process is not always straightforward as spaces may require different light outputs, color temperatures or control functions, while energy requirements might also change over the building’s life.
LEDVANCE has found that choosing a configurable luminaire can help installers manage these variables without specifying and stocking numerous product variants.
Developed with this flexibility in mind, the new LEDVANCE Linear Surface Combo provides a surface-mounted solution for new-build and refurbishment projects. Suitable as a replacement for conventional T8 fluorescent luminaires, it has been designed for applications including offices, educational facilities and public buildings.
The Multi Color function allows either a 3000K or 4000K color temperature to be selected on site, helping installers match the lighting more closely to each space. The Multi Lumen function allows the required lumen output to be set before installation. Together, these features can simplify specification and stockholding while giving installers greater scope to respond to individual project requirements.
Noting that lighting quality is equally important in classrooms, offices and other environments where people may spend long periods of time, LEDVANCE offers a choice of lengths to support different room layouts, while outputs of up to 6,200 lumens and efficacy of up to 125 lm/W help balance illumination requirements with energy efficiency. Glare control of UGR <19 and low-flicker operation also contribute to a more comfortable working or learning environment.
There are other attributes that make these products a solid choice. Practical installation can make a significant difference in buildings that need to remain operational with little down time. Schools, workplaces and public facilities often have limited access for refurbishment, so reducing time spent on site can help minimize disruption. A push-wire terminal enables tool-free electrical connection, while the inclusion of mounting screws and wall plugs helps make installation more straightforward.

In addition, LEDVANCE’s Plug & Upgrade concept allows additional sensor, DALI or emergency lighting components to be added to the standard luminaire. The optional high-frequency sensor enables presence-based control, helping to reduce unnecessary operating hours, while an emergency lighting kit can be introduced without replacing the complete luminaire.
According to the company, this modular approach gives installers flexibility when specifications change and allows building operators to introduce additional functions later. DALI-2 connectivity also enables integration with the LEDVANCE VIVARES light management system.
Designed for long-term professional use, the range offers a service life of up to 70,000 hours (L80/B10 at 25°C), helping to reduce the frequency of replacement and associated maintenance. LEDVANCE also provides a five-year warranty.
As the transition away from fluorescent lighting continues, successful retrofits will depend on more than simply replacing one light source with another, according to LEDVANCE. Buildings evolve, spaces are repurposed and operational requirements change. Therefore lighting schemes need to provide flexibility both at the point of installation and throughout their working life. Taking a more adaptable approach can help reduce disruption, avoid unnecessary replacement and ensure that today’s refurbishment decisions continue to meet the building’s needs in the years ahead.
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