12v LED Bulbs

Many people are often confused with GU10 mains voltage Halogen bulbs and 12v MR16/GU5.3 Halogen base type bulbs. This is because in the lamp holder both these bulbs look the same.

GU10 220-240v bulbs have a champhered twist type fitting where as the MR16 also know as the GU5.3 12v halogen bulb has 2 pins which push straight into the lamp holder. 12v Halogen bulbs need transformers to lower the voltage from 220-240v down to 12v. Most Halogen transformers are AC 25-60w rated. Most 12v halogen replacement LEDs on the market at present are mostly DC 1w to 5w rated or even lower rated than 1w!

This is when the problems begin when fitting LEDs using existing Halogen transformers. Because a majority of 12v Halogen bulbs used are 25w and over, mostly 35w and 50w, halogen transformers are designed to work between this wattage range i.e. the transformer will illuminate the bulb because the bulb needs 25w or above to light. With LED bulbs, although some 12v transformers rated 25w-60w, they will actually light the 3w and 5w LEDs although they will also reduce if not completely kill off the LEDs life in a sometimes very short space of time. LEDs need zero wattage rated transformers, although preferably for maximum life expectancy we do reccomend LED drivers. Using halogen transformers will not only reduce the life of the bulbs drastically, they can also cause some bulbs to melt or smoke, especially with G4 LEDs which are mostly around 1-2w rated. It is very important that an LED driver or relevant wire-wound transformer is used when using 12v LEDs in the home or commercial premises.

All our 12v LEDs work fine in 90% of motorhomes, caravans, long boats and cars as long as they have a regulated DC power supply. We are lucky to have lots of customers from various touring and sailing clubs around the UK & Europe who reccomend our bulbs and we are grateful to have had some really great feedback about our 12v range.

For 12v G4, MR11, MR16 and also any of our LED strip lighting we will not refund if it cannot be proved that you are using a relevant transformer or LED driver when illuminating the LEDs. Please note this before purchase.