Surface Mount Flat Panel LED Lights

Frequently Asked Questions

There’s a lot of questions to consider before you purchase your first LED panel or troffer light. Scroll below to find answers to our most common questions or call (888) 423-3191 and we'll do our best to assist you.

What Are LED Panel Lights?

LED panel lights are interior lights designed to install inside the grid system of a dropped ceiling that you commonly see inside offices, schools, hospitals and other commercial facilities. They come in 3 sizes - 1X4, 2X2 and 2X4.

Can Fluorescent Panel Lights Be Retrofitted to LEDs?

They can. LED tubes were first meant to be a fluorescent panel retrofit, replacing fluorescent tubes with LED tubes. There are models available where you can use the existing ballast or bypass the ballast. There are pros and cons with each installation type. In the past few years, another retrofit option has been introduced - magnetic retrofit strips that do not use the tube lamp holders or tombstones but attach magnetically to the body of the fixture.

Can Heat Affect LED Panels?

Yes, but this is not unique to LED fixtures. Too much heat can affect any LED light if the heat causes the LED fixture to operate above its upper temperature range.

What Is the Difference Between Troffers and Panels?

They are both the same size, 2X2 and 2X4. Panels have a flat panel style, the entire face of the panel is flat. Troffers are usually fixtures with an indent in the fixture, with the LED strips mounted behind a center bulge. They are more of an architectural fixture for commercial office buildings.

Are 2x2, 2x4 or 1x4 Panels Better to Use?

It all comes down to your preferences and needs. Panels drop into the ceiling in most cases, so it can also depend on the drop ceiling configuration that you have. 2X4 panels will put out more light than 1X4 and 2X2 panels.

We also carry standard output panels and high output panels depending on your requirements.

Are LED Flat Panel Lights Replaceable?

Yes. When the panel fails, you need to replace the entire panel. There are no parts, other than the driver, that can be replaced.

How Are Panel Lights Mounted?

There are three methods - they can be dropped into the existing grid of a drop ceiling, they can be suspended from the ceiling with hanging wire and they can be ceiling mounted using a ceiling mount frame (frames are not always available for all fixtures).

How Long Do LED Panels Last For?

Under normal operating conditions, 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, you can expect 10-15 years of life from a high quality panel.

How Do You Dim LED Panel Lights?

Some panels come with a dimmable 0-10V driver and 1-10V driver. Some of our panels are dimmable using a supplied remote control. Others can be connected in series using low voltage wire and a wall mounted 0-10V dimmer switch.

Are There Color Changeable LED Panels?

Yes, and we have them. Using a remote control or some panels have switches on board the fixture, you can choose the color temperature. So you no longer have to decide which color temperature to choose upfront. You can select it after or as you install the light.

How Do You Wire Flat Panel LED Lights?

These panels are really simple to wire. There are only three wires to hook up - line, neutral and ground. Any qualified electrician can easily install them.

How Do You Install LED Panel Lights?

They simply drop into a drop ceiling grid, and all you have to do is wire them to your power circuit.

Get a Free LED Panel Lighting Plan

If you are just replacing fixture with fixture, a lighting plan will help you select the right fixture. If you are creating a new area or building that doesn't have lighting yet, a lighting plan will lay out the light locations and show you how bright the lighting will be.

If you know how bright you want the space to be, we can pick the right led panel ceiling light fixture to meet your needs and requirements.

When we do led panel lighting plans, we use specialized lighting software that allows us to model your space, add lights, place them in your digital space, and calculate the brightness and how even the light will be.