Halogen to LED- Transformers?

[Roger le Badger]

Hi, I was hoping for some advice on replacements for the spotlights in our kitchen.

There are currently over a dozen (!), spotlights in the kitchen- all halogen. Many of them have died now, and I’m obviously looking to replace them all with suitable LED replacements, but I’m not sure a) what the suitable equivalent will be and b) whether I will need additional transformers for the new LED’s.

Having already removed some of the old bulbs, I can see in the cavity what seems to be a transformer of some kind already in there. From the picture I managed to take, it appears to be a Kingsway KLD060S MR16 transformer (dimmable), for low voltage halogen bulbs.

Is it likely that this transformer is serving all the dozen or so lights in series, or should I expect to see other transformers in the cavity? I can’t see any other transformers in the other few holes I’ve removed the old bulbs, but having not yet removed all of the bulbs, it could be possible?

I basically would like to know if I can just swap all the old bulbs out like-for-like for new LED’s, or is there more to it than this, and I need to be calling the electrician?

I've attached the pictures I've managed to take, along with a web image of the transformer I believe is present.

Many thanks!

 

[Silly Sausage]

 

[Taylortwocities]

Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes. - Oscar Wilde

 

[Taylortwocities]

Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes. - Oscar Wilde

 

[Midwest]

I've never replaced halogen MR16's etc with the LED equivalent, mainly 'cos the client was ----ed off changing the transformer, and the can had seen its sell by date. But I guess some might work.

But using old stuff, you'll end up getting the call, its ----ed up after your visit, so why bother.

Sorry about the language.

 

[Octopus]

I've gone to do small jobs and people ask why their new LED is rapidly flashing on an off!

One was a University Professor (physics) - when I explained that older transformers often have a minimum load he instantly recognised the problem

Funny world

I never fit 12V leds unless its the only option ........... 230v units are the best answer

 

[slingshot2000]

Also, the fitting may need replacing with Fire-Rated ones, so a combined fitting and 240volt LED may be the best / cheapest option?

 

[Taylortwocities]

Also, the fitting may need replacing with Fire-Rated ones,

Why do you think that could be necessary?

 

[slingshot2000]

I think they "may" need to be Fire Rated as the ones shown in the OP's original photographs are open backed and there maybe accessible living accommodation in the room/s above that ceiling. Remember a plaster board ceiling has more then one function; the original one was to stop the transmission of noise, but more lately it is to stop the spread of fire.

 

[Midwest]

Why do you think that could be necessary?

To replace the fire rating of the plasterboard that has a hole in it,

 

[Taylortwocities]

Remember! Fire-rated fittings are only necessary where a fire compartment has been breached ( by someone making Swiss cheese out of a ceiling for downlights).

Ceilings in normal dwellings are not fire barriers and do not have any quoted fire resistance. It’s not needed, it’s pointless.

If it’s a double thickness plasterboard ceiling, or constructed from the pinkun then it’s s different matter.

Take a look at a standard house, there is a huge hole between the downstairs and upstairs. The staircase. That’s the bit to worry about.

 

[Silly Sausage]

Take a look at a standard house, there is a huge hole between the downstairs and upstairs. The staircase. That’s the bit to worry about.

I can personally vouch for that.
Fire started downstairs and burnt its way up the stairs.
All that happened with the downstairs ceilings was the lining paper peeled away.

 

[Midwest]

Remember! Fire-rated fittings are only necessary where a fire compartment has been breached ( by someone making Swiss cheese out of a ceiling for downlights).

Ceilings in normal dwellings are not fire barriers and do not have any quoted fire resistance. It’s not needed, it’s pointless.

If it’s a double thickness plasterboard ceiling, or constructed from the pinkun then it’s s different matter.

Take a look at a standard house, there is a huge hole between the downstairs and upstairs. The staircase. That’s the bit to worry about.

The plasterboard is put up not to just look nice, but protect those wooden things in the ceiling. And now with the 18th, those plastic cable clips.

You've told us about the stair thing before, thats why we have doors.

 

[Midwest]

And RSJ's. ​

 

[GBDamo]

Bit of a thread resurrection but been doing a trade counter straw pole on this one and the findings are that no-one seems to know what the he'll I'm on about.

They just sell MR16 LED lamps, never had any back and don't recommend transformer replacement.

Now, the caveat is that your average trade counter staff is not always that knowledgeable but you'd expect they'd remember getting a slew of returns.

In my reactive maintenance role it doesn't really matter that the lamp might not last, typically it lasts longer than the staff, typically they last longer than the halogen they are replacing.

I can see why the domestic lot would rather replace for GU10s and it make sense.

 

[Midwest]

Well I've never tried an LED MR16, in a fitting fed by a transformer, as opposed LED driver.

So I can't comment.