Choosing the right fixture is crucial for both functionality and aesthetics. Two popular options in the LED lighting world are flat panels and troffers. Both serve similar purposes being that their primary purpose was to replace fluorescent troffers, which used fluorescent tubes, in dropped ceiling applications. Flat panels and troffers have distinct features that set them apart for different applications. Keep reading to learn more about what each choice has to offer.

Flat Panels

Flat Panels are modern and sleek lighting fixtures that provide uniform and glare-free illumination. They are typically ultra-thin and designed to be surface-mounted or recessed into ceilings. Flat panels are available in various sizes with 2x4, 2x2, and 1x4 being the most common sizes. They are often used in environments that require consistent and bright lighting without harsh shadows.

Troffers

Troffers are recessed lighting fixtures that are designed for grid ceilings found in many commercial buildings. They have a boxy shape like flat panels and come in standard sizes of 2x4, 2x2, and 1x4. Troffers are ideal for office spaces, schools, and retail environments due to their prismatic or parabolic lenses to diffuse light and reduce glare.

Differences Between Flat Panels and Troffers

While both flat panels and troffers provide lighting in commercial settings, they do have key differences.

Design

Flat panels are slim in their profile and have a more contemporary appearance. They are often preferred in spaces where aesthetics and a more modern look are prioritized.

Troffers are traditionally boxier in their design making them able to be easily integrated into standard drop ceilings. The different lenses available for troffers can also impact the distribution and quality of light.

Light Distribution

Flat panels offer even light distribution across the surface of the panel. They are ideal for settings that need consistent lighting because the even light distribution means glare, and shadows are reduced.

Troffers offer more controlled light distribution (depending on the lens type). They work well in environments where directional lighting is important.

Installation

Flat panels offer more versatility in installation. They are compatible with both surface mounting and recessed ceiling applications.

Troffers are more straightforward in their installation as they are primarily designed for recessed installation in grid ceilings. They are usually replacements of where a fluorescent troffer once was in drop ceiling applications.

Similarities Between Flat Panels and Troffers

Flat panels and troffers share similarities in purpose, energy efficiency, size options, and dimming capabilities.

Purpose

Both options provide general illumination in commercial spaces. Lighting plays a factor in enhancing visibility and comfort.

Energy Efficiency

LED technology is used for both flat panels and troffers. LEDs offer significant energy savings over traditional fluorescent or incandescent lighting options.

Size Options

Both choices are available in standard sizes of 2x4, 2x2, and 1x4 that fit into conventional ceiling grids. They are easily interchangeable in retrofit applications.

Dimming Capabilities

Dimming options are available with both types of fixtures. Dimming, of course, allows for the lighting levels to be adjusted to suit the space in which the fixtures are installed.

Applications and Installation for Flat Panels and Troffers

Applications

Flat panels are ideal for many applications. Offices, retail stores, healthcare facilities, and schools are common commercial applications. They are especially a great choice for spaces with low ceilings due to their slim profile.

Troffers are also used in offices, schools, and other commercial applications. As mentioned before, they are a popular choice for retrofits because the design of troffers allows for easy integration into existing ceiling grids.

Both flat panels and troffers are also used in some residential applications where there are dropped ceilings. Basements, utility rooms, and kitchens are the three main rooms of a home that would likely have a dropped ceiling, and a flat panel or troffer may be the fixture of choice to light the space.

Installation

Flat panels can be installed in three different ways: surface-mounted (using surface mount kits), suspended from ceilings (using suspension kits), or recessed into ceilings. They offer flexibility and versatility in installation to fit the needs of the environment where they are installed over troffers that are primarily intended to only be installed in drop ceiling applications.

Troffers are easy to install in commercial spaces that have a standard ceiling configuration. Their primary installation is drop ceiling applications recessed into ceiling grids.

Common FAQs Regarding Flat Panels and Troffers

Can I replace my existing troffers with flat panels?

Yes, flat panels can replace troffers. Usually, flat panels replace troffers when the space is being upgraded to aesthetically appear more modern.

Are flat panels more energy efficient than troffers?

Flat panels and troffers use LED technology, so they both offer energy efficiency. Pay attention to the efficacy, or lumens per watt rating, of the fixture to review its energy efficiency.

Which is better for offices, flat panels or troffers?

The aesthetic and functional needs of the office will determine whether flat panels or troffers are the better fit. Flat panels are ideal for a modern look where uniform lighting is needed. Troffers work better for spaces that need more controlled light distribution.

Do flat panels and troffers come with dimming options?

Yes, most flat panel and troffer choices come with dimming options to allow for adjustable lighting levels. Be sure to check the Specification Sheet and Instruction Manual for more details on if the flat panel is dimmable and any other accessories including a dimmer switch that would be needed.

Troffer Retrofits

Troffer retrofits are a great option to update old fluorescent troffer fixtures without removing the entire fixture. The retrofit is installed by simply removing the guts of the old fixture (sockets, ballast, tubes, etc.) and replacing with an LED all-in-one retrofit that snaps into the old housing. Shop our selection of troffer retrofits.