In short
Retrofit suits sound luminaires, tight budgets, protected ceilings and sustainability goals, while replacement suits fittings that are damaged, obsolete or no longer right for the space.
Upgrading to LED does not always mean new fittings. The right answer depends on the luminaires you have and what you need from the space.
Choose retrofit when
- The luminaire bodies are in good condition
- Budget doesn't allow full replacement
- Ceilings are protected, listed or hard to alter
- You want to cut waste and embodied carbon
- The fittings suit the interior design
Choose replacement when
- Bodies are damaged, corroded or unsafe
- The layout or light distribution is wrong for the space
- You need performance the existing optics can't deliver
The middle ground
Many projects combine both: retrofit where fittings are sound and replace where they aren't.
Start with a sample
reLUMEN8 assesses a sample fitting before quoting, so you know what is viable.
Further reading at 299 Lighting
Next steps on relumen8.com
Thinking about a retrofit?
Send us photos of your existing fittings, the location and rough quantities. A Light Engineer will tell you whether reLUMEN8 is viable.
Start a project →Frequently asked questions
Is retrofit always better than replacement?
No. Retrofit suits sound fittings and constrained projects; replacement suits damaged or unsuitable fittings.
Can a project mix retrofit and replacement?
Yes. Many projects retrofit sound fittings and replace the rest.
