Can I swap my Halogen MR16 bulb for a LED version?

Yes you can but you will always need to make sure that your transformer is compatible.  MR16 bulbs mostly operate on 12V low voltage. The halogen system you would have in place will use a transformer to step down the main household voltage from 240V to 12V.  You will need to also check the wattage for the transformer as it may be too high of a wattage for your LEDs bulbs as LED bulbs use less power.

Why is the transformer important?

Halogen MR16 systems are generally equipped with magnetic (wire-wound) or older electronic transformers that were designed to handle the high minimum wattage load of halogen bulbs such as 20W or 35W. 

LED MR16 bulbs use significantly less power (such as 3W or 7W) to produce the same amount of light as their halogen counterpart. If the total wattage of the new LED bulbs in a circuit falls below the minimum load requirement of the existing transformer, the transformer will not work as it should and could cause the LEDs bulbs to fail outside of their advised lifetime hours or warranty period.

How do I check if my transformer is compatible?

1. Locate the transformer: It is usually concealed in the ceiling, attached to the light fitting, or connected to the base of a lamp.
2. Check the specifications: Look for the minimum and maximum load (e.g., "Min. 20W - Max. 70W").
3. Calculate the new load: Multiply the wattage of the new LED bulbs by the number of bulbs that you are looking to use.
4. Compare: If the new total wattage is below the transformer's minimum load, you will likely need to replace the transformer with an LED-compatible driver.

*Additional note - if you can find the manufacturer’s part number you can search this on google and this will likely lead to a website it’s being sold on and there details will be available there.

What is a LED Driver?

A LED Driver can be defined as a transformer specifically designed for low-wattage LED circuits. They typically have a very low or zero minimum load and are the best choice for supplying the correct power voltage for LED technology.  If you are choosing a LED driver you will also need to make sure it is dimmable if you are planning to dim the light.  This will be specified on the packaging for the bulb.

Will the color and brightness be the same with a new LED MR16?

Yes as long as you compare the colour temperature and the lumens of the LED bulb with your previous halogen bulb.  The lumens will be stated as “lm” and this is how brightness is measured.  It is better to go by this rather than the wattage as LEDs do not use as much power as halogen bulbs.  

The colour temperature will be four numbers followed by the letter K - 4000K for example would be a cool white.  If you are trying to replicate a halogen bulb you want one that is warm white 2700k-3000k.  You should also pay attention to the beam angle of the bulb as well but this is as simple as making sure they both have the same number (60 degrees in a halogen for example would be the same for a LED).

Can I dim LED MR16 bulbs?

Yes, but you will need to make sure you use LED bulbs that are labelled as "dimmable" as stated previously.  You will also need to make sure your dimmer switch is compatible with LED bulbs.