Metal Halide to LED Conversion Kits
- 50-70% energy reduction immediately while preserving existing fixture investments
- 15+ years reliable operation with 5-year USA warranty support
- Instant full brightness eliminates metal halide warm-up delays
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Professional Conversion Plan Tailored to Your Existing Metal Halide Infrastructure
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Precise Wattage Matching & Ballast Bypass Requirements for Seamless Integration
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Eliminate Frequent Relamping & Reduce Energy Costs by Up to 75%
LED retrofit kits for metal halide fixtures are integrated LED assemblies designed to fit inside existing HID housings, such as shoebox lights, wall packs, flood lights, and recessed can lighting. These kits replace the internal lamp and ballast components while maintaining the original fixture’s exterior, making them a practical solution for upgrades in environments where fixture appearance or mounting locations must remain unchanged. Typical installations include parking lots, warehouse aisles, service bays, sports courts, retail floors, and gas station canopies—settings where metal halide or high-pressure sodium fixtures are already in place.
As part of our Commercial & Industrial Lighting Solutions, these retrofit kits are commonly installed in both indoor and outdoor locations where preserving the fixture housing is important, such as architectural preservation projects or weather-exposed areas. Applications often include parking facility lighting, sports and recreation venues, and continuous-operation sites where fixture replacement is not feasible. This category offers a straightforward path to modern LED technology while retaining the layout and structure of existing lighting systems.
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SKU:MLLG-LED-RETROSB-16-150-50 | Web ID:1594Availability: 9 In Stock Ships 2-3 Days- Lumens: 24750
- Replaces: 400 Watt Metal Halide
- Color Temp: 4000K | 5000K
- CRI: 70+
- Rated Life: 50,000 (L70) hours
- Dimmable: No
- Beam Angle (Std): Type 5
- Dimensions (in): 12.83 in L X 10.87 in W
- Weight (lbs): 6 lbs
Starting At$229.71
- SKU:MLLG-LED-RETROSB-23-240-50 | Web ID:1595Availability: 46 In Stock Ships 2-3 Days
- Lumens: 39600
- Replaces: 1000 Watt Metal Halide
- Color Temp: 5000K
- CRI: 70+
- Rated Life: 50,000 (L70) hours
- Dimmable: No
- Beam Angle (Std): Type 5
- Dimensions (in): 19.33 in L X 15.2 in W
- Weight (lbs): 12 lbs
Starting At$381.85 - SKU:MLLG-LED-RETRO5-45-50 | Web ID:1239Availability: 10 In Stock Ships 2-3 Days
- Lumens: 7425
- Replaces: 175 Watt Metal Halide
- Color Temp: 5000K
- CRI: 75+
- Rated Life: 50,000 hours - driver | 100,000 (L70) hours
- Dimmable: Optional
- Beam Angle (Std): 120°
- Dimensions (in): 4.75 in L X 4.75 in W X 1.9 in H
- Weight (lbs): 4 lbs
Starting At$149.18 100 Watt Metal Halide LED Retrofit | 15500 Lumens | 400 Watt Replacement | 4000K or 5000K | 100-277V
SKU:MLLG-LED-RETRO5-100-[Color]-[HV] | Web ID:12424000K 4000K:75 In StockShips 2-3 Days5000K 5000K:66 In StockShips 2-3 Days- Lumens: 15500
- Replaces: 400 Watt Metal Halide
- Color Temp: 4000K | 5000K
- CRI: 75+
- Rated Life: 50,000 hours - driver | 100,000 (L70) hours
- Dimmable: Optional
- Beam Angle (Std): 120°
- Dimensions (in): 6.1 in L X 5.2 in W X 2.75 in H
- Weight (lbs): 4.5 lbs
Starting At$208.81- SKU:MLLG-LED-RETRO5-120-[Color]-[HV] | Web ID:12434000K 100V-277V:4 In StockShips 2-3 Days5000K 100V-277V:Out of Stock5000K 277V-480V:3 In StockShips 2-3 Days
- Lumens: 18600
- Replaces: 400 Watt Metal Halide
- Color Temp: 4000K | 5000K
- CRI: 75+
- Rated Life: 50,000 hours - driver | 100,000 (L70) hours
- Dimmable: Optional
- Beam Angle (Std): 120°
- Dimensions (in): 6.1 in L X 5.2 in W X 2.75 in H
- Weight (lbs): 4.5 lbs
Starting At$212.18
What Is a Metal Halide to LED Retrofit Kit
A metal halide to LED retrofit kit upgrades an existing HID fixture by replacing the lamp and ballast with an LED light engine, LED driver, and mounting hardware. Retrofit kits are used when the existing fixture housing is still in good condition and the goal is to improve efficiency, light quality, startup time, and maintenance without replacing the entire fixture.
