Best LED Retrofits for HID Systems: Top Picks for Replacing Old HID Fixtures
When upgrading HID lighting to LED, choose bulbs that deliver high brightness, easy installation, and reliable performance in open fixtures. The following five candidates are well-suited for retrofitting warehouses, workshops, gyms, and industrial spaces. They’re ideal for buyers seeking energy savings, long lifespan, and straightforward ballast-free operation. Each product is evaluated for its best-use scenario, with practical cautions and clear buyer guidance.
| Product | Base | Wattage (Equiv.) | Notable Brightness / Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| GTAREN 150W LED Corn Cob Light Bulb | E39 Mogul | 150W (equiv. 600W HID) | Up to 19,500 lumens; ballast-free; 5-year service |
| GTAREN 150W LED Corn Cob Light Bulb 2-Pack | E39 Mogul | 150W each (equiv. 600W HID) | Up to 21,000 lumens per bulb; instant-on; wide beam |
| Satco S13180 13.5W HID Replacement | E26 | 13.5W | 2,200K warm amber; ballast bypass; enclosed fixture rated |
| KASTLITE LED-8061E50 Vintage Edison | E26 | 28W | 4,000 lm; 5000K; 360° beam; vintage look |
| Halco 84318 20W LED HID Retrofit Lamp | Medium base | 20W | Natural white; 144 LpW; ballast bypass |
GTAREN 150W LED Corn Cob Light Bulb
The GTAREN 150W LED Corn Cob Light Bulb is designed to replace a 600W HID/MH/HPS setup in open fixtures. Best for large open areas such as warehouses, loading bays, and workshops that require high brightness and wide coverage. It uses an E39 mogul base compatible with many high bay fixtures. Pros include ballast-free operation and a long lifespan, reducing maintenance. Limitations include non-dimmable operation and a note to remove any ballast before powering on.
GTAREN 150W LED Corn Cob Light Bulb 2-Pack
Two-pack options suit larger spaces or redundancy planning. This pair provides up to 42,000 lumens total across both bulbs (21,000 lumens per bulb). It’s ideal for facilities that need consistent brightness across multiple fixtures, such as gym floors or workshop bays. Best for buyers seeking uniform performance across several open fixtures. A key caveat: ensure ballast removal per installation notes, and confirm fixture compatibility with E39 mogul bases.
Satco S13180 13.5W LED HID Replacement Bulb
Satco’s S13180 is a compact 13.5W LED alternative to HID bulbs with a medium E26 base. It emits a warm amber 2200K light, suitable for exterior security lighting and certain outdoor applications where color warmth matters. It’s ballast-bypass capable, and designed for enclosed fixtures. Best for buyers updating to LED while preserving a warm exterior ambiance, or where a smaller form factor is needed. Note that 13.5W provides less total brightness than high-wattage corn bulbs, so plan coverage accordingly.
KASTLITE LED-8061E50 Vintage Edison
The KASTLITE LED-8061E50 provides a retro Edison-style look with modern LED performance. It operates at 28W with about 4,000 lumens and 5000K daylight color. Suitable for decorative fixtures, post-top lighting, and spaces where aesthetic matters alongside brightness. Best for decorative or low-profile retrofits where a classic bulb appearance is desired. A potential limitation is that this bulb is less bright than high-wattage corn bulbs, so use in areas where ambiance matters more than max brightness.
Halco 84318 20W LED HID Retrofit Lamp
Halco’s 84318 is a 20W LED retrofit lamp intended to bypass ballasts in many HID fixtures. It’s suitable for direct-wire retrofits in open fixtures where 80W MH/HID replacements are common. The natural white color (roughly 4000K) and good efficacy make it a solid candidate for garages, warehouses, and retail spaces needing energy savings without sacrificing brightness. Best for buyers seeking a simpler ballast-bypass retrofit that aligns with 20W LED performance. Limitations include lower lumen output compared to 150W corn bulbs, so coverage planning is essential.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For HID-To-LED Retrofits
- Fixture compatibility: Confirm ballast status and open vs. enclosed fixture ratings. Some LEDs require ballast removal and open fixtures to prevent overheating or reduced life.
- Brightness and color temperature: For security and task lighting, higher lumens and neutral-to-cool white (around 4000K-5000K) perform well. Warmer temperatures (2700K-3000K) suit ambient areas like offices or break rooms.
- Base type and form factor: E39 mogul bases fit many high bay fixtures, while E26 is common for retrofit kits and decorative fixtures. Ensure the physical dimensions fit your housings and reflectors.
- Dimming capability: If dimming is required, choose products specifically labeled as dimmable and compatible with your dimmer type to avoid flicker or limited range.
- Lifespan and maintenance: Look for long life ratings and service commitments. LED life extensions reduce maintenance costs in hard-to-reach fixtures.
- Installation considerations: Some kits include adapters (like E26 adapters) or mounting hardware. Consider whether you need professional installation or simple DIY retrofit.
- Energy savings vs brightness needs: Higher-wattage corn bulbs deliver more lumens but may consume more power; balance energy savings with required lighting levels for the space.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does ballast bypass mean for HID-to-LED retrofits? Response: It means powering the LED directly from the line voltage, removing the ballast from the circuit, which can improve efficiency and reduce maintenance.
- Can all HID fixtures accept LED corn bulbs with E39 bases? Response: Not all, especially enclosed fixtures or spaces with stringent thermal limits. Check fixture type and installation notes.
- Is 5000K color temperature suitable for warehouses? Response: Yes, 5000K provides bright, daylight-like light that improves visibility and reduces eye strain in work areas. Adjust based on preference and task.
- Do LED retrofits require professional installation? Response: Some setups are DIY-friendly, especially kits with adapters, but ballast removal and wiring may require a licensed electrician for safety and code compliance.
- How do I choose between 150W corn bulbs and smaller LEDs? Response: Use 150W corn bulbs for large open spaces needing high lumens; smaller LEDs work well for numerous fixtures with lower brightness requirements or decorative settings.
- Do these LEDs have dimming options? Response: Some models are not dimmable; verify product specs before purchasing if dimming is needed.