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LED Replacements for Metal Halides

Upgrading from metal halide (MH) lighting to energy-efficient LEDs is a smart move for businesses and facilities looking to reduce costs and improve performance. However, finding the right LED replacement isn’t always straightforward. Factors like lumen output, wattage, beam angles, and fixture types play a crucial role in achieving optimal lighting. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about replacing MH bulbs with LED options, including a helpful conversion chart to simplify your decision-making process. Whether you’re retrofitting high bays, parking lot lights, or stadium fixtures, this resource will help you make an informed choice.

Why Metal Halide to LED Isn’t a Straightforward Conversion

Metal halide (MH) lamps have been a staple in industrial, outdoor, and sports lighting for decades, known for their bright light and relatively high efficiency at first use. Common wattages include 250W, 400W, and 1000W, making them versatile for various applications. However, the performance of MH bulbs declines rapidly over time, which can lead to inefficient lighting and higher maintenance costs.

Efficiency and Lumen Depreciation

When new, a metal halide bulb can produce close to 100 lumens per watt, delivering bright and powerful illumination. Unfortunately, this efficiency doesn’t last long. Over the first few years, the lumen output can drop by as much as 50%. This is known as lumen depreciation, and it happens because the bulb's components degrade with use.

The Role of Ballasts

Metal halide systems rely on ballasts to regulate the flow of electricity. Over time, ballasts also lose efficiency, contributing to further light loss and uneven performance. This makes MH systems not only less effective but also more costly to maintain compared to modern LED technology.

LEDs, on the other hand, maintain their lumen output over their lifespan, offering consistent performance and energy efficiency. This makes them an excellent replacement, but it’s important to match the LED output to your MH fixture's original performance for the best results.

Metal Halide to LED Wattage and Lumen Conversion Chart

Replacing metal halide (MH) fixtures with LEDs requires understanding how to match lumen output and wattage to maintain the desired lighting quality. While metal halides initially deliver high lumen levels, their rapid degradation makes LEDs a far more reliable and energy-efficient option. Below is a guide to help you choose the right LED replacement for your MH fixtures.

2000-Watt Metal Halide

  • Lumen Requirement: 70,000–80,000 lumens
  • LED Replacement: 600W fixture or two 300W fixtures
  • Applications: Typically used in sports lighting or large area illumination. LED retrofits for this size are unavailable, so replacing the fixture is necessary.

1500-Watt Metal Halide

  • Lumen Requirement: 60,000 lumens
  • LED Replacement: 450W–500W fixtures
  • Recommendations: For heights above 50 ft, use 500W stadium lights with a narrow beam angle. For installations under 25 ft, consider a 500W area light like the NextGen series.

1000-Watt Metal Halide

  • Lumen Requirement: 40,000 lumens
  • LED Replacement: 300W fixtures with approximately 135 lumens per watt
  • Notes: These are popular in parking lots and outdoor areas. Replacing the entire fixture is often more cost-effective than retrofitting with LED bulbs.

400-Watt Metal Halide

  • Lumen Requirement: 16,000 lumens
  • LED Replacement: 100W–150W fixtures or 120W–150W corn bulbs
  • Suggestions: Opt for 150W fixtures for a brighter and more energy-efficient solution. These are commonly used for high bays and warehouse lighting.

250-Watt Metal Halide

  • Lumen Requirement: 8,000 lumens
  • LED Replacement: 60W–80W fixtures or 80W–100W corn bulbs
  • Applications: Ideal for smaller industrial spaces or general-purpose lighting.

125–175-Watt Metal Halide

  • Lumen Requirement: 6,000 lumens
  • LED Replacement: 54W–60W LED bulbs
  • Best Use: Suitable for lower mounting heights or compact spaces requiring focused light.

This chart serves as a general guideline for MH-to-LED replacements. For optimal performance, consider the specific needs of your space, including mounting height and light distribution. Matching the correct lumen output ensures a seamless upgrade while reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs.

Fixtures vs. Bulbs: Choosing the Right LED Replacement

When transitioning from metal halide (MH) to LED lighting, it’s important to decide between replacing the entire fixture or using retrofit bulbs. Each option has its benefits and challenges, depending on your application.

LED Fixtures: Direct and Efficient Lighting

LED fixtures are designed to emit light in a 180-degree pattern, directing illumination where it’s needed most. This makes them ideal for high bay lighting, parking lot lights, and other applications where focused lighting is required.

  • Advantages:

    • Minimal light loss, as all lumens are directed downward.
    • More energy-efficient, requiring lower wattage for the same brightness.
    • Customizable beam angles for targeted illumination.
  • Best Applications:

    • High ceilings, such as warehouses and industrial spaces.
    • Parking lots and outdoor areas requiring directional lighting.

LED Retrofit Bulbs (Corn Bulbs): Versatile but Less Focused

Corn bulbs emit light in a 360-degree pattern, mimicking the output of traditional MH bulbs. While this makes them a flexible option, a significant portion of the light may be lost if the fixture relies on reflectors to redirect the beam.

  • Advantages:

    • Easy to install, often without needing to replace the fixture.
    • Suitable for spaces where diffuse lighting is acceptable.
  • Challenges:

    • Higher wattage is often required to achieve comparable brightness.
    • Reflector designs can lead to inefficiencies, with some light trapped within the fixture.
  • Best Applications:

    • Low-bay lighting.
    • Spaces where a more uniform light spread is preferred, such as retail areas.

Making the Right Choice

If maximizing efficiency and brightness is your priority, LED fixtures with focused light angles are often the better choice. For quick and cost-effective upgrades in settings where perfect directional lighting isn’t critical, retrofit bulbs may suffice.

By understanding the differences between fixtures and bulbs, you can select the solution that best meets your lighting requirements, ensuring consistent performance and energy savings over the long term.

Simplify Your Transition to LED Lighting

Upgrading from metal halide to LED lighting is a smart investment that delivers significant energy savings, consistent performance, and reduced maintenance costs. By understanding the lumen and wattage equivalents, choosing between fixtures and bulbs, and considering your application’s specific needs, you can make an informed decision that optimizes your lighting system.

LED technology offers unparalleled efficiency and flexibility, with options tailored to everything from high bay industrial spaces to outdoor parking lots. Whether you need a focused beam for a high-ceiling warehouse or a broad light spread for retail spaces, there’s an LED solution to fit your requirements.

Ready to take the next step? Explore our range of LED fixtures and retrofit bulbs to find the perfect replacement for your metal halide system. With the right choice, you’ll enjoy brighter, more efficient lighting for years to come.

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