LED Signage

Benefits of LED Retrofitting for Sign Lighting

15 November 2024

You may have heard the term "retrofitting" when it comes to illuminated signs, but what does it actually mean and why is it so important?

In simple terms, retrofitting is like giving an old sign a much-needed makeover. Imagine swapping out those outdated incandescent or halogen bulbs for new, energy-efficient ones without changing the sign's exterior. This way, the signage maintains its familiar look but benefits from modern technology that saves both money and energy.

It's important to understand that when switching to LED, it’s not just about changing the bulbs; it can involve changing the entire electrical system. While the initial investment may seem substantial, the long-term benefits make it worthwhile. In this article we look at the benefits of LED technology for sign retrofitting.

 

Why LED Sign Retrofitting is a Bright Idea

When it comes to traditional lighting, like incandescent bulbs, there’s a significant downside: they waste a lot of energy. Most of the energy that goes into these bulbs doesn’t actually produce light. In fact, only about 10-20% of the energy on average is turned into visible light. The rest is lost as heat to the surrounding environment. LEDs on the other hand, consume approximately 70-80% less energy compared to traditional lighting solutions – that’s a huge improvement!

In addition to their energy efficiency, LED lights boast impressive longevity and durability. LEDs can last up to 50,000 hours or more—about 5.5 years of continuous use—while traditional incandescent bulbs last around 1,000 hours and fluorescent lights about 10,000 hours. This extended lifespan means fewer replacements and reduced maintenance costs.

These lights are also safer for the environment. Unlike fluorescent lights, which often contain toxic materials like mercury, LEDs are free from harmful substances. This means that when LED lights reach the end of their lifespan, they pose less of a risk of contaminating the environment in landfills. 

 

MEAN WELL Signage LED Lighting

When it comes to LED power supplies for sign retrofitting, MEAN WELL offers a range of reliable options. MEAN WELL provides power supplies up to 150W for indoor applications and 600W for outdoor waterproof applications. All their products comply with safety regulations and support full voltage input, making them suitable for various engineering projects. Some products, such as the PWM/ODLV series, can be directly used with 0-10V dimmers, eliminating the need for additional controllers.

 

To learn more about LED lighting for your signage, browse the range here. If you have any questions, call the LED Supplies Australia team today on 1800 632 693 or visit our contact page here.