What is a Troffer Light Fixture?
A troffer light fixture is a rectangular or square lighting fixture commonly used in commercial and institutional settings, such as offices, schools, and retail spaces. The term "troffer" is a combination of the words "trough" and "coffer," reflecting its recessed mounting style in a grid ceiling, typically found in drop ceilings.
Troffers are designed to fit into modular ceiling grids, recessed within the ceiling structure for a flush appearance. They provide general lighting, ideal for spaces requiring uniform and widespread illumination. Troffers use diffusers or lenses to control glare and distribute light effectively.
Traditionally, troffers used fluorescent tubes (T8 or T12), but modern versions often use LED technology for improved energy efficiency, longer lifespan, and better lighting quality. Many LED troffers are compatible with dimming systems and can be integrated with lighting controls such as occupancy sensors or network lighting controls for increased energy savings and simplified operation.
Features of LED Troffer Lighting
LED troffer lighting provides energy-efficient illumination with a more modern design, making it an ideal choice for commercial and industrial spaces.
Below are some key features to consider when selecting LED troffer lights for your facility:
- Simple and Integrated Controls: Some LED troffers have sensors for occupancy detection and daylight harvesting, contributing to additional energy savings. Some also offer compatibility with dimming controls, allowing for adjustable light levels to suit various tasks and preferences.
- Efficient LED Operation: LED troffers are typically rated for up to 50,000 hours or more, minimizing maintenance and replacement needs. There’s also no warm-up time required, providing immediate full brightness without flickering.
- Uniform Light Distribution & Low Glare: Provides even illumination across the workspace, reducing shadows and enhancing visual comfort. Designed with diffusers or lenses to reduce glare, troffers enhance comfort in offices and educational environments.
- Eco-Friendly: Free of hazardous materials like mercury and have a lower environmental impact than traditional lighting options.
Equivalent Wattages: Fluorescent Tubes to LEDs
Traditional fluorescent troffers, typically between 40 to 128 watts, are significantly less efficient than LED troffers, which consume only 20 to 50+ watts for equivalent or superior light output. Understanding the comparable wattages helps you select the right LED fixtures to match or exceed the performance of existing fluorescent troffers.
CCT for LED Troffer Lights
Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) is a consideration for LED troffer lights, as it affects the warmth or coolness of the light. The typical CCT range for these fixtures spans from 3000K to 5000K, allowing for a variety of lighting environments to suit different needs.
- A 3000K CCT emits a warm, soft light similar to incandescent bulbs. It’s ideal for lobbies, break rooms, and residential-style areas within commercial buildings.
- At 3500K, the light is neutral, at the edge of warm and natural tones. This type of light is commonly used in offices, retail spaces, and educational settings.
- A 4000K CCT offers natural light that enhances visibility and alertness. It is suitable for offices, conference rooms, and healthcare facilities and promotes productivity.
- The 5000K CCT delivers a crisp, cool illumination. It’s perfect for areas requiring high visibility and accurate color representation, such as labs and manufacturing spaces.
- Selectable CCT technology offers the flexibility to choose from multiple color temperature settings within a single fixture, typically from 3000K to 5000K. This allows for on-site adjustment to meet specific needs.
Additionally, Selectable CCT can be paired with lighting controls, such as daylight harvesting, to automatically adjust the CCT based on the time of day or available natural light, further enhancing energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
Troffer Dimming Options
LED troffer lights offer versatile dimming options for different lighting needs and preferences. The 0-10V dimming system provides smooth, precise control over light intensity, making it an ideal choice for creating customized lighting levels in offices, classrooms, and commercial spaces.
For added convenience, remote control and app-based dimming allow users to adjust brightness and settings wirelessly, providing enhanced flexibility and ease of use for modern lighting systems.
Common Sizes of LED Troffers
Troffer lights are available in various sizes to accommodate different ceiling configurations and lighting requirements. Understanding the common sizes can help you select the best option for your space. Below are some of the most frequently used troffer sizes:
Networked Lighting Controlled LED Troffers
Our Networked Lighting Controlled (NLC) LED Troffers equipped with built-in Keilton ECO Sensors represent a modern, energy-efficient solution for commercial and industrial lighting applications. These troffers integrate advanced lighting controls directly into the fixture, offering enhanced energy savings, improved lighting quality, and greater operational flexibility.
For more information about NLC, read our blog “What Networked Lighting Controls Can Do For Your Business.”
Key Features of NLC Systems:
- Integrated sensors and controls enable advanced energy management and seamless network integration.
- Adjusts lighting based on occupancy and natural light for energy savings and consistent illumination.
- Scalable and flexible design allows easy reconfiguration for changing layouts or needs.
- Centralized control enables remote management and monitoring for optimized performance.
- Meets energy efficiency standards and enhances lighting quality with uniform distribution.