Metal halide LED retrofit kits are commonly used in shoebox lights, parking lot fixtures, wall packs, flood lights, indoor cans, uplight fixtures, canopy fixtures, and other HID housings where the enclosure, mounting, voltage, and thermal conditions are compatible with the selected kit. Many kits also replace high-pressure sodium or other HID systems when properly specified.
Unlike metal halide lamps, LED retrofit kits provide instant-on operation and do not require the warm-up or restrike time associated with many HID systems. They can also reduce lamp and ballast maintenance while preserving the existing fixture appearance, which may be useful for architectural, budget-sensitive, or hard-to-replace fixtures.
Selection and Installation Note: Product specifications, wattage, lumen output, voltage, mounting hardware, fixture compatibility, thermal requirements, certifications, controls, and warranty coverage vary by model. Confirm the selected product specification before ordering. Retrofit kits should be installed by a qualified electrician. For code-sensitive, electrical, wet-location, outdoor, hazardous-location, emergency, or safety-critical applications, verify requirements with your local inspector or a licensed electrical professional.
Choose LED Retrofit Kits by Fixture Type, HID Wattage, or Retrofit Goal
The best retrofit kit depends on the existing fixture type, HID wattage, fixture housing condition, internal space, mounting hardware, voltage, desired lumen output, beam pattern, and whether the project would be better served by a complete fixture replacement.
| Retrofit Situation | Best Starting Point |
|---|---|
| 175W to 250W Metal Halide Replacement | Use a lower-wattage LED retrofit kit when the existing housing is in good condition and the application does not require a new optic, new fixture body, or advanced controls. |
| 400W Metal Halide Replacement | Use a 100W to 150W LED retrofit kit as a starting point, depending on fixture type, lumen needs, mounting height, and distribution requirements. |
| 1000W Metal Halide Replacement | Use a high-output LED retrofit kit only when the fixture housing, internal space, mounting hardware, voltage, and thermal conditions support the selected kit. |
| Shoebox or Parking Lot Fixture Retrofit | Use a shoebox-specific retrofit kit when the existing parking lot fixture housing is structurally sound and the retrofit kit matches the housing size and mounting method. |
| Architectural Fixture Preservation | Use a retrofit kit when preserving the existing fixture appearance is important and the housing remains safe, clean, sealed, and compatible with LED conversion. |
| Indoor Can or Uplight Retrofit | Use a compatible retrofit kit when the fixture has sufficient internal space, proper ventilation, suitable mounting, and the desired beam pattern. |
| Outdoor or Wet-Location Retrofit | Confirm the existing fixture housing, lens, gasket, seals, and IP or wet-location rating before installing an LED retrofit kit outdoors. |
| Control-Heavy Upgrade | Consider a full LED fixture replacement if the project requires advanced controls, new optics, integrated sensors, dimming, or a different distribution pattern. |
When LED Retrofit Kits Are the Right Fit
LED retrofit kits are a good fit when the existing fixture housing is still worth keeping and the retrofit kit can be installed safely with proper electrical, thermal, and mounting compatibility. They are not always the best choice when the fixture housing is damaged, corroded, poorly sealed, too small, or optically unsuitable for the application.
| Use LED Retrofit Kits When | Do Not Use LED Retrofit Kits When |
|---|---|
| The existing fixture housing is in good condition and can safely support the retrofit kit, driver, wiring, and mounting hardware. | The fixture housing is damaged, corroded, cracked, poorly sealed, or structurally compromised. A complete fixture replacement is usually safer. |
| The project needs a lower-cost LED upgrade while preserving the existing fixture appearance or mounting location. | The application requires new optics, better distribution, or a different beam pattern that the existing housing cannot provide. |
| The existing fixture has enough internal space for the LED kit, driver, wiring, heat sink, and mounting hardware. | The retrofit kit cannot be installed with proper thermal clearance, driver location, or wiring protection. |
| The voltage and electrical system are compatible with the selected retrofit kit and installation method. | The fixture is in a hazardous location or requires a special certification not provided by the retrofit kit and existing housing combination. |
| The fixture lens, gasket, and enclosure remain suitable for outdoor, wet-location, or dusty environments where applicable. | Advanced controls, sensors, dimming, or integrated features are required and a purpose-built LED fixture would perform better. |
Choosing a Metal Halide LED Retrofit Kit by Wattage, Lumens, Voltage, and Compatibility
Do not select a retrofit kit by HID wattage alone. The correct kit depends on the existing fixture housing, HID wattage, desired lumen output, mounting height, beam distribution, voltage, internal fixture space, thermal performance, and whether the fixture lens or reflector affects final light output.
