LED Lighting Upgrade & Ballast Replacement in Durham, NC

Our Raleigh branch completed a turnkey LED lighting retrofit for YMCA of the Triangle in Durham, NC. Led by technician Cody Perry, this project modernized aging fluorescent fixtures with high-efficiency LED solutions, combining ballast-to-LED replacements and direct-wire conversions where appropriate. The work was completed on June 20, 2025, and is backed by our lifetime craftsmanship warranty.

Project overview

Many facilities in Durham are upgrading from fluorescent lighting to LEDs to cut energy costs, improve brightness, and reduce maintenance. This job included a mix of LED strategies to fit the existing fixtures and the YMCA’s usage patterns, all performed to current electrical best practices by our Raleigh-based team.

Scope of work

Ballast-to-LED replacements: Replaced 9 ballasts to support LED operation at standard ceiling height, stabilizing fixtures where a ballast-forward approach made sense.
Direct-wire LED conversions: Installed 4 sets of LED direct-wire bulbs (2 lamps per set) and completed safe ballast bypass wiring on selected fixtures to eliminate future ballast failures and streamline maintenance.
Safe access and productivity: Utilized professional equipment rental to reach fixtures efficiently and safely, minimizing disruption to staff and guests.
Qualified manpower: An electrical wireman/apprentice assisted to maintain swift progress and thorough quality checks.
Verification and testing: Each upgraded fixture was tested for correct polarity, secure terminations, and consistent illumination.

Why this LED retrofit made sense

Lower energy use: LEDs draw significantly less power than fluorescent lamps, helping reduce monthly operating costs in Durham’s commercial and community facilities.
Better, more even light: Upgraded fixtures provide brighter, cleaner illumination for multi-use spaces, helping visibility and comfort.
Reduced maintenance: With direct-wire LED conversions, there are no ballasts to replace in those fixtures, and the remaining ballast-supported LEDs are new and reliable.
Cooler operation: LEDs produce less heat than fluorescent lamps, which can help with temperature management in busy areas.
Long-term reliability: Fewer points of failure and modern components translate to long service life.

Craftsmanship you can trust

Touchstone Electric stands behind every lighting installation with a lifetime craftsmanship warranty. For this Durham LED upgrade, our team followed neat wiring practices, secure terminations, and thorough post-install testing—quality steps that support long-lasting, trouble-free performance.

Local, professional lighting installation in Durham

As a trusted Raleigh branch team serving Durham, NC, we handle lighting projects of all sizes—from single-room upgrades to full-facility retrofits. Whether you need new lighting installation, ceiling fan wiring, or a complete LED conversion, our Lighting & Ceiling Fans specialists provide clean workmanship, code-compliant methods, and clear communication from start to finish.

Considering an LED upgrade?

If you’re in Durham, NC and looking to cut energy costs while improving light quality, an LED retrofit is a smart move. We can evaluate your existing fixtures, recommend ballast-forward or direct-wire LED options, and complete the installation with minimal downtime—then back it with our lifetime craftsmanship warranty.

Service details at a glance

Location: Durham, NC
Branch: Raleigh
Primary category: Lighting & Ceiling Fans
Secondary category: Lighting Installation
Technician: Cody Perry
Date completed: June 20, 2025

Ready to upgrade your lighting in Durham?

From ballast replacements to direct-wire LED retrofits, Touchstone Electric delivers efficient, reliable lighting solutions tailored to your space. Tell us about your project in Durham, and our Raleigh team will provide a clear plan, a clean install, and lasting peace of mind.