When buying LED retro-fit downlight globes, you can go two ways. You can either purchase a 240V GU10 LED downlight or a 12V MR16 LED downlight. The choice depends on whether you already have halogen downlights installed or you are looking at a complete new installation of downlights altogether.
240V GU10 LED Downlight Globes
GU10 retro-fit LED downlight globes are designed to work with a 240V mains supply. Hence they do not require any special transformer to work. In-fact they have a built in circuit to convert the 240V into 12V to drive the light emitting diodes. The built in circuit actually increase the cost of manufacturing a GU10 LED globe in comparison to a MR16 LED globe. However they are so common and purchased in much larger quantities than the MR16 globes allowing us to price it the same as an MR16 LED globe.
12V MR16 LED Downlight Globes
MR16 retro-fit LED downlight globes are designed to work with a 12V supply. Hence to run a MR16 LED downlight from a 240V mains power supply, you require a transformer. This transformer more specifically known as a LED driver converts the 240V into a 12V signal that runs the light emitting diodes. It is imporant to note that 12V LED globes require LED specific drivers or iron core transformers to function. However our newest Osram LED MR16 globe is designed to work with most conventional electronic transformers.
Features of GU10 LED Downlight Globes
You do not have to buy a transformer, this can save you a lot of money especially when installing many downlights.
As no transformer is required, the labour cost incurred from installation is reduced since there is less wiring required.
They do not 'blow' out like GU10 halogens, since the built in 240V to 12V converter can absorb any voltage spikes.
They can run at voltages up to 265V continously and can absorb much higher voltage spikes for short periods.
They produce the same amount of light and consume the same amount of power as a 12V MR16 LED globe.
They do not 'heat' up more just because it uses 240V. They run at same temperatures in comparison 12V LED globes.
Features of MR16 LED Downlight Globes
You are required to buy a LED driver or an iron core transformer to run a 12V LED globe except for the Osram MR16 globe which is designed to work with most electronic/halogen transformers.
They do not function with cheap electronic transformers that are used for halogen downlights.
If used with an electronic transformer, they will tend to flicker and its life span may be reduced significantly.
They are safer since they run at a low voltage. This may be useful when used in areas that are accessed by people, such as cupboards.
In some environments, such as lighting in bathroom walls (ceilings excepted) near showers or taps , it is a requirement to use 12V globes.
Quick selection guide
I already have 12V halogen downlights and transformers installed around my house. I want to switch to LED lighting but don't want to spend too much.
Check the transformers that your halogen downlights use. If you have an old house or property, chances are that iron core transformers are used. In this case you can purchase 12V MR16 LED globes and they will function normally. If you have electronic transformers, which are usually found in newer homes, then the cheapest option is to get an eletrican to remove all transformers and install GU10 downlight sockets. You can then purchase and use GU10 LED downlight globes. However the new Osram 12V MR16 LED downlight globe is designed to work with most electronic transformers and may possibly function with your existing transformer. It is worth giving the Osram globe a try and if it does work without any flicker, you can save your self a lot of hassle in converting to GU10 LED downlights.
I am building a new house or property and I am looking at installing LED downlights.
The most cost effective method of installing new downlights, is to purchase GU10 LED downlights along with GU10 sockets and any standard downlight fixture. GU10 sockets can be bought for around $3-5 and fixtures from $10. The cost of labour will be exactly the same as installing halogen downlights. The installation procedure is no different. That's the great advantage of using retro fit GU10 LED downlight globes.
Varun is the author of this article on Led Lighting.
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