Rationale why switchable lumen LED fixtures are cheaper than fixed lumen type

[tapankatwala]

Hello,


I inquired with a lighting supplier about budget pricing for fixed lumen type LED troffers (1x4, 2x2, 2x4) and 4' LED strip lighting as well as switchable lumen and tunable CCT LED fixtures for the same type. The fixed lumen type fixtures were quoted at 2 times the price of switchable lumen type e.g. Lithonia Lighting 2x4 fixed lumen (3000 lumens) troffer was $343 v/s same manufacturer 2x4 switchable lumen (4000/5000/6000 lm) troffer was $143. Same thing was observed for the other type of troffers as well. CSA/ULC listing, min. 5-year warranty were observed to be the same for both type of troffers i.e. fixed lumen as well as switchable lumens.


I'd appreciate it, if someone could provide their insights based on their experience when procuring such light fixtures.


Thank you.

 

[3DDave]

Specifically? Ask the supplier.

Generally it reflects a difference in supply vs demand. A difference like this can show up because the fixed output lamp is not in stock and requires a special order or because the typical buyer has no flexibility to chose anything else.

Sometimes it's just a hold-over. The fixed lights were made when they were far less expensive than variable ones, but then the price on the variable ones dropped because of manufacturing efficiency and greater attractiveness, leaving the fixed ones in stock. They haven't gone to clearance pricing so they are still priced at their original price; the supplier is not motivated to make the change.

Possibly the newer, brighter ones are being overdriven by a lot and, while the warranty is the same, the fixed ones will still be working 20 years from now and the newer ones will have been replaced 3 times. Or the opposite could be true.

To find if that last bit is true you need to identify the exact LED chip, how much current it takes to turn on, what the current it is driven at, and so forth. Or ask the company that makes them.

 

[TugboatEng]

It's likely a supply and demand issue. If there is higher demand for the switchable lumen fixture then that brings the price per unit down provided there are no supply constraints on components.

The demand switchable may be higher because it takes some of the risk out of light selection. If fixtures are spaced based on the mid-level output they can be fudged a bit if the installation proves to be too bright or dim during commissioning.

I have worked with a with a lot of legacy and specialty products. As demand starts to fall off for obsolete products their prices start to skyrocket. A building operator is often willing to pay the higher price for a fixture that matches what was already installed in the building vs having to replace multiple units to avoid mismatch.