UL Certified LED Retrofit Luminaire Conversion Kit FAQs

January 12, 2024 by Chloe Choee

UL Certified LED retrofit luminaire conversion kits

Frequently asked questions

  • Does retrofitting a luminaire void its UL Listing?

Retrofitting an installed luminaire does not impact the original Listing. The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the luminaire applies the UL Certification (Listing) Mark at the factory. It is the manufacturer’s attestation that the product met the appropriate UL Standard when it was shipped. The UL Certification Mark (UL Classification or Enhanced Mark) on the retrofit kit indicates that it has been certified by UL Solutions for use with the identified luminaires. It also indicates that when the kit is installed in accordance with its markings and installation instructions, the converted luminaire still complies with the host luminaire standard, e.g., UL 1598, the Standard for Luminaires.

  • Is a UL Field Evaluation required for retrofitting?

If a UL Certified LED retrofit kit is installed in strict adherence to its installation instructions, a UL Field Evaluation should not be required for the modified luminaire. A UL Field Evaluation is appropriate if a luminaire was modified using an uncertified retrofit kit or if an unqualified person performed the conversion.

  • Does the local code authority need to be notified when a luminaire is retrofitted?

Jurisdictions typically require permits and code authority approval when retrofitting installed luminaires. Since regulations vary by jurisdiction, you should check with your local code authority regarding the regulations in your area.

  • Is it acceptable for installers to build their own retrofit kits using off-the-shelf parts?

Section 410.6 of the National Electrical Code® (NEC®) requires all retrofit kits to be Listed. UL Certified LED retrofit kits include parts and installation instructions that have been verified to confirm that the modified luminaire would comply with the UL Standard for host luminaires — e.g., UL 1598; UL 1598A, the Standard for Supplemental Requirements for Luminaires for Installation on Marine Vessels; UL 1573, the Standard for Stage and Studio Luminaires and Connector Strips; UL 2108, the Standard for Low Voltage Lighting Systems; etc. — when installed according to the installation instructions. If a luminaire is modified using off-the-shelf parts instead of a UL Certified retrofit kit, the modified luminaire would be no different than any other field-modified electrical equipment, and a UL Field Evaluation would be required to determine its compliance with applicable codes and standards.

  • Where do I find UL Certified LED retrofit kits?

You can find suppliers of UL Certified LED retrofit kits per UL 1598C, the Standard for Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Retrofit Luminaire Conversion Kits, using the UL Product iQ® database by searching under the category codes IFAR1, IGRR2 or IFAS3. UL Solutions also offers an online database, which you can search parametrically to find UL Certified LED retrofit kits that meet specific applications. Go to Product iQ and click “LED Luminaire Retrofit Kits,” “Marine LED Luminaire Retrofit Kits” or “LED Retrofit Luminaire Kits for Refrigeration Use” and select the parameters you need. The database will do the rest.

  • Is permission from the original luminaire manufacturer required to retrofit their product?

Luminaire installation and conversion are the responsibility of the facility owner. The owner makes the decision regarding retrofitting and should consider the suitability of the proposed UL Certified retrofit kit(s) for the host luminaires, as well as the installer qualifications necessary to meet the local code requirements. However, retrofitting a luminaire without explicit permission from the luminaire manufacturer could eliminate any remaining warranty coverage.

  • What qualifications are required for someone to retrofit a luminaire?

Jurisdictions vary in their adopted requirements regarding qualifications necessary for modifying installed equipment. Some areas may require licensed electricians, and some allow other means of qualifying retrofit installers. Contact your local code authority or planning department to determine the qualifications necessary in your area.

  • Can a manufacturer other than the original luminaire manufacturer make a retrofit kit?

Any company can make UL Certified retrofit kits. Some luminaire manufacturers may make retrofit kits specifically for their luminaires. The kit’s installation instructions identify the type of luminaire for which the kit is intended and should always be consulted prior to any retrofit decision to determine suitability.

  • Are retrofit kits for specific luminaires, or are they generic?

Retrofit kit manufacturers can certify their products for either specific luminaire models or for generic types of luminaires that meet the specific mechanical and electrical criteria identified in the kit’s installation instructions. This criteria typically includes the host luminaire’s category, shape, or configuration — i.e., troffer, down-light, high bay, etc. — as well as the luminaire lamp compartment’s minimum or maximum dimensions, lamp quantity and any specific physical features required for proper fit. When kits are certified for specific host luminaire models, both their installation instructions and the smallest unit package or carton will include the luminaire manufacturer(s) and model number(s).

  • Does LED retrofit kit certification only cover light source upgrades?

No. Our LED retrofit kit certification program started with light source upgrades, e.g., from fluorescent to LEDs, or from high-intensity discharges (HIDs) to LEDs. With the popularity of LEDs, continued efforts toward saving energy and developing lighting control technology, the existing LED luminaires in the field also need upgrading. For example, convert the LED luminaires from non-dimmable to dimmable, from non-connected to connected, upgrade LED drivers in the luminaires and add additional components — e.g., sensor, controller, emergency battery pack, etc. — to achieve extra functions. The LED retrofit kit certification program covers these luminaire conversion applications.

  • What does a UL Certified retrofit kit include?

