---
title: "What Is Retrofit? Electrical Glossary | Daniel Electric"
description: "A retrofit upgrades an existing fixture or lamp type, such as swapping older lighting for LED, without rebuilding the whole system."
url: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/retrofit
publisher: Daniel Electric
phone: +1-817-481-8606
quote: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact
---

Lighting

# Retrofit

A retrofit upgrades an existing fixture or lamp type, such as swapping older lighting for LED, without rebuilding the whole system.

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory says retrofit applications have the highest potential for energy savings because of the large market of existing applications compared to new construction. A retrofit may swap lamps only, replace the whole fixture or add controls.

A good retrofit checks the pole, wiring and [ballast](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/ballast) or [driver](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/led-driver) first, since old wiring may not suit new equipment. Results depend on the site. See [LED lighting installation](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/led-lighting-installation) and [relamp](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/relamp).

[Daniel Electric can helpLED lighting installation](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/led-lighting-installation)

## Related terms

-   [Relamp](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/relamp)
-   [Ballast](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/ballast)
-   [LED driver](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/led-driver)
-   [LED](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/led)

## Sources

1.  [Pacific Northwest National Laboratory: Exterior Lighting Scoping Study](https://www.pnnl.gov/main/publications/external/technical_reports/pnnl-20579.pdf)

TECL #21005 · Family owned since 1988

## Need an electrician in Southlake?

Call and tell us what is going on. A photo of the panel label or the problem helps us come prepared. Quotes on new installations are free.

[Call (817) 481-8606](tel:+1-817-481-8606)[Get a quote](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact)

![A Daniel Electric bucket lift raised to a parking lot light pole](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/_astro/bucket-at-light-pole.BSVZ9eST_1Dp6XR.webp)