Can you get LED versions of Halogen MR11 Light Bulbs?

You are likely to have experienced two facts, had you been using halogen MR11 bulbs: they run hot, and they do not last long. That would leave one wondering whether there is an LED version that can fit in with the same fittings with no fuss. The simple answer to this is yes, you can have LED versions of halogen MR11 bulbs. However, before you go and press the add to cart button, it is good to know a few things, so that you do not get flickering lights, buzzing drivers, and a bulb that just does not turn on.

Let's break it down.

Can I replace MR11 halogen with LED?

In most cases, yes. In the majority of cases, the substitution of an MR11 halogen with an LED is a very easy one. It is the same size physically, same pin base, and it is made to fit in the same spot in your fixture. It is the big difference that is transpiring behind the scenes.

The Halogen MR11 bulbs consume 12 volts of electricity, and this needs a transformer. The LED MR11 bulbs also operate with low voltage, although they are far more sensitive to the quality of that transformer. Halogen magnetic transformers were old and should be highly loaded. LED bulbs consume much less power-so little that even the transformer does not acknowledge the bulb. It is then that you see flickering, flashing, or lights, which will not light till you turn them off and then turn them on.

The easiest way to solve this would be to employ an LED-compatible driver. The most common first step for people is to simply change the bulb, and it will occasionally be enough. However, older transformers or replacing a number of halogen lamps with LEDs at once may require the driver to be upgraded. It is not an intricate task, and after it is completed, much better performance and stability can be achieved.

Can I upgrade halogen bulbs to LED?

Among the lighting options you have available to you in terms of change, you should consider halogen to LED as one of the most valuable changes. The power consumption savings are enormous, alone: A typical MR11 halogen produces a power of approximately 20-35 watts; a similar LED produces between 3 and 5. You receive the same light, but none of the heat, none of the wasted power, or the frequent changes of the bulbs.

The other notable victory is the one in lifespan. At best, Halogen MR11 bulbs have a life span of up to several thousand hours. Delaying anywhere between 15,000 and 30,000 hours, LEDs will push depending on the brand. It translates to fewer ladders, fewer purchases, and much less maintenance in general.

The system upgrade process will then depend on the use of MR11 or MR16 bulbs in your fittings. The general belief is that they are identical, as they are pretty much alike, but the MR11 bulbs are smaller. Such a discrepancy in size counts because an LED MR16 will not be compatible with an MR11 housing. Upgrading is not normally painful, so long as you make the correct choice of the proper size and the correct base.

Are MR11 and GU4 the same?

This is the point where individuals are confused. MR11 is the shape and the size of the bulb itself, whereas GU4 is a sort of base. In most instances, a GU4 base with 2 pins spaced 4 mm apart would be used by an MR11 bulb. Although MR11 and GU4 are not as such, they co-exist in most cases.

Consider it in the following manner: MR11 is used to describe the head of the bulb. GU4 describes the feet.

Do not, however, suppose that all GU4 lamps are MR11. A portion of GU4 bulbs are available in alternative shapes or beam designs, particularly when used as a specialty lamp or decorative lighting. It is always important to check the diameter of the bulb. An MR11 bulb has a 35 mm diameter. Should that be your previous halogen, you are fine.

Some of the things to take into consideration before switching to LED MR11 bulbs.

The point is that in this case, LED light bulbs MR11 are not bad, only when you make a good choice. A few points to bear in mind:

Beam angle matters.

Halogen is naturally highly directional, and a significant number of MR11 fittings are based on that focused beam. LEDs are also found in narrow beams, but in some cases, the lower cost ones can be spread wider. In case you need tight accent lighting, such as lighting an artwork, cabinets, or display shelves, then select an LED that has a similar beam angle to your halogen.

Colour temperature determines the mood.

The bulbs made of halogen always cast a warm yellow-white light. LEDs provide you with choices: warm white, cool white, daylight, etc. In case you want the same couple of cozy tones that you currently have, then opt for warