The design of LED panel and troffer lights make them a great source of glare-free, uniform lighting. Use these light fixtures when replacing fluorescent lights or in new applications, such as offices, stores, schools, and other commercial spaces. We carry fixtures in several sizes with various features to provide a solution for a range of applications. Read this blog for the information you need to choose the right fixture and understand the benefits of switching to LEDs.
Panel Lights
LED panel lights are an excellent solution for upgrading traditional fluorescent troffers. Panel lights come as surface mount and drop ceiling fixtures, with suspension mount kits available for certain products. Most panel lights are back-lit, meaning LEDs are installed on the back of the fixture, which use a diffuser lens to soften the light. These panels are lightweight, simplifying installation. All of our panel lights are dimmable. We offer tunable and selectable CCT and selectable wattage for certain products. Panel lights can be dimmed with either 0-10V dimming, remote control, or Bluetooth devices depending on the product model.
Troffer Lights
LED Troffer Lights have improved light quality over traditional fluorescent lights. LEDs require less maintenance, have a high energy efficiency, and deliver an even light distribution. Troffers feature LEDs down the middle of the fixture with a curved lens for a wide, uniform light output. Our LED troffers fit into standard drop ceilings. There are a range of control options for the troffer lights, such as 0-10V dimming, Bluetooth devices, or remote controls. Choose a product with selectable CCT for color temperature customization. We offer troffer light recessed kits, which include LED light bars with magnetic backing for easy installation or kits with steel housing and center-basket lenses designed to fit directly into existing troffer housings.
Grid Frame
Grid frames are available for a more modern look. These fixtures illuminate only the edges and install around ceiling panels. We carry 2x2 and 2x4 grid frame sizes.
Panel and Troffer Differences
One major difference between panel and troffer lights is their appearance. Recessed troffer lights feature light down the middle of the fixture that is evenly distributed, while panel lights have a sleek, modern design with light being emitted consistently throughout the full frame, but both fixtures provide wide light distribution. Troffer lights are available as retrofit solutions that fit into existing fixtures or for new LED installations, whereas panel lights require removing the entire fluorescent fixture. Troffers can only be mounted is in a drop ceiling, but panel lights can be mounted in a drop ceiling, surface mounted, or suspended from the ceiling.
Panel and Troffer Lights Similarities
There are a few similarities between panel and troffer light fixtures. One is their expected longevity; LED panels and troffers usually last at least 50,000 hours. These fixtures are customizable with selectable CCT and wattage options, dimmable controls, and select troffer and panel lights that are compatible with Networked Lighting Controls (NLC). Troffer and panel lights are available with UL, ETL, and DLC certifications to ensure the products have been tested and proven to meet safety standards and provide high energy efficiency. The following section explains how panel and troffer lights work in similar applications.
Common Applications
Panel and troffer lights are a great fit for several commercial and industrial applications requiring glare-free uniform light output. This includes, but is not limited to:
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Offices
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Retail Spaces
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Hospitals
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Schools
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Libraries
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Gymnasiums
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Hotels
Benefits of Panel and Troffer Fixtures
An overarching benefit of both panel and troffer fixtures is their controllability.
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Networked Lighting Controls (NLC): We offer panel and troffer lights equipped with NLC systems to increase controllability. Our NLC fixtures have integrated Keilton ECO Sensors, which you can control via smartphone. Use these to switch the CCT, power the fixtures, schedule your lights, or create zones. NLC systems use Bluetooth Mesh for advanced connectivity. With a range of 60-100 feet, Bluetooth Mesh allows multiple nodes to communicate without a centralized hub. These nodes all communicate directly with each other, creating a self-healing system.
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Sensors: Fixtures with occupancy sensors turn on when motion is detected. If the lights feature daylight harvesting sensors, the light output will change based on the available natural light.
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Selectable/Tunable CCT: With our adjustable CCT options, you can choose the best CCT for your project. Selectable CCT options allow you to switch the CCT before installation, while tunable CCT allows you to change the CCT with a remote or switch after installation.
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Selectable Wattage: We carry LED panels and troffers with selectable wattage options. This feature lets you choose between three different wattage selections, making the fixtures more flexible for various lighting applications.
Other benefits not related to controllability include:
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LED panels and troffers have greater energy efficiency, releasing less heat than traditional fixtures. Because of this, they have a longer lifespan and require fewer replacements.
