Cutting Edge Retrofitting, Relighting and Redesigning

Abstract

This article provides information on three groups of lighting strat-
egies for typical office, school, hospital, and similar linear fluorescent
applications: optimal retrofit, relight (replacing fixtures one for one, like
replacing a direct troffer with an indirect basket troffer), and redesign
(complete new layout, like with suspended indirects).
Since high-lumen extended-life 32W F32T8s and optimal electronic
ballasts can often cost effectively replace basic grade T8 and generic
electronic ballast systems, eliminating T12s and magnetic ballasts is a
slam-dunk. The limitations of 28-30W F32T8s will be included.
As Willard Warren states, “Retrofitting a lousy lighting sys-
tem into an energy efficient lousy lighting system is a wasted oppor-
tunity.” Quality lighting is much more than proper horizontal foot-
candles. Light levels can often be significantly reduced in older office
buildings that were originally designed for paper tasks, where com-
puter work is now the main task. Suspended indirect fixtures usually
provide much better lighting quality and can reduce wattage com-
pared to direct troffers.
The benefits of scotopically enhanced lighting will also be dis-
cussed.