UL Certified retrofit kits always contain a set of detailed installation instructions that identify the type of host luminaire(s) for which the kit is suitable, major kit components such as the LED driver or power supply, LED modules and mounting means, and the field-applied labels to affix to the host luminaires after conversion. The kits might also include adhesives, connectors, lampholders and wire, although the installation instructions may call these common components out as installer-supplied parts instead.

  • Where is the luminaire retrofit kit certification Mark?

The UL Certification (Classification or Enhanced) Mark must be located on a major kit component. Typically, this is on the LED light source (lamp) or its driver.

  • Why are both a UL Recognized Component Mark and a Classification (or Enhanced) Mark on the power supply?

Most components used in retrofit kits must undergo separate evaluation and will bear the UL Recognition Mark or the UL Listing Mark. As such, one major component of the kit, e.g., the LED driver or the LED lamp, will include an additional UL Certification Mark, i.e., UL Classification or Enhanced Mark, related to the retrofit kit.

  • Where can I use UL Certified LED retrofit kits?

Always use UL Certified Retrofit Kits in accordance with their markings and installation instructions, which will convey the specific application(s) for which the kit underwent evaluation. The host luminaire is expected to have been appropriately installed per manufacturer instructions and applicable installation codes. Luminaire conversion is expected to result in the host luminaire continuing to comply with the requirements of the applicable host luminaire standard after installation. UL 1598C covers the below host luminaire Standards:

    • UL 1598A, Standard for Supplemental Requirements for Luminaires for Installation on Marine Vessels
    • UL 1573, Standard for Stage and Studio Luminaires and Connector Strips
    • UL 1598, Standard for Luminaires
    • UL 2108, Standard for Low Voltage Lighting Systems
    • UL 471, Standard for Commercial Refrigerators and Freezers
    • UL 60335-1, Standard for Safety of Household and Similar Electrical Appliances, Part 1: General Requirements, and UL 60335-2-89, Standard for Household and Similar Electrical Appliances – Safety – Part 2-89: Particular Requirements for Commercial Refrigerating Appliances and Ice-Makers with an Incorporated or Remote Refrigerant Unit or Motor-Compressor.

LED retrofit kits intended for installation in:

    • Certified luminaires, low-voltage luminaires and specific models or model families of certified stage and studio luminaires are covered under UL Solutions product category code IFAR.
    • Certified marine luminaires are covered under UL Solutions product category code IGRR.
    • Certified commercial refrigerators and freezers are covered under UL Solutions product category code IFAS.
  • What are “Type A/B” lamps?

Type A/B lamps can operate as both Type A lamps and Type B lamps.

Type A lamp – Lamps intended for direct substitution of a fluorescent lamp and operating from the host luminaire integral ballast without any modifications to the fluorescent luminaire.

Type B lamp – Lamps intended for operation in luminaires with traditional fluorescent-type lampholders wired directly to the branch circuit; this includes both factory-wired luminaires and those converted for this purpose under a retrofit program.

Type A/B lamps are investigated to UL 1993, the Standard for Self-Ballasted Lamps and Lamp Adapters, for use as a stand-alone product, and additionally to UL 1598C for use as part of a luminaire retrofit kit. They are therefore eligible to carry a dual UL Certification (Listing and Classification) Mark.

  • Can I use Type A/B lamps to convert a luminaire?

Not unless the lamps are also investigated to UL 1598C as part of a UL Certified (Classified) luminaire retrofit kit and carry a dual Certification (Listed and Classified) Mark. Lamps that carry only the UL Certified (Listed) Mark have not undergone investigation through UL Solutions for luminaire conversions.

  • Can I use tubular LED lamps with integral battery packs for emergency lighting use?

No. Only products certified in accordance with UL 924, the Standard for Emergency Lighting and Power Equipment, are suitable for use in emergency lighting systems. The lamp itself, as a consumable and user-replaceable component that can be replaced without tools, is not eligible for certification as emergency lighting equipment because it is not part of the facility infrastructure. Such lamps are eligible for certification under product category code OOLV (self-ballasted LED lamps, per UL 1993) as LED lamps with integral secondary batteries.

  • Can LED retrofit luminaire conversion kits be used in hazardous locations?

Yes. You can find suppliers of UL Solutions Certified LED retrofit luminaire conversion kits for use in hazardous locations per both UL 1598C, the Standard for Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Retrofit Luminaire Conversion Kits, and UL 844, the Standard for Luminaires for Use in Hazardous (Classified) Locations, using the Product iQ database by searching under the product category code IFUL4.

  • How do I get UL Certification to make retrofit kits?

Contact UL Solutions at LightingInfo@UL.com.

  • Whom can I contact if I see retrofit kits or products being misused in the marketplace or in the field?

Report safety-related concerns about UL products to our Market Surveillance team by filing a product incident report. To file a report, go to www.UL.com/ahjreport.

Notes:

  1. IFAR is the product category code for LED luminaire retrofit kits.
  2. IGRR is the product category code for LED luminaire retrofit kits intended for field installation in certified marine luminaires.
  3. IFAS is the product category code for LED luminaire retrofit kits intended for field installation in certified commercial refrigerators and freezers.
  4. IFUL is the product category code for LED retrofit luminaire conversion kits for use in hazardous locations.