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Unlike many traditional lighting technologies, LEDs are not made of mercury, gases, and other toxic materials.
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These lights operate with automatic start, turning on instantly without requiring warmup time.
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No ballast replacement required, minimizing maintenance upkeep.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CCT Do I Need for My Troffer or Panel Lights?
Choose the CCT based on the location of the fixtures and the desired light temperature. For example, hotel troffer lights might have a warm CCT (3000K) to promote relaxation, whereas troffers in a hospital should have a cooler CCT (5000K+) to increase focus. A classroom might prefer a natural CCT (4000K) to balance comfort and focus.
The graphic below shows how troffer lights look with different CCT values.
Are LED Panel and Troffer Lights Expensive?
While the initial upfront cost of LED panel and troffer lights seems more expensive than traditional fixtures, you will save money over time. This occurs because:
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LED troffer and panel lights usually last 50,000-80,000 hours, which is much greater than fluorescent lights, lowering replacement costs.
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LEDs' are more energy efficient, leading to decreased electricity bills.
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These fixtures require less upkeep with no bulb replacements, lowering maintenance costs.
What Are the Size Options for Panel and Troffer Lights?
We carry different sizes depending on the fixture type.
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1x2, 1x4, 2x2, and 2x4 LED flat panel fixtures are available.
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1x4, 2x2, and 2x4 troffer lights are available.
What Factors Are Important for LED Panel and Troffer Lights Installation?
Follow the proper steps based on the mounting method. You can mount panels and troffers in drop ceilings. Panel lights can be surface-mounted or installed with suspension-mount hanging kits. Install grid frames with drop ceiling mounting or with a suspension hanging kit. User manuals with installation instructions can be found on the specific products page.
Suspension Mounting
Certain product pages feature the Luxiflux Lighting Layout Tool to help determine the number of luminaires and recommended placement for the fixture. If the tool is unavailable for a product, this IES Recommended Lighting Levels blog provides the advised footcandles and lux based on the type of application, i.e., offices, warehouses, and schools.
Check out this blog by our affiliate SBL that explains how to use the Luxiflux Indoor Lighting Layout Tool, or watch the video below.
Do These Lights Come With Any Certifications?
DLC
We offer many panel and troffer lights with a DLC Listed or DLC Premium certification, verifying they meet high energy-efficient qualifications and have sufficient light output. Luminaires with a DLC Premium certification must meet stricter requirements and have great light quality. All DLC products must have at least a 5-year warranty. Certain local utility agencies will offer rebates for those using DLC Listed products.
UL
Our products Certified by UL (Underwriter Laboratories) meet safety standards. UL provides different certifications depending on the product type:
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UL Listed: Refers to assorted types of lighting products.
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UL Classified: Classification for retrofit lighting products.
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UL Certified: A newer system featuring the Enhanced Certification Mark combining several safety standards into this one mark, which includes UL Listed and UL Classified products.
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UL IoT Security Rating: Gold: Products proven to be secure against cybersecurity threats, most common with our fixtures with an integrated Keilton ECO sensor.
ETL
ETL (Electrical Testing Laboratory) qualifies products as ETL Listed if they meet the criteria of quality and safety or as ETL Classified for retrofit products. ETL tests and approves products by using standards set by other organizations, including UL. ETL Listed products follow the North American safety standards.
How Do I Upgrade Fluorescent Fixtures With LEDs?
Ensure the LED has an equivalent wattage to the existing light. LEDs require significantly less power to operate than fluorescents, so their actual wattage is lower. Choosing an equivalent wattage ensures a similar lumen output.
Below is a reference guide for estimating the needed wattage for replacing fluorescent lights with LEDs. The required wattage can depend on the product, so verify specific product information before installing.
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34W Fluorescent → 18-25W LED
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51W Fluorescent → 25-30W LED
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64W Fluorescent → 30-40W LED
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68W Fluorescent → 40-50W LED
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96W Fluorescent → 50-75W LED
Closing
LED panel and troffer lights are excellent adaptations for your commercial space. These lights provide high-lumen, glare-free light that will last longer than your existing fixtures. Swapping out those fixtures is painless with our comparable wattage guides. Shop our line of durable and troffers now! For specific product information or any questions, contact our customer support advocates at 888-249-8166.
