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How to Upgrade Your Old Ellipsoidal Fixtures to LED

Publish Time: 2026-01-21     Origin: Site

You can upgrade your old LED Ellipsoidal Light fixture easily. Most people choose from three main methods. You can do a full fixture replacement, use retrofit kits, or try LED lamp conversions. Each method helps your lighting save more energy and last longer. LED Ellipsoidal Lights use at least 75% less energy compared to traditional options. They also last much longer than older lights. Before you begin, check your lighting parts. Make sure things like dimmers and lens tubes fit the new LED system. Color quality is important for stage and building lights.

The LED lighting market, including LED Ellipsoidal Lights, is growing very fast. Installations have doubled in just two years.

Benefit

LED Ellipsoidal Light

Traditional Lighting

Energy Use

Very Low

High

Lifespan

Tens of thousands

Hundreds of hours

Key Takeaways

  • Switching to LED Ellipsoidal Lights can help you save a lot of money. You can save at least 75% on energy costs. This is much better than using old lights.

  • You can pick from three options. You can replace the whole fixture. You can use retrofit kits. You can also try LED lamp conversions. Pick what works best for your needs. Make sure it fits with your current setup.

  • Always check if your dimmers, lens tubes, and wiring will work with LEDs. Do this before you start your LED upgrade.

  • LED fixtures can last up to 50,000 hours. This means you do not have to change bulbs often. You will spend less money on repairs and new bulbs.

  • Test new LED lamps with your old equipment first. This helps make sure everything works well. It can stop problems like flickering.

Upgrade Options for LED Ellipsoidal Light

When you upgrade your lighting, you have many choices. There are three main ways to do this. You can replace the whole fixture, use a retrofit kit, or try LED lamp conversion. Each way has good things and some problems. You should think about what works best for your stage and your equipment.

Full Fixture Replacement

You can get a new LED ellipsoidal light to replace your old one. This gives you the best results and is very reliable. New LED ellipsoidal lights use less energy and make more light. You can control your lighting better. The shutters and lens tubes work well with new designs.

  • You use less energy than with old lights.

  • You can shape the beam exactly how you want.

  • You get more control over your lights.

Feature

LED Fixtures

Older Models

Efficacy (lumens per watt)

Higher than older models

Lower than modern LEDs

Power Consumption

Reduced overall power draw

Higher power consumption

Dimming Efficiency

Typically >90%

Varies, often less efficient

Check if your lens tubes and dimmers fit the new fixture. Some old parts may not work. Always look at the specs before you buy.

Retrofit Kits for Ellipsoidal Fixtures

Retrofit kits let you upgrade your light without buying everything new. You keep most of your old setup. Retrofit kits work best with popular models like the ETC Source 4. Many other lights do not have retrofit kits that fit. You need to see if your light can use a led based retrofit.

  • Most ellipsoidal lights do not have retrofit LED lamps.

  • Retrofit kits may not fit your lighting needs.

  • ETC Source 4 lights have a special led retrofit kit.

Aspect

Traditional Lighting

LED Retrofit

Operational Life

Short

Long

Replacement Frequency

High

Low

Maintenance Costs

High

Low

Retrofit kits help your lights last longer. You spend less time and money fixing them. Check if your lens tubes and barrels fit the kit. Not every kit works with every light.

LED Lamp Conversion

LED lamp conversion is the easiest way to upgrade. You just change the old lamp for a new LED lamp. This only works if your light can use LED lamps. You need to check the socket and power rating. LED lamp conversion may not give you the same quality as a full fixture replacement or a led based retrofit.

Tip: Test your new LED lamp with your dimmer and lens tube before you use it on stage. Some lamps might flicker or change color.

When you pick an upgrade, think about these things:

  • Efficacy: Does the light work well?

  • Optics: Are the beams sharp and clear?

  • Beam angles: Do you want wide or narrow beams?

  • Brightness: Will the light be bright enough?

  • Warranty: Does the company give good support?

Pick the upgrade that matches your lighting goals. LED ellipsoidal light upgrades help you save energy and make your stage look better. You get longer life and lower costs with led based retrofit kits and new fixtures. Always check if your lens tubes, barrels, and dimmers will work before you start.

Step-by-Step Retrofit and Installation

Upgrading your old fixture to LED can make your stage brighter and safer. You need to follow a few steps to make sure your retrofit works well. This guide helps you check compatibility, choose the right parts, and install your new lighting safely.

