UK Can I swap halogen downlighter GU10 bulbs with 4w LED ones?

[Eszaq1]

I have 12 x 40w halogen downlighters in our kitchen ceiling which I want to replace with 4w LED equivalent. Can they be a straight swap? Will there be an issue with the transformer/voltage?
The light switch is standard type. If I wanted to upgrade the switch to a dimmer type (and the new LED bulbs were dimmable), would the set up work?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Barrington1990]

Yes you can ...

 

[spud1]

GU10 lamps are mains powered so as long as your existing and replacement lamps are both GU10 then you should have no problem. Dimming is a bit more involved, you must make sure the dimmer you use is LED compatible and have sufficient load rating to cope with the electrical load and number of LED lamps. (these are two seperate considerations and most good dimmers will give you the info for both)

 

[Mike Johnson]

I think I have read this correctly, the existing lamps are Halogen on a Transformer, therefore assuming the Halogen lights are not 240volt the new GU10 LED lights if 240volts will not work off that transformed supply.

 

[spud1]

I think I have read this correctly, the existing lamps are Halogen on a Transformer, therefore assuming the Halogen lights are not 240volt the new GU10 LED lights if 240volts will not work off that transformed supply.

He states in the subject that they are GU10 halogen lamps i. e. No transformer. Perhaps the OP can clarify?

 

[bill01803]

You may find 4W a bit dim compared to the halogens

 

[spud1]

You may find 4W a bit dim compared to the halogens

True Bill and if your dimming them anyway I always recommend putting a higher output lamp in to achieve the best range of dimming maybe a 6 or 7 watt GU10 LED would be preferable

 

[Dustydazzler]

Yes you can retrofit mains led for mains gu10 haloge.
infact I would recommend it.
as above dimming can be a bit of an issue so make sure you buy the lamps and dimmer from the same place and ask the, if they are compatible

 

[DefyG]

True Bill and if your dimming them anyway I always recommend putting a higher output lamp in to achieve the best range of dimming maybe a 6 or 7 watt GU10 LED would be preferable

Not necessarily, I know some dimmable 4w lamps with a higher luminous output that 7w lamps.
Just need to select carefully with the luminous output in consideration along colour (3000k/4000k etc) with dimmer compatibility but otherwise straight swap of lamps.

 

[spud1]

Not necessarily, I know some dimmable 4w lamps with a higher luminous output that 7w lamps.
Just need to select carefully with the luminous output in consideration along colour (3000k/4000k etc) with dimmer compatibility but otherwise straight swap of lamps.

Interesting. Which lamps are you making this comparison between?

 

[Mike Johnson]

If you are trying to emulate a Halogen or tungsten lamp then you need Warm White and about eight watts, LED lamps have progressed in light output over the years and you could find that six watts may be sufficient, what is the size of the room and are the lights in a uniform grid over the ceiling.

 

[DefyG]

Interesting. Which lamps are you making this comparison between?

One specific situation where client supplied fitting c/w 6w non dimmable lamps (In plain white boxes).
Client wanted dimmable so got some which happened to be 4w En-Lite and noticed higher lm’s than the 6w.
I’ve found higher wattage doesn’t necessarily mean a higher luminous output. It’s all down to the chip(s) used!