Replacing halogen GU5.3 with LEDs - tried twice and failed - help please.

[rupertcacatua]

Hi, I have a hob extractor with 2x halogen MR16 / GU5.3 light bulbs. The transformer inside it is this one: https://www.fiyo.co.uk/media/catalo...8eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/9/1/91057250.jpg
(230/240v~ 0.26A~ 11.5v~ 60W max - 2 x GU5.3 20W lights)

I have tried to replace the halogen lights with LED ones twice, with mixed unsuccessful results. First time, LED lights did not come on at all. From reading a few articles I was then guided to look for "LED lights with an equivalent wattage rating to the original halogen ones". As my original halogen lights are 12V 20W each, and work OK, in my second attempt I bought LED lights which are LED GU5.3 12v 210lumens 2.6W(equivalent 20W), however these flicker so I don't know what else to try.

Looking at the transformer above, could you please indicate what LED lightbulb specification I need to look for when buying LED bulbs, in order to ensure compatibility with my transformer? Or is this transformer simply not suitable for LED lights?

Many thanks

 

[Bob Geldoff1234]

You need an LED transformer.The one you have is 10-60 watt.Your LED load is 5.2 watt which is too low for the transformer.Also LED transformers are different to bulb transformers so you need to buy the correct one for the application.

 

[GeorgeCooke]

That is not a transformer, it is a switch mode power supply which LEDs do not like. A true transformer would probably work, but an LED driver is what you need.

 

[rupertcacatua]

Thanks for the input. I used the term "transformer" as per what's written by the manufacturer on the actual object. According to both responses, I need to fit a new device (transformer/driver) for this to work. Am I understanding correctly, therefore, that you are saying that the current fitting, as is, won't be able to run LED bulbs that work?

 

[GeorgeCooke]

Thanks for the input. I used the term "transformer" as per what's written by the manufacturer on the actual object.

A typical example of manufacturers getting it wrong.

According to both responses, I need to fit a new device (driver) for this to work. Am I understanding correctly, therefore, that you are saying that the current fitting, as is, won't be able to run LED bulbs that work?

That's right.

 

[FatAlan]

Try shopping around for AC compatible LEDs. Had a client a couple of weeks back with loads of halogen downlights on 11.5 v transformers. Sourced some off Amazon branded Bogao. Appear to work fine and I’ve not been called back yet

 

[telectrix]

even if the LEDs are a.c. they will flicker if fed by the old "transformers".

 

[FatAlan]

even if the LEDs are a.c. they will flicker if fed by the old "transformers".

Direct replacement Tel. No flickering...unless my eyes are so old they can't sense the frequency

 

[telectrix]

Direct replacement Tel. No flickering...unless my eyes are so old they can't sense the frequency

i tried one last week. 12V MR16 A.C. LED. flickered like mad seemed to be around 50Hz. going to couple up again later and measure the frequency.

 

[rupertcacatua]

Thank you guys