Assessing Fixture Compatibility

Before you start, you need to check if your fixture can use LED upgrades. Many old fixtures do not work with retrofit kits or LED lamps. Most manufacturers do not offer retrofit LED lamps for ellipsoidal fixtures. The ETC Source 4 is one exception, but it costs more and does not give you many color choices.

You should look at these parts:

  • Dimmers: Some old dimmers do not work with LED upgrades. Test your dimmer with a sample LED lamp before you install it.

  • Lens tubes: Make sure your lens tubes fit the new LED lamp or retrofit kit. Some kits only work with certain models.

  • Barrels: Check if the barrel size matches the retrofit kit or LED lamp.

  • Wiring: If your wiring is very old, you may need to replace it before you install anything new.

Tip: Retrofitting old fixtures with LED lamps is often not possible. You should check with the manufacturer before you buy a retrofit kit.

Selecting the Right Retrofit or LED Stage Light

You need to pick the best retrofit kit or LED lamp for your stage. Look for kits that match your fixture model. The ETC Source 4 has a special LED retrofit kit, but other models may not have this option. If you want more color choices, you may need to buy a new LED ellipsoidal stage light.

Follow these steps:

  1. Find your fixture model and check if a retrofit kit exists for it.

  2. Compare the features of retrofit kits and LED lamps. Look at brightness, color options, and warranty.

  3. Test the kit or lamp with your dimmer and lens tube before you install it on your stage.

  4. Choose a kit or lamp that gives you the best light for your stage needs.

Step

What to Do

Identify Fixture

Check model and compatibility

Compare Options

Look at brightness, color, warranty

Test Components

Try with dimmer and lens tube

Make Selection

Pick the best kit or lamp for your stage

Note: Most retrofit kits do not fit every fixture. You need to check the specs before you buy.

Installation and Safety Steps

Safety comes first when you install your retrofit kit or LED lamp. You need to follow these steps to keep yourself safe and make sure your fixture works well.

  • Disconnect power before you start. This keeps you safe from electric shock.

  • If your wiring is older than 50 years or you do not have experience, ask a professional for help.

  • Watch out for exposed live parts in LED fixtures. These can cause electrocution.

  • Use insulating materials like glass, paper, or Teflon for lamp parts. This helps prevent accidents.

  • Test your new LED lamp or retrofit kit for flicker. Flicker-free lighting reduces eye strain and makes your stage safer.

  • Check if your new LED fixture works with occupancy sensors. This can improve security and save energy.

Callout: Improved illumination from LED retrofitting makes your stage safer. Flicker-free lighting helps your eyes and keeps your team healthy.

You can make your stage brighter and safer with a good retrofit. LED upgrades give you better light and lower costs. Always test your new fixture before you use it for a show.

Benefits and Challenges of LED Upgrades

Energy and Cost Savings

When you switch your stage lights to LED ellipsoidal fixtures, you save a lot of energy. LEDs use much less power than incandescent or halogen lights. The table below shows how much energy each type uses:

Lighting Type

Energy Usage (%)

Incandescent

100

Halogen

80

LED

20-25

LED upgrades make your old lights work better and use less energy. You pay less for electricity and repairs. Even though LED ellipsoidal fixtures cost more at first, you save money later. LEDs can last up to 50,000 hours, so you do not need to change bulbs often. You might also get tax breaks or rebates to help with the first cost.

  • LED upgrades can lower your energy use by 30–50%.

  • You spend less on repairs because LEDs last longer.

  • Rebates or incentives can help you save money.

Tip: Using less energy means your building stays cooler and helps the environment.

Color Quality and Output

LED ellipsoidal fixtures give you better color and brightness than old lights. They have high color rendering, so your stage looks bright and colorful. The table below shows how color quality compares:

Feature

LED Ellipsoidal Fixtures

Traditional Lighting Sources

Color Rendering Index (CRI)

≥95

Typically lower CRI values

Color Temperature

Dual: 3200K, 5600K

Less versatile options

You can pick different color temperatures for your stage. LED fixtures mix colors well, so you get smooth changes and deep colors. Sometimes, colors look different if the company does not keep colors the same. The white color of LEDs can also change, which affects how your lights look.

  • Colors might not match in one fixture or between batches.

  • You may see color changes as you replace old lights.

Note: Always test color mixing and brightness before using new LED fixtures on stage.

