Retrofit · Fluorescent phase-out
Replacing fluorescent linear fixtures: LED tubes, retrofit kits or new luminaires?
The fluorescent phase-out turns a maintenance item into a capital decision. The cheapest first step is not always the cheapest outcome.
Short answer
Canada’s amended mercury regulations prohibit the manufacture and import of most linear fluorescent lamps (with replacement-lamp allowances through 2027 and a sale ban from 2030). There are three ways to move to LED: LED tubes (lowest first cost, keeps old housings), retrofit kits (new LED board and driver inside the existing housing), and new LED luminaires (highest first cost, best performance, controls and lifetime). For large commercial areas, retrofit kits or new luminaires usually make more sense once labour, controls, incentives and lifetime are counted.
Key takeaways
- Most linear fluorescent lamps can no longer be manufactured or imported in Canada; stock will run down.
- LED tubes are cheapest first but keep old housings, lenses and sockets.
- Retrofit kits renew the light source and driver while keeping the housing.
- New luminaires give the best light, controls and lifetime, and often the best incentives.
- Any modification must keep the fixture certified; use certified retrofit kits.
Why this is urgent now
Canada amended its Products Containing Mercury Regulations to phase out most fluorescent lamps. For linear T5, T8 and T12 lamps, manufacture and import are prohibited from January 1, 2026, replacement lamps are allowed until December 31, 2027, and sale is prohibited from January 1, 2030, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada. Lamp stock will get scarcer and dearer; planning the change beats reacting to failures.
Three ways to go LED
| LED tubes | Retrofit kits | New LED luminaires | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What changes | Lamps only (and ballast, for some types) | LED board + driver inside the old housing | Whole fixture |
| First cost | Lowest | Medium | Highest |
| Labour | Low to medium | Medium | Medium to high |
| Light quality / distribution | Limited by old optics | Improved | Best; choose optics |
| Controls (dimming, sensors) | Limited | Possible with dimmable drivers | Full |
| Lifetime of the whole system | Old housing, sockets, lenses remain | Old housing remains | All new |
| Incentive eligibility | Check the program’s measure list | Check the program’s measure list | Check the program’s measure list |
| Certification | Must follow the tube’s instructions | Use certified kits, follow instructions | Certified as a whole |
How to choose
LED tubes
Best for small areas, short remaining building life, or when budget is the only constraint. Two common types: tubes that run on the existing ballast (simple, but the ballast still fails) and tubes wired directly to line voltage (no ballast, but rewiring and relabelling). Old lenses and yellowed diffusers remain.
Retrofit kits
A good middle path when the housings are sound and ceilings are not being replaced. Kits replace the light source and driver, can add 0-10V dimming, and keep the ceiling intact. Use kits certified for the purpose and follow the installation instructions so the fixture stays certified. See certification marks in Canada.
New luminaires
Best for renovations, open offices and classrooms, or wherever light quality, glare and controls matter. New linear luminaires let you fix the layout too: continuous suspended rows instead of scattered troffers, for example. See suspended linear lighting and UGR for offices.
Count the full cost
Compare options on cost over the remaining building life, not first cost:
- product + labour + disposal of old lamps and ballasts (mercury lamps need proper recycling);
- energy at your rate, including controls savings;
- incentives (see Ontario lighting incentives);
- maintenance: old ballasts and sockets keep failing in tube-only retrofits.
Do not forget
- Emergency fixtures: plan LED-compatible emergency drivers or battery packs.
- Voltage: many Canadian buildings run lighting at 347V. See 347V lighting.
- Incentive pre-approval before installation, where required.
How SuppLux helps
For a retrofit, price all three options for the same areas before you decide. Send the fixture schedule and SuppLux’s AI matches every line to verified products, with the best alternative shown first, then turns the matched set into a quote and submittal package. Send a fixture count or schedule.
Frequently asked questions
When are fluorescent lamps banned in Canada?
Under the amended Products Containing Mercury Regulations, the manufacture and import of straight (linear) fluorescent lamps is prohibited from January 1, 2026, replacement lamps are allowed from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2027, and sale is prohibited from January 1, 2030 (Environment and Climate Change Canada).
Are LED tubes safe and certified?
Certified LED tubes are available, but the installation type matters: some run on the existing ballast, some require rewiring to line voltage (ballast bypass). Follow the tube manufacturer’s instructions and certification, and have a licensed electrician do any rewiring.
Do LED retrofits qualify for incentives in Ontario?
Many eligible LED products do, through Save on Energy, usually if they are on a qualified list such as the DLC QPL. Check the program rules before buying.
What about emergency fixtures?
Fixtures with emergency ballasts need an LED-compatible emergency solution. Plan them separately so egress lighting is not lost.
References
Keep reading
- Incentives · Ontario Ontario lighting incentives: how Save on Energy works for commercial LED projects How Ontario businesses fund commercial LED lighting upgrades through Save on Energy: the Retrofit program (prescriptive and custom streams, pre-approval) and point-of-sale Instant Discounts, who qualifies, and the mistakes that cost incentives. →
- Compliance · Incentives DLC listing for commercial LED fixtures: when it matters and how to check What DLC listing means for commercial LED fixtures, why most utility rebate programs require it, the difference between DLC Standard and Premium, and how to check a product on the Qualified Products List before ordering. →
- Compliance · Certification CSA, cUL, ETL: which certification marks lighting needs in Canada Electrical products installed in Canada must be certified for Canada by an accredited certification body. What the CSA, cULus and cETLus marks mean on lighting, why a plain UL mark is not enough, and how to check a fixture before it reaches site. →
- Custom linear lighting · Suspended Suspended linear lighting Suspended linear LED pendants for offices, classrooms and open ceilings, direct or direct/indirect, in custom run lengths with corners, supplied across Canada with drivers, controls and suspension hardware. →