A retrofit project should confirm the condition of the existing fixture before ordering. If the housing, gasket, lens, reflector, socket, wiring, or mounting hardware is in poor condition, a complete LED fixture replacement may be a better long-term option.
Planning Checklist
| Planning Factor | What to Confirm |
|---|---|
| Existing HID wattage | Confirm whether the fixture currently uses 175W, 250W, 400W, 1000W, or another metal halide or HID lamp before selecting an LED kit. |
| Fixture type | Confirm whether the kit will be installed in a shoebox, wall pack, flood light, canopy fixture, indoor can, uplight fixture, or another HID housing. |
| Housing condition | Inspect the fixture body, lens, gasket, seals, reflector, socket, wiring, and mounting hardware. Do not retrofit damaged or unsafe housings. |
| Internal space | Confirm there is enough room for the LED light engine, driver, heat sink, wiring, and mounting hardware without crowding or overheating. |
| Mounting compatibility | Confirm the retrofit kit physically fits the existing fixture and includes compatible brackets or mounting hardware. |
| Voltage | Confirm site voltage and driver input range before ordering. Many kits support 100-277V, but voltage options vary by model. |
| Lumen output | Compare LED lumen output, fixture condition, mounting height, lens losses, and application needs instead of matching watts directly. |
| Beam distribution | Confirm whether the existing reflector, lens, or housing will produce the desired distribution after retrofit. Some applications need a purpose-built LED fixture. |
| Thermal management | Confirm the retrofit kit can dissipate heat properly inside the existing housing. Poor thermal conditions can shorten LED driver or module life. |
| Outdoor or wet-location rating | For outdoor applications, confirm the existing housing, lens, gasket, and seals still maintain the required wet-location or IP rating after retrofit. |
| Controls and dimming | Confirm whether dimming, sensors, timers, photocells, or control systems are needed. A complete fixture replacement may be better for advanced controls. |
| Code and certification requirements | Confirm UL, ETL, DLC, utility rebate, local code, and hazardous-location requirements before ordering or installing retrofit kits. |
Recommended Metal Halide LED Retrofit Starting Points
The table below provides common starting points for replacing metal halide fixtures with LED retrofit kits. Final selection should be based on fixture compatibility, desired lumen output, mounting height, beam distribution, environmental conditions, and product specifications.
| Existing HID Fixture | LED Retrofit Starting Point |
|---|---|
| 175W to 250W Metal Halide | 45 Watt LED Retrofit Kit producing 7,425 lumens for compatible lower-output HID fixtures. |
| 400W Metal Halide - General Fixture | 100 Watt LED Retrofit Kit producing 15,500 lumens or 120 Watt LED Retrofit Kit producing 18,600 lumens, depending on application and fixture compatibility. |
| 400W Metal Halide - Shoebox Fixture | 150 Watt 16" Shoebox Retrofit Kit producing 24,750 lumens for compatible parking lot fixtures. |
| 1000W Metal Halide - Shoebox Fixture | 240 Watt 23" Shoebox Retrofit Kit producing 39,600 lumens for compatible high-output parking lot fixtures. |
These are not universal replacements. A 400W metal halide fixture may require a different LED solution depending on fixture type, optics, pole height, application, target light level, and existing fixture condition.
LED Retrofit Kit vs Complete LED Fixture Replacement
Retrofit kits and complete LED fixtures can both be good options. The better choice depends on the existing housing, desired performance, installation constraints, and long-term maintenance goals.
| Option | Best Used When |
|---|---|
| LED Retrofit Kit | The existing fixture housing is in good condition, appearance should be preserved, mounting is compatible, and the required light output and distribution can be achieved inside the existing fixture. |
| Complete LED Fixture Replacement | The existing housing is damaged, corroded, poorly sealed, optically unsuitable, too small, structurally questionable, or lacks the controls, ratings, or distribution needed for the project. |
| Shoebox Retrofit Kit | The project involves compatible parking lot fixtures where the kit fits the existing housing and the site does not require a new LED shoebox fixture body. |
| Purpose-Built LED Fixture | The project needs new optics, full cutoff distribution, advanced controls, integrated sensors, improved weather sealing, new mounting, or verified fixture-level performance. |
Metal Halide Retrofit Project Examples
Retrofit projects are most successful when the existing fixture is evaluated before ordering. Housing condition, internal space, mounting compatibility, voltage, and desired output all affect the final result.
Metal halide LED retrofit kits can upgrade existing HID housings when the fixture is in good condition and the kit is compatible.
Shoebox retrofit kits can be a practical option for compatible parking lot fixtures where the existing housing and mounting remain suitable.