Compatibility and Dimming Issues

Switching to LED ellipsoidal fixtures can cause some problems. You might have trouble with dimming and making sure everything works together. Some common problems are:

  • Dropping off: Lights turn off when you dim them.

  • Popping on: Lights suddenly get very bright.

  • Lack of response: The dimmer does not change the light.

  • Low glow: Bulbs stay a little bit on when off.

  • Flickering or strobing: Lights flash or act strange.

You can fix these problems by doing a few things:

  1. Get a dimmer that works with LED lights.

  2. Use LED bulbs that can dim.

  3. Change the lowest dimming level.

  4. Check all wires and connections.

  5. Pick good quality LEDs for smooth dimming.

Callout: Always check if your dimmer and fixtures work together before you install LED upgrades. This helps stop flicker and other problems on your stage.

Tips for a Successful LED Retrofit

Maximizing Performance

You want your lighting to shine bright and work well. Start by looking at your space. Think about how big it is and what you use it for. This helps you decide how much light you need and where to put each fixture. Pick LED bulbs and fixtures that match your style and work with your dimming system. Check the color temperature to set the right mood for your stage or room.

Here are steps to boost your retrofit results:

  1. Assess your lighting needs for each area.

  2. Choose LED bulbs and fixtures that fit your setup and dimming controls.

  3. Hire a skilled electrician for installation.

  4. Do regular checks to keep your lighting working its best.

You can also improve beam quality and focus. Try adjustable intensity distribution to spread light evenly. Use color homogenization methods for smooth color across your lighting. Specialized lens assemblies help your lighting look uniform and bright.

Tip: If you run into problems, check wiring connections, make sure your dimmer works with LED, verify power supply, and replace any faulty bulbs.

Minimizing Costs and Maintenance

Saving money and time matters when you upgrade your lighting. LED retrofits cut energy use and lower bills. You do not need to change bulbs or ballasts often, so you spend less on maintenance. Smart controls and motion sensors can save even more energy.

Application

Old System

LED Option

Savings Gain

Warehouse High Bays

Metal Halide 400W

80–100W LED High Bay

75–80% energy cut

Office Panels

Fluorescent 2×4

LED Flat Panel

60–70% energy cut

Parking Lot Poles

HID Shoebox 1000W

200–300W LED Outdoor

70–80% energy cut

Retail Lighting

Halogen Track

LED Track Spot

~65% energy cut

LED fixtures last much longer than traditional ones. You do not need to replace them as often. Regular cleaning and power checks keep your lighting strong. You can look for rebates or financing to lower your first costs.

  • Use smart controls to boost savings.

  • Clean fixtures and check power supplies for best results.

  • Explore rebates to cut upfront costs.

Note: LED lighting means less work and more savings for you. Your retrofit will keep your space bright and safe for years.

You can make your old fixtures better in three ways. You can replace the whole fixture, use a retrofit kit, or do an LED lamp conversion. LED Ellipsoidal Light upgrades help you use less energy and need less fixing. They also give you better color for your lights. The table below shows what happened when studios upgraded:

Key Takeaway

Description

Energy Efficiency

Power use went from 40,000 Watts to 7,000 Watts after switching to LED.

Reduced Maintenance

LED fixtures save time because you do not change lamps often.

Color Consistency

5600°K fixtures keep color steady and make video look better.

Custom Control

New systems let you set up lights for each presenter.

Future Expansion

You can add more fixtures if you need them later.

FAQ

Can you use your old lens tubes with a new LED Ellipsoidal Light?

You can often use your old lens tubes with a new LED Ellipsoidal Light. Always check the specs for your small led ellipsoidal light or led ellipsoidal stage light before you install them.

Do LED Ellipsoidal Lights work with DMX control?

Yes, most LED Ellipsoidal Lights support DMX control. You can connect your ellipsoidal led dmx light to your lighting console for easy programming and scene changes.

How do you fix flickering in an LED Ellipsoidal Light?

You can fix flickering by using a compatible dimmer and checking your wiring. Test your small led ellipsoidal light with your dimmer before your show. Quality matters for smooth dimming.

Is a retrofit kit better than a full replacement?

A retrofit kit lets you keep your old fixture body. A full replacement gives you the best performance and color. Choose what fits your budget and your LED Ellipsoidal Light needs.

How long does an LED Ellipsoidal Light last?

An LED Ellipsoidal Light can last up to 50,000 hours. You will change bulbs less often in your led ellipsoidal stage light or ellipsoidal led dmx light. This saves you time and money.

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