Retrofit Competence
23.01.2017 | Products
The retrofitting of LED lighting applications into existing lighting systems in both the commercial and consumer spaces is a huge market, with many drivers behind it. Whether it is cost (both short term and long term, including durability and low maintenance) or energy efficiency and government regulations and recommendations, traditional lighting is quickly losing market demand to LED. Recent innovations in component and luminaire design have given way to huge choice and flexibility for manufacturers, opening up the market in terms of applications. However, retrofitting these innovations to existing infrastructures, fixtures and fittings can place limitations on design. This is particularly important when one considers the key trends that are emerging and becoming a part of the overall fabric of our working and personal lives, such as smart homes, smart offices and the Internet of Things. Smart lighting, for example, combines the latest LED technology with other innovations in colour-changing properties, intelligent sensors, infrared, Bluetooth and internet connectivity/data capture. These advances are important, and while only in their infancy, will only reach full potential if customers can use them with their existing systems. While retrofitting is a transitional move, and enables flexibility for the end user who does not want to rip and replace, it can prove challenging for manufacturers working with smart lighting. Manufacturers do not want to compromise on design, choice of component and light properties such as Color Rendering Index (CRI), efficacy or the life of the LED – they want to be able to meet market demand and ensure the luminaire meets the requirements of the application. But how can this be achieved?