Replacing GU 5.3 with MR16 LED Alternatives

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Hi everyone,

I have been doing some research about replacing all my 50w Halogen downlights (around 30 of them) with LED alternatives in my flat. The current ones seem to be standard MR16/GU 5.3 50w lights.

The model of them is a Decostar Titan 46870 WFL 12v 50w 30 Osram Bulb.
http://www.bltdirect.com/osram-titan-46870-wfl-50w-12v-gu5-3-fs1

I have done quite a bit of reading about retrofit LEDs with MR16 fitting.

What are the chances of me being able to pop them straight into the fitting without having to change the transformer?

I have already changed the light switches so that they are non-dimmable to help with compatibility.

If I am able to pop them straight in, does anyone have any ideas about which LED bulbs are best? I am a member of Which but their LED reviews don't seem to cover the MR16 fitting.

I have attached a photo of my sockets, there is a box above it which I am not sure if it is a driver.



It is very hard for me to get the drivers changing as it is let out and so getting an electrician to get access is quite hard, I'm not sure if they would need to cut a hole in the roof either?

Any help would be much appreciated!

matelodave

I've tried it but the LEDs flicker quite badly - you can try it and you might be lucky.
My suggestion would be to take out the transformers, change the lampholders to GU10 and put 240v GU10 LEDs in.


I've changed ten 50watt halogens in the kitched to 10x4watt thus saving 460watts

penrhyn

I changed the bulbs in an MR16 fitting to LEDs (from the long life company), I also fitted an LED driver transformer. The odd effect I get is that whilst the lamps run OK when you switch off you get a double flash effect. If suspect its capacitors in the inverter discharging.

Johnandabby

I've used these http://www.yourwelcome.co.uk/led-light-bulbs/mr16-led-bulbs/maxilux-zenigata-led-mr16-warm-white as a direct lamp replacement, without having to change the transformer.

Not cheap, but simple to install.

Whatever you decide to do, it's worth trying just one room first before buying the full 30.

WestonDave

I've got 7 Phillips Master LED MR16's running on old transformers which do fine - they are 10W rather than being as low as some but on the other hand they are a genuine replacement. I picked mine up in odds and ends on Ebay clearly as over buys etc from others. Still not cheap but a lot better than the £25 they were going retail at the time.