LED retrofit lighting audit checklist

A retrofit should start with the existing lighting inventory and target light levels, not only a wattage comparison.

Use this guide before buying LED lamps, retrofit kits, drivers, controls, or replacement fixtures so the audit starts from real fixture and task data.

When to use this guide

• A facility is replacing fluorescent, HID, or older LED fixtures and needs to choose between lamp-only, ballast bypass, retrofit kit, full fixture, or controls work.
• A business wants utility incentive paperwork without confusing rebate eligibility with product or electrical suitability.
• A workplace needs measured light levels, glare, shadows, and operating hours documented before estimating savings.

Inputs to gather

• Existing fixture, lamp, ballast or driver, wattage, mounting height, spacing, hours, control type, condition, and failure history.
• Task area, measured lux, glare or shadow notes, target level source, colour temperature, CRI, and occupant complaints.
• Candidate retrofit path, product labels, approval marks, instructions, modified-luminaire labels, warranty, and eligible product data.
• Utility incentive pre-approval, invoices, baseline wattage, rate class, operating schedule, and post-install verification notes.

Project path matrix

Working checklist

• Confirm the project branch: A facility is replacing fluorescent, HID, or older LED fixtures and needs to choose between lamp-only, ballast bypass, retrofit kit, full fixture, or controls work.
• Measure or photograph the first hard inputs: Existing fixture, lamp, ballast or driver, wattage, mounting height, spacing, hours, control type, condition, and failure history. Task area, measured lux, glare or shadow notes, target level source, colour temperature, CRI, and occupant complaints.
• Record the decision basis: A fluorescent-to-LED job can become more than a lamp swap when wiring, ballast bypass, retrofit kits, or controls change. Use CCOHS and workplace references as survey context, not universal design approval.
• Keep the handoff package together: Fixture inventory, photos, measured light levels, target-level notes, hours, and task descriptions.
• Stop before work proceeds if this applies: The retrofit modifies luminaires, bypasses ballasts, changes emergency/exit lighting, or changes control wiring.

Workflow

1. Inventory existing fixtures and operating hours before choosing replacement wattage.
2. Measure task lighting and document visual problems so energy savings do not create a worse workspace.
3. Choose the retrofit path, then verify product compatibility, markings, and whether the luminaire is modified.
4. Use lighting calculators only after the target level, room geometry, and candidate product output are known.
5. Verify the finished work with light readings, controls schedule, user feedback, and failure tracking.

Decision checkpoints

• A fluorescent-to-LED job can become more than a lamp swap when wiring, ballast bypass, retrofit kits, or controls change.
• Utility incentives do not replace product compatibility, manufacturer instructions, or local electrical review.
• Lower wattage can reduce bills but still fail the task if light level, glare, flicker, or controls are wrong.
• Workplace lighting should be surveyed by task and space, not copied from a generic lux table.

Canada-specific checks

• Use CCOHS and workplace references as survey context, not universal design approval.
• Utility incentives vary by province, utility, date, product category, and pre-approval rules.
• Confirm product markings, manufacturer instructions, luminaire modification requirements, and local authority review.

Project package to keep

• Fixture inventory, photos, measured light levels, target-level notes, hours, and task descriptions.
• Product data sheets, instructions, approval marks, modified-luminaire labels, and warranty notes.
• Fixture-count, lux-to-lumens, LED-wattage, and bill-impact assumptions kept with the estimate.
• Incentive documents, invoices, baseline wattage, and post-retrofit measurements.

Stop and get local review

• The retrofit modifies luminaires, bypasses ballasts, changes emergency/exit lighting, or changes control wiring.
• Product markings, compatibility, or target light levels are unclear.
• Savings claims depend on demand charges, incentives, or unverified operating hours.

Questions to settle before work starts

• Which local authority, utility, property authority, product listing, or manufacturer instruction controls this lighting decision?
• Which inputs are measured from the field or nameplate, and which are still assumptions from a quote, drawing, or memory?
• Which part of the work will be concealed, energized, interconnected, or purchased before review if the sequence is not controlled?
• Which single assumption would change the equipment choice, installation path, cost, schedule, or inspection timing?
• Who will keep the final photos, calculator outputs, product documents, permit or utility records, and commissioning notes?

Use the related tools

• Use the Lighting Fixture Count Calculator after the target level and room geometry are known.
• Use the Lux to Lumens Calculator for task-lighting planning.
• Use the Lumens to LED Watts Calculator to compare candidate products.

Public reference starting points

• Technical Safety BC LED retrofit bulletin - Authority example for LED luminaire retrofit requirements.
• CCOHS lighting survey guide - Workplace lighting survey method context.
• BC Hydro business incentives - Utility incentive-program example.

Local standards and authority note

Confirm retrofit product compatibility, workplace lighting needs, incentive requirements, and electrical installation steps with current sources.