anyone know what bulb this is?

sniggings

anyone help me out, need to replace one of these but no idea what I need to buy, I have five of them in a open plan kitchen, it's an extremely small area, so want to go for low wattage...the tiny writing I can just make out on the bulb is 12v 50w 36, I'm hoping that doesn't mean it's 50w as 5bulbs at50 watts is going to be very expensive to run, so looking to replace with low wattage

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Nilrem

It looks like a 12v 50watt 36mm diameter halogen bulb (going from the picture and markings you're posted), they're also used in things like Christmas decorations and dj lighting, the good news is that there are LED replacements that fit many of these bulbs (they come in a variety of sizes, voltages and wattages, some with straight pins, some with a flared pin to help lock them in the holder).

I can't recommend a specific replacement for this bulb, but when I was looking for some similar a while back (for the host of Christmas decorations my parents have that use them, all in different sizes and wattages), there were LED versions available for at least some versions.

IIRC the LED versions typically use about 1/6th of the power and run cooler, but tend to cost about £5 or more each (but the combination of lower power usage and longer expected life should mean they pay for themselves).

Quiet_Spark

It's an MR16 rated at 12v input with a 50w drain and a 36 degree viewing angle. If you swap it out for LED or CFL then it's quite possible you will have to replace the transformer as well.
If the existing transformers you have are dimmable, fit a suitable dimmer. Not only will they last much longer, but you can also control the light output with greater accuracy.

If you do go for a dimmer switch, it needs to be rated at 400w minimum to reliably control the total load.
Don't bother trying to save a few pence by purchasing cheap replacements, buy branded unless you want to buy 3 times over.

sniggings

thanks both, very useful info.

wow they put 5 50w bulbs in such a small space, yet they put eco bulbs in the rest of the flat...it's a HA flat.

I'll need to look at replacing them with something with less wattage...the transformer thing needs looking into now tho.

savemoney

I had mr16 bulbs in my kitchen I just replaced the whole light to one that takes gu10's thus no need for a transformer. Obviously you have to be a competent DIY'er. I wouldnt say I am a expert but just followed basic advice and did mine myself an hours work tops. Now my lights use 4x6w rather than 4x50w @ £10 each. Light costs me £19.99. You can bulbs cheaper but I always opt for good quality brands

WestonDave

Worth looking out for Phillips Master LED MR16's especially on ebay (occasionally you get people selling off over stocks etc) - I've got them in my kitchen running fine on old transformers as they are designed to cope with the older ones. If you put LED's on a dimmer make sure that the minimum power draw is low enough - if not they will "dance" as the switch turns off and back on again hunting for power. (It obviously needs to cover the maximum as well!).

dave030445

try here

http://www.ledbulbs.co.uk/mr16%2c+mr11+%26+ar111+led/high+output+mr16+leds