Retrofitting Odd-Sized Troffers: The Top 3 Solutions for Unique Commercial Spaces
When it comes to upgrading lighting in commercial spaces, retrofitting standard troffer sizes-like 1×4, 2×2, and 2×4-is straightforward. But what if your ceiling grid features an odd size, such as 20×60 or a metric dimension? These non-standard troffers can turn a simple lighting upgrade into a major headache.
As commercial lighting experts serving British Columbia and Yukon, we’ve seen it all. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top three retrofit solutions for odd-sized troffers, including a bonus option that lets you upgrade without removing your existing fluorescent fixture.
Why Odd-Sized Troffers Are a Challenge
T-bar ceilings are the backbone of modern commercial interiors thanks to their flexibility and cost-effectiveness. However, legacy lighting in these grids often comes in unique or metric sizes that don’t match today’s standard troffer dimensions. This mismatch can lead to frustrating installation delays, costly re-orders, and unsightly ceiling modifications.
Pro Tip: Always measure your existing troffer and ceiling grid before requesting a quote. A 2×4 luminaire looks similar to a 1200mm x 600mm (metric) fixture, but they are not interchangeable. Accurate sizing ensures a smooth retrofit and avoids expensive mistakes.
Top 3 Retrofit Solutions for Odd-Sized Troffers:
1. The Bridge by Cooper Lighting Solutions: Corelite
When it comes to retrofitting odd-sized or metric troffers, the Bridge by Cooper Lighting Solutions: Corelite has become a go-to solution for our team-and for good reason. We’ve specified the Bridge across numerous projects throughout British Columbia, including in our own office, because it consistently delivers both versatility and high performance. Its architectural-grade build and modern aesthetic make it a seamless fit for commercial spaces that demand both function and style.
For contractors and facility managers, installation is straightforward: simply remove the existing luminaire and drop the Bridge into place-no complicated modifications required. This ease of installation, combined with its advanced features, is why the Bridge remains a top choice for tackling the most challenging retrofit scenarios
Key Features:
- Customizable Fit: The Bridge’s centrally positioned optics and modular design allow it to be tailored for nearly any troffer size, making it ideal for both retrofit and new construction projects where standard fixtures simply won’t work.
- WaveStream LED Technology: Leveraging Cooper’s patented WaveStream optics, the Bridge delivers uniform, low-glare illumination that enhances visual comfort and productivity in modern workspaces.
- Air Return Integration: With optional perforated sides, the Bridge can double as an air return, allowing HVAC airflow through the fixture and eliminating the need for extra ceiling grates-keeping your ceiling clean and uncluttered.
2. The Edge by Liteline
When tackling retrofit projects that demand a clean, contemporary look and maximum installation flexibility, the Edge by Liteline stands out as a top performer. We’ve event specified the Edge in a variety of challenging spaces-including our own hybird boardroom and film studio. Its ultra-slim profile and edge-mounted design means you get high-output, energy-efficient lighting without the bulk or footprint of traditional troffers.
What truly sets the Edge apart is its ability to fit around obstacles like sprinkler heads or HVAC elements, making it a favourite among contractors working in complex commercial environments.
Key Features:
- Edge-Mounted, Adaptable Design: The Edge sits on the perimeter of the ceiling tile, making it highly versatile for nearly any ceiling dimension-including metric and custom sizes-without the need for cutting tiles or modifying grids.
- Contractor Friendly: The lightweight aluminum frame comes with multiple mounting options. Once mounted, simply place the ceiling tile on top — no cutting or tile modification required.
- Selectable Output & Dimming: Offers field-selectable colour temperature (CCT), plus 0-10V dimming, so you can tailor both brightness and ambiance to meet diverse project needs.
3. ECO Wing-R by Illumisoft
For retrofit projects where removing the existing fluorescent troffer simply isn’t practical-or when you’re dealing with truly unique or legacy fixture sizes-the ECO Wing-R by Illumisoft is a standout, contractor-friendly solution. We’ve used this approach for clients facing challenging ceiling grids or tight project timelines, and it consistently delivers both quality and convenience. The ECO Wing-R is designed as a “fixture-in-fixture” retrofit, meaning it installs directly into your existing troffer housing, eliminating the need for disruptive demolition or grid modifications.
This solution is especially valuable for spaces with non-standard, metric, or oversized troffers. The process is simple: We take one of the exisiting luminaires from site and send it to Illumisoft. They’ll custom-build a sample that will fit into each particular fixture and ship it back for review, along with a bespoke video on how to install. The contractor can then remove the existing ballast and tombstones and replace it with the ECO Wing-R in a matter of minutes.
Key Features:
- Custom Fit for Any Troffer: ECO Wing-R is engineered to order, accommodating nearly any troffer size-including legacy or metric dimensions-ensuring a perfect fit every time
- High-Efficiency, Low-Glare Illumination: ECO Wing-R delivers soft, uniform, low-glare light with selectable colour temperature and lumen packages.
- Game Changing Construction: Its light weight and secure connection cable means the new luminaire is seismically restrained to the frame, eliminating the need for extra cabling. Reducing disruption, labour, and material costs.
Make Odd-Sized Troffer Retrofits Easy
Upgrading odd-sized or metric troffers doesn’t have to be a challenge. With solutions like the Bridge, Edge, and ECO Wing-R, you can achieve modern, efficient lighting in any commercial space-without the hassle.
Ready to tackle your retrofit? Connect with a Mac’s II Agencies Lighting Specification Consultant today!
