Not sure if i have right transformer for LED lights coming from Halogen?

AdventureRocks

So i have these areas which are using halogen lights:

• Kitchen
• Bathroom
• Downstairs Shower

Can i just replace them with some LED bulbs maybe the bathroom first and then turn the lights on see what happens? If they flicker i have not got the right transformer, if i have they will not flicker is that right?

Will i damage anything by testing like this or cause any electrical safety issues?

Would appreciate any help!

Thanks

victor2

IME, if you have the old type wirewound transformers (i.e. the heavy ones) in the light units they will work. If you have modern electronic transformers, they have a minimum load before they will operate, and LED bulbs will not draw enough to make it work at all.
I experimented with an electronic transformer driving a set of halogen bulbs:
Replacing all the bulbs with LEDs did not work at all.
Leaving one halogen bulb in place (20W I believe) with four LED bulbs did make all the bulbs light up, as enough current was being drawn from the transformer.
You'll not damage anything so long as you use LED equivalents to the halogen ones you are replacing.

I did replace some sets of low voltage halogens with mains fed LED bulbs. Of course a bit of rewiring was required, but very satisfactory results.

AdventureRocks

victor2 wrote: »

IME, if you have the old type wirewound transformers (i.e. the heavy ones) in the light units they will work. If you have modern electronic transformers, they have a minimum load before they will operate, and LED bulbs will not draw enough to make it work at all.
I experimented with an electronic transformer driving a set of halogen bulbs:
Replacing all the bulbs with LEDs did not work at all.
Leaving one halogen bulb in place (20W I believe) with four LED bulbs did make all the bulbs light up, as enough current was being drawn from the transformer.
You'll not damage anything so long as you use LED equivalents to the halogen ones you are replacing.

I did replace some sets of low voltage halogens with mains fed LED bulbs. Of course a bit of rewiring was required, but very satisfactory results.

Thank you for your advice.

Currently they are all 20w ones.

From Screwfix i can get 5 2.9w LED equivalent to 20w for £10

http://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-mr16-led-lamps-gu5-3-230lm-2-9w-5-pack/7816p

Or 5 x 5w LED which are equivalent to 35w for £6

http://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-mr16-led-lamp-gu5-3-346lm-5w-5-pack/4698g?source=aw&awc=1228_1481473625_67e9e507fd67ef17ddc454d7367200f8&cm_mmc=Affiliates-_-Communities+%26+UGC-_-0-_-47868&utm_source=affiliatewindow&utm_medium=affiliatewindow&utm_campaign=Communities+%26+UGC&utm_content=0&utm_term=47868


Would it be a bad idea to get the cheaper ones which are a little more wattage?

victor2

AdventureRocks wrote: »

Thank you for your advice.

Currently they are all 20w ones.

From Screwfix i can get 5 2.9w LED equivalent to 20w for £10

http://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-mr16-led-lamps-gu5-3-230lm-2-9w-5-pack/7816p

Or 5 x 5w LED which are equivalent to 35w for £6

http://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-mr16-led-lamp-gu5-3-346lm-5w-5-pack/4698g?source=aw&awc=1228_1481473625_67e9e507fd67ef17ddc454d7367200f8&cm_mmc=Affiliates-_-Communities+%26+UGC-_-0-_-47868&utm_source=affiliatewindow&utm_medium=affiliatewindow&utm_campaign=Communities+%26+UGC&utm_content=0&utm_term=47868


Would it be a bad idea to get the cheaper ones which are a little more wattage?

You could try the cheaper ones and see what happens. The older transformers (which probably will work) tend to be rather bulky and in larger light fittings. Electronic ones are much smaller and may be behind the ceiling. You may find you have to leave at least one halogen bulb in place to draw enough current. Not exactly energy saving, but can save you buying new transformer(s).
If you can see the existing transformers easily, take a look and see if they have a minimum rating on them, but not all do.

dave030445

http://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-mr16-led-lamps-gu5-3-345lm-4-5w-5-pack/8794p
these are the one ive got and work with electronic transformer straight swap