Switch to LED lighting?
It’s easier than you might think with Zumtobel.
Many businesses know that their lighting fixtures are faulty and need upgrading – yet they often struggle to take the final step. The effort involved seems too great, and the next steps too unclear. This is exactly where Zumtobel comes in: we make the switch to LED manageable, tailored to your needs and efficient.
Your challenge
The luminaires have been in use for years – often under demanding conditions. Over time, light output declines, failures become more frequent, and faulty lamps can no longer be replaced due to the ban on incandescent bulbs. At the same time, electricity costs are rising. Although subsidy schemes make the transition to the LED era easier, many companies are still hesitant. In line with the circular economy strategy, they would like to continue using their luminaires, but they lack guidance: is it enough simply to replace the light source? Which solution is sensible, safe and economical? This is precisely where Zumtobel comes in – as a partner with in-depth expertise and practical support for electricians and businesses.
Retrofit lamps are LED bulbs with a standardised base and are used directly as a replacement for the old bulb. Conversion lamps also replace the old bulb, but require structural modifications, such as to the wiring or the ballast. Both appear straightforward at first glance, but harbour risks: lower efficiency, limited compatibility, dimming issues, safety risks and uneven light distribution. According to the Swiss Lighting Industry Association (FVB) (in german) and electrosuisse, retrofit and conversion solutions often fail to meet applicable standards and place the responsibility for product liability on the person converting the luminaire.
Risks for electricians
Anyone who retrofits luminaires without a certified retrofit kit is legally regarded as a manufacturer and distributor under the FVB guidelines. They bear full responsibility for safety, conformity and product liability. Under Art. 21 SR 734.26 of the NEV, the retrofitter automatically becomes the manufacturer of a new luminaire and must issue a declaration of conformity and a type plate in accordance with SN EN 60598. Furthermore, tests in accordance with electrosuisse (SNG 482638:2023) are required – visual, functional, insulation and earthing tests. Without the consent of the original manufacturer, additional conflicts regarding trade marks or patent law may arise. Anyone working without the necessary documentation risks liability and safety issues.
The Professional Association of the Lighting Industry (FVB) provides a clear summary of the most important aspects of luminaire conversion.
Zumtobel relieves electricians of this responsibility
CE-certified light modules with their own rating plate and warranty ensure the luminaire is treated as new. Installation instructions, photometric data sheets and EPDs assist with implementation and provide proof of sustainability. Non-reusable components are disposed of and recycled in accordance with the highest environmental standards – for a safe and reliable solution. Functional testing is carried out on site by the electrician in accordance with regulations.
A wide range of retrofit kits
Retrofit kits bring your lighting up to the latest technical and economic standards – giving the luminaire a new lease of life. This saves resources, reduces installation costs and preserves the architectural appearance. The range comprises numerous product families from the Zumtobel brand, from office luminaires such as MILDES LICHT and MIREL/MIRAL louvre luminaires, ZX and TECTON light strips, through to damp-proof luminaires such as SCUBA or AQUO, right up to cleanroom and wall luminaires. The variety is constantly growing – more and more models are available as standardised retrofit kits or are produced on request
A retrofit kit combines environmental responsibility with technical performance. When integrated with presence and daylight control, the retrofit saves up to 80% energy, reduces maintenance costs and extends the service life of your luminaires. The investment pays for itself quickly – with the assurance that your lighting remains CE-certified, compliant with standards and available in the long term. Furthermore, retrofitted luminaires are eligible for funding and can be applied for at www.lightbank.ch (in german) with up to 30% of the investment costs.
Reference project: Hilti Innovation Centre, Schaan
The Hilti Innovation Centre in Schaan (LI) provides an example of a successful LED upgrade. There, 1,750 L-shaped custom luminaires were modernised using bespoke LED retrofit kits in a resource-efficient manner whilst the facility remained in operation. Pre-assembled kits featuring a CE mark, installation instructions and EPDs ensured a safe and efficient retrofit. The result: a uniform lighting pattern with a consistent colour temperature and significantly lower energy consumption – whilst retaining the high-quality original luminaires.
The all-inclusive package
Zumtobel supports companies and partner firms throughout the entire process – from analysis and on-site refurbishment to professional disposal. Those who opt for the all-inclusive package receive everything from a single source: a central point of contact, technical advice, samples and visualisations that bring the lighting solution to life. Zumtobel also sets standards in recycling: non-reusable fluorescent lamps, optics and control gear are professionally dismantled and handed over to certified recycling partners. In this way, valuable secondary materials are recovered and hazardous substances are disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner.