UK Converting 12v suspended tension wire to LED? I

Christian H · Dec 3, 2022

I have an old IKEA Norrsken 12v suspended ceiling tension wire system, which runs x7 20w MR16 bulbs, from a Min 4x20w/Max 10x20w transformer.

Can I replace the 240v/12v transformer with an LED driver, alongside 7 new LED MR16 bulbs, say, 5w each, or is the plastic coated cable not suitable for LEDs?

If yes, do I need to ‘overspec’ the driver, given the cable length (3-4 metres) or just go for a straight 50w driver?

bill01803 · Dec 3, 2022

You may find the lamps work with the exisiting transformer as long as you are over the 20W min.

DefyG · Dec 3, 2022

bill01803 said:
You may find the lamps work with the exisiting transformer as long as you are over the 20W min.

And not dimmable!

Christian H · Dec 3, 2022

bill01803 said:
You may find the lamps work with the exisiting transformer as long as you are over the 20W min.

Good point! I'll give that a shot

davesparks · Dec 3, 2022

Yes you can fit a constant voltage LED driver in place of the transformer.

LED lamps may work with the existing transformer but from my experience it will shorten the life of the LEDs and they may start to flicker after a period of time.

Christian H · Dec 3, 2022

davesparks said:
Yes you can fit a constant voltage LED driver in place of the transformer.

LED lamps may work with the existing transformer but from my experience it will shorten the life of the LEDs and they may start to flicker after a period of time.

Thanks for the heads-up, Davesparks!