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+--- Thread: Sparky Help Please (/showthread.php?tid=60166)
Sparky Help Please - Skippernick - 07-09-12
Just moved house and its riddled with 12v halogen bulbs, so switching some to LED's instead.
I have 3 undercounter lights which i've got G4 LED replacement bulbs (the ones with 2 pins as connectors) into and although they work they flicker and fluctuate. Do i need to replace the transformer with an LED transformer?
Many Thanks
Nick
Re: Sparky Help Please - Fazerider - 07-09-12
It sounds like it.
Depends on the LED lamps as to whether they're expecting a voltage or current source. Either way, most 12v halogen transformers aren't real transformers these days, they're cunning switchmode things that chop the mains up to approximate a 12v source... a chunky bit of tungsten isn't too fussy, but LEDs might object. Do you have a link to the lamps you are using?
Re: Sparky Help Please - Skippernick - 07-09-12
Thanks fazerider.
what do you mean by a link.
One switch turns all three lights on if that helps. the system is about 6 years old.
Nick
Re: Sparky Help Please - Fazerider - 07-09-12
I was just after more info on the particular LED lamps you are using and wondered if you have a URL to them (making the rash assumption that everyone shops online).
Re: Sparky Help Please - Skippernick - 07-09-12
ah, i can do that, that kind of link.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/260794240461?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648
try this.
Nick
Re: Sparky Help Please - Fazerider - 07-09-12
OK. Yes, you definitely need a proper 12v dc supply, the stuff coming out of your halogen transformer will do the LEDs no good at all.
Something like this should do, though I've only had a quick look and if you're going to add many more you might want a beefier supply.
HTH. James
Re: Sparky Help Please - Skippernick - 07-09-12
Fazerider your a geneous. Thankyou.
Won't be adding any more to that system, i assume i swap out the old transformer and put this in place.
Another question, i also have lots of GU5/MR11 ranging form 4 to 9 in a set will this have the same problem do you think?
These ones
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120934827164?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648
Cheers nick
Re: Sparky Help Please - Fazerider - 07-09-12
Yes, ditch the old halogen supply and those MR11 ones will need 12v dc too. Usual sums for total power on each string of paralleled lamps not exceeding what the 12v supply can provide apply of course.
Re: Sparky Help Please - Skippernick - 07-09-12
Ok thanks again.
I'll do this one stage at a time i think.
Got to find the power supplies, gulp
Cheers
Nick
Re: Sparky Help Please - VNA - 07-09-12
I think you might be about to plunge yourself in darkness.
A typical 12v Halogen will output about 4 -5 thousand lumens. They also have a reasonably side light spread.
I replaced the standard ones in my kitchen with these - http://www.thelightbulbshop.co.uk/Shop/HalogenBulbs/Product/26971/14578/MASTERLineESEnergySaver.aspx
A 35w philips masterline will give the same output as a standard 50w halogen.
I looked at going LED, but at the moment it's too expensive. You'd need something like this - http://www.thelightbulbshop.co.uk/Shop/LEDLightBulbs/Product/32382/MLED10WGU53/10WMASTERLEDspotLVMR16DimmableGU53.aspx
I wouldn't bother with those e-bay jobs.
Re: Sparky Help Please - Fazerider - 08-09-12
VNA has a fair point. You'll probably need half a dozen of those little G4 jobs to replace the light output from a single halogen.
Re: Sparky Help Please - Skippernick - 08-09-12
Its fine this is just for under the cupboards there are 9 overhead lights.
I'll have a play but thanks for the help both of you.
Nick