changing the light transformer?

sniggings

got 4 halogens in the kitchen, they are mr16s 50wats, looking to change them to LED, was suggested the philips master led, but they are expensive and seem in sort supply, so I might as well swap to LED.

but where do I find the transformer? does each bulb have it's own, or just the one, controlling them all, where abouts are they put? I've no access to the roof space, so guessing they should be accessible from the kitchen?

EssexExile

Just found this, it might help: http://www.lightbulbs-direct.com/article/replacing-12v-halogen-mr16s-with-leds/

Ectophile

There's a fair chance that the transformers are tucked up inside the ceiling void. There could be one big transformer, four little ones, or even a two medium sized ones.

The only way you're likely to tell is to pull out the fittings, and look around inside the ceiling void with a torch and mirror.

Johnandabby

You can get MR16 LEDs that work with your existing LV transformers - I've used these http://www.yourwelcome.co.uk/led-bulbs-uk/mr16-mr11-led-bulbs/maxilux-zenigata-led-mr16-warm-white and they work really well. Saves having to access and remove the existing transformers.

sniggings

Johnandabby wrote: »

You can get MR16 LEDs that work with your existing LV transformers - I've used these http://www.yourwelcome.co.uk/led-bulbs-uk/mr16-mr11-led-bulbs/maxilux-zenigata-led-mr16-warm-white and they work really well. Saves having to access and remove the existing transformers.

Thanks but I'm wanting to try and get away from paying £10 for a bulb, LEDs can be picked up for £10 for 4,£40 for 4 M16 leds! then if one blows, I loose any savings.

I've had a look inside, here's a pic, anyone know how the silver support comes off? screw or do I just pull?
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Johnandabby

You get what you pay for with LEDs, but I admit I'm very fussy with light colour and spread and therefore willing to pay more than most per lamp.

Do you have some LEDs that you could try with your existing transformer before trying to replace it?

But if you want to remove the fitting, they are normally held in place by 2/3 spring loaded clips that clamp onto the plasterboard ceiling. You pull it down, but make sure you check that your fingers aren't in the way of the clips as it will hurt!

muckybutt

£10 for 4 LED lamps ? - here's a tip dont waste your money on buying cheap imported c**p !

In my experience buy a recognised branded name such as Philips - Osram - Modu or Megaman, these will all way outlast any of the cheap imports, they will be safer to use too - many of the cheapo LED's are faked or have been put together shoddily, and have been known to catch fire or give the user an electric shock.

I have used 100's of the Philips and Modu MR16 LED replacements with existing transformers with absolutely no problems what so ever.

sniggings

muckybutt wrote: »

£10 for 4 LED lamps ? - here's a tip dont waste your money on buying cheap imported c**p !

In my experience buy a recognised branded name such as Philips - Osram - Modu or Megaman, these will all way outlast any of the cheap imports, they will be safer to use too - many of the cheapo LED's are faked or have been put together shoddily, and have been known to catch fire or give the user an electric shock.

I have used 100's of the Philips and Modu MR16 LED replacements with existing transformers with absolutely no problems what so ever.

so if decent LEDs are near enough the same price a the M16s, I might as well use the M16s LED...any recommendation on where to buy?

found these, would these work? http://www.johnlewis.com/philips-5w-mr16-led-spotlight-clear/p1467340?sku=233650422&kpid=233650422&s_kenid=04c5ca16-8558-d688-cb42-000071fc10fc&s_kwcid=404x73815&tmad=c&tmcampid=73&kpid=233650422

muckybutt

They are what you want

You could try asking for prices at a few electrical wholesalers like newey and eyre or electric center etc, they are trade wholesalers but are open to the public.

But they price at JL isn't bad actually, I'd be tempted to go for the 6.5W ones though for a kitchen.

sniggings

muckybutt wrote: »

They are what you want

You could try asking for prices at a few electrical wholesalers like newey and eyre or electric center etc, they are trade wholesalers but are open to the public.

But they price at JL isn't bad actually, I'd be tempted to go for the 6.5W ones though for a kitchen.

cheers, it's only a small open plan kitchen, got 4 x50w halogens atm and they are bright, so 5w-35w might do it...(the real reason is I can't find 6.5w ones:rotfl:)

almillar

Either - find sime good MR16 LEDs and hopefully they'll work with the current transformer (not really any way to tell apart from trying it), OR, change over to GU10. This will get you away from having a separate (and as you know, difficult to access), transformer, and onto a more popular and hopefully in the long run, cheaper, standard of fitting.