LED troffers are versatile light fixtures that allow for a flat, fully lit surface due to a recessed installation process. Modular, dropped-ceiling lighting has traditionally been powered by fluorescent bulbs, but their replacement with LED bulbs has become increasingly popular for a number of reasons.
Defining LED
LED stands for light-emitting diode. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), LEDs are “one of today's most energy-efficient and rapidly developing lighting technologies.” The department also states that LEDs use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
Features of LEDs include their size, which is about as large as a fleck of pepper, their ability to direct light in a specific direction without the need for reflectors that absorb light and make other bulb types less efficient, and the lack of heat they produce when compared to an incandescent bulb which releases about 90% of its energy as heat.
Benefits of LED Troffers
The following are reasons why LED troffers have increased in popularity.
Performance
As mentioned above, LEDs last about 25 times as long as traditional bulbs. And in addition to offering more directional lighting without the need for reflectors, LEDs can also be dimmed. Some include various color options and the ability to connect to smart or digital devices for more convenient control.
Energy Efficiency
According to the DOE, at least 500 million recessed downlights are installed in U.S. homes and more than 20 million are sold each year. The DOE estimates LED technology can decrease downlight wattage by 75% or more.
Reduced Maintenance Cost
According to some lighting experts, a typical warehouse or commercial lighting space with multiple 2x4 LED troffers can recover up to $2,952 in maintenance cost savings over the course of three years.
Four Quick Steps to Installing LED Troffers
It’s important to follow the manual your troffer came with and have an understanding of the structure of your dropdown ceiling before starting.
1. Establish work space
Remove three ceiling panels—the one you want to work on and one on either side of it.
2. Install eye bolts
Use a drill to create holes where you will install anchors, according to the exact measurement of the opening, then screw eye bolts into each of the anchors.
3. Secure troffer
Set your LED troffer in a T-bar framework. Wrap the wiring around each eye bolt to ensure the troffer is secure, even if the T-bar becomes faulty.
4. Connect troffer light
Connect the light’s circuit wiring according to the manual your light came with, then install the ballast cover and the lamps. Close the cover and replace the ceiling panels.
Frequently Asked Questions About LED Troffers
The following are commonly asked questions when installing LED troffers.
How do you control dimmable LED troffers?
You can directly control the 0-10V fixture input from a low-voltage wall switch by connecting the purple and gray 0-10V low-voltage wires and adding extra control wires. You could also use relay dimming.
What are linear LED light bulb troffers?
LED lights can be arranged in a variety of ways. However, when replacing old or existing structures, it is common to purchase linear LED arrangements that can fit in existing troffers.
How many two-bulb LED troffers do I need?
A foot-candle is a unit of measure that tells how bright a light is one foot away from its source. Foot-candles determine the amount of light you need for a given situation. For example, an average office space with computers would require approximately 20 to 50 foot-candles while a hospital treatment room might require anywhere from 75 to 100 (see standards and recommendations supported by the DOE here).
To determine how many lumens you need, multiply the square footage you want to light by the number of foot-candles required. According to the DOE, 50% of 2 ft. x 4 ft. LED troffers surveyed had lumen output in the 3,500 to 5,400 lumen range. Determine your bulb and troffer needs depending on the number of lumens required and their stated output.
How to Install an LED Retrofit Kit for Dimming Troffers
This guide provides detailed instructions by the DOE on best practices for LED troffer retrofit lighting and controls.
LED troffers are suitable replacements for existing, outdated lighting systems and also ideal solutions for new spaces. Their energy-efficient design results in lower maintenance costs and longer lifetime performance.
Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand and follow all manufacturer instructions.