Cost savings through conversion or new LED luminaires
Efficiency by switching
Significant energy and cost savings can be achieved when operating or purchasing an LED lighting system. As a result of the EU RoHS Directive, it is no longer permitted to place new fluorescent light bulbs on the market as of 25 August 2023. The ban provides clear benefits for consumers: switching from T8/T5 fluorescent lamps to LED technology with intelligent lighting management and professional lighting design can achieve energy savings of up to 85%. (Licht.de 2025) LED lights also offer better light control and a significantly longer service life. Nevertheless, many public buildings, such as administrative buildings, educational establishments and hospitals, are still equipped with fluorescent lighting.
What retrofitting options are available?
When switching to LED lighting, operators and building owners essentially have four options that can differ in terms of effort, cost and standardised safety.
Replacement with new luminaires
The most technically advanced solution is to replace the luminaires completely. In addition to the investment in new LED luminaires, additional costs may be incurred for removal, disposal and any necessary ceiling work (e.g. filling, painting). XAL also offers its own refurbishment luminaires, which allow existing luminaires to be easily replaced without interfering with the existing ceiling structure or existing ceiling cut-outs. The LED luminaires offer state-of-the-art lighting technology, significantly reduce energy consumption and pay for themselves after just a few years. The savings potential can be fully exploited when modern lighting technology, professional lighting design and intelligent lighting control form a unified whole.
LED conversion kit form the lighting manufacturer
Certified LED retrofit kits from the lighting fixture manufacturer offer a safe and sustainable alternative. These are specially developed, tested and certified for specific models of lighting fixture. CE conformity is maintained and the technical lighting requirements can also be met – operation in line with the state of the art is possible. The energy savings that can be achieved in this way are comparable to those of new LED lighting fixtures and the installation costs are low.
LED retrofit (1:1 replacement)
A simple and, at first glance, cost-effective solution is 1:1 replacement with LED retrofit lighting fixtures. Conventional light bulbs are replaced by LED bulbs – without any intervention in the lighting fixture. CE conformity is maintained and the replacement can be carried out independently. However, at around 15,000 to 30,000 hours, the service life is significantly shorter than that of professional LED lighting fixtures (>50,000 hours). Aspects such as dimmability, control and operating temperature must also be checked. Suitability for workplaces cannot be guaranteed. Luminaires converted in this way do not usually meet the minimum criteria. Conversion to retrofit is also not eligible for funding.
Replacement with LED light sources with technical modification
However, if the lighting fixture is technically modified – for example by replacing starters or rewiring – it loses its CE conformity. In this case, the electrician carrying out the work is liable for the conversion and any consequential damage. Glare generally increases significantly and the luminance limits for computer workstations (3000 cd/m² or 1500 cd/m²) are often exceeded without this being verifiable.
Standard-compliant planning with EN 12464-1
When considering any retrofitting projects, it should be kept in mind that the revised EN 12464-1 lighting standard has been in force since December 2021. For a standard-compliant, future-proof retrofit, it is essential to comply with the new illuminance levels (e.g. double values on walls/ceilings at computer workstations), carry out a lighting calculation and ideally involve an experienced lighting designer. Only complete replacement of the lighting fixtures or certified retrofit kits guarantee compliance with all requirements.
