LED's - Selecting the correct driver for lamp

Jack Strong · Feb 18, 2019

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 · Feb 18, 2019

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 · Feb 20, 2019

Midwest said:
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 · Feb 20, 2019

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.