Certifications, Rebates, and Warranty Support
Metal halide LED retrofit kits from LED Lighting Supply carry safety listings such as UL or ETL, depending on the product. Many kits are DLC or DLC Premium listed, supporting utility rebate eligibility where applicable. Rebate requirements vary by utility, region, and product listing, so confirm eligibility on the selected product specification before ordering.
Most metal halide LED retrofit kits include a 5-year warranty unless otherwise specified, with USA-based warranty support. Before purchase, confirm certifications, DLC status, voltage, surge protection, driver location, thermal conditions, fixture compatibility, environmental exposure, controls compatibility, and whether the kit is right for the project.
Common Metal Halide LED Retrofit Mistakes
Retrofit projects go wrong when the kit is selected without checking the existing fixture housing, wiring, mounting, voltage, thermal conditions, and light distribution. These mistakes can cause poor performance, shortened service life, installation delays, or safety issues.
- Assuming every retrofit kit fits every fixture: Confirm housing size, mounting hardware, driver location, heat sink clearance, and internal space before ordering.
- Retrofitting damaged or corroded housings: If the fixture body, lens, gasket, socket, reflector, or wiring is unsafe, replace the entire fixture.
- Matching HID wattage without checking lumens: Compare LED lumen output, fixture optics, mounting height, and application needs instead of relying only on wattage replacement labels.
- Ignoring thermal management: LED modules and drivers need proper heat dissipation. Overcrowded or sealed housings can shorten component life if not compatible.
- Forgetting ballast bypass or wiring requirements: Retrofit kits often require electrical changes. Installation should be performed by a qualified electrician.
- Using retrofit kits where new optics are needed: Some applications need a purpose-built LED fixture for proper distribution, glare control, or uniformity.
- Assuming outdoor rating is automatic: The existing housing, lens, gasket, and seals must maintain the required wet-location or IP rating after retrofit.
- Overlooking controls compatibility: If dimming, sensors, timers, or advanced controls are required, confirm compatibility before ordering.
- Ignoring hazardous-location requirements: Standard retrofit kits should not be used in classified hazardous locations unless the complete installation meets the required certification.
- Skipping product specification review: Confirm voltage, certifications, lumen output, dimensions, driver location, and warranty terms on the selected model.
Contact us about your metal halide LED retrofit project and our Product Specialists can help review existing fixture type, HID wattage, housing condition, voltage, mounting compatibility, lumen output, and product specifications before you order.
Metal Halide to LED Conversion Kits Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Benefits of Using LED Retrofit Kits for Metal Halide Fixtures
LED retrofit kits offer a cost-effective way to upgrade existing metal halide fixtures to LED technology without replacing the entire fixture housing. They provide instant full brightness, improved energy efficiency, and a longer operational life. These kits are compatible with various HID systems, making them versatile for different applications.
How Do LED Retrofit Kits Improve Energy Efficiency
LED retrofit kits can reduce energy consumption by up to 75% compared to traditional metal halide systems. This significant reduction in energy use translates to lower utility costs and a more sustainable lighting solution.
Are LED Retrofit Kits Suitable for Outdoor Applications
Yes, LED retrofit kits are suitable for outdoor applications, especially when the existing fixtures are water-tight rated. They maintain weather protection with the proper IP rating, ensuring reliable performance in demanding environments.
What Should I Consider Before Purchasing an LED Retrofit Kit
Before purchasing, verify the compatibility of the retrofit kit with your existing fixture housing and mounting hardware. Ensure that the voltage requirements (100-277V systems) and environmental conditions are met. Confirm that the light output and distribution meet your application needs.
Can LED Retrofit Kits Be Used in Sports and Recreation Facilities
Yes, LED retrofit kits are excellent for sports and recreation facilities, particularly for indoor uplighting applications. They provide smooth, uniform light distribution when properly specified, enhancing visibility and safety.
When Should I Avoid Using LED Retrofit Kits
Avoid using LED retrofit kits if the fixture housing is damaged or corroded, as compromised enclosures require full replacement. Additionally, if advanced controls are needed or permits would be required anyway, consider complete fixture replacement for maximum efficiency.
What Certifications Do LED Retrofit Kits Carry
Our LED retrofit kits are DLC Premium certified for energy efficiency and rebate eligibility, UL Listed for electrical safety, and ETL Listed for product safety compliance. These certifications ensure that the kits meet industry standards for performance and safety.
How Long Do LED Retrofit Kits Typically Last
Premium LED retrofit kits typically last 10-15 years under normal operating conditions, providing consistent illumination and reducing maintenance costs over their lifetime.
What Is the Warranty for LED Retrofit Kits
All our retrofit kits come with at least a 5-year warranty, model dependent. Our USA-based support team is available to assist with any warranty issues, ensuring minimal downtime and maintaining your facility's safety and security.