LED's - Selecting the correct driver for lamp

[Jack Strong]

Hi,

Could someone please tell me what has happened and please advise:

I recently modified a large 5x halogen bulb lamp bought from 'Next' to take G4 LED's. I selected appropriate 3W LED SMD bulbs and got a 20W LED driver to run the 5 bulbs. There is no dimmer, its just on a foot on/off switch.

All was fine for a couple of weeks but then i noticed the bulbs were getting very hot and starting to flicker. This lasted a couple of weeks. Then on one such occasion the bulbs suddenly went very bright before the driver blew up.

I followed all the guides etc, so dont understand why this is happening. Would really appreciate some guidance.

Thanks. Jack

 

[Midwest]

Depending on the driver, it may have suffered damage when you’ve turned on your luminaire. LED lamps have a slight surge in power when turning on. Seem to recall a factor of 1.6 x max load should be allowed for, I’m sure someone will correct me.

It could also be a compatibility problem between driver and lamps or cheap products.

What are your lamps and driver?

 

[Jack Strong]

Depending on the driver, it may have suffered damage when you’ve turned on your luminaire.

Hi Midwest,

Could you recommend a supplier for driver and LED's ?

What driver would I need to run e.g. 5x 3W G4 bulbs ?

Parts were sourced off eBay, so cheap really. I'm not at home at the minute to verify driver. Bulbs are not branded, just have 3W 250LM text on the side.

 

[Midwest]

Unfortunately I sourced most of my products from my local wholesalers.

You could try someone like one of the forum sponcers Electrical Wholesalers | Electrical Supplies | Electrical2go - https://www.electrical2go.co.uk/
or someone like Buy LED Light Bulbs Online @ UK LED Lighting Supplier LightRabbit inc. GU10, MR16, B22, E14 LED Bulbs... - https://www.lightrabbit.co.uk/

I would suggest with 5 x 3W lamps you’ll might need a driver of at least 24W. Speak to their tech department, if they have one, explain what you are trying to achieve and see if they have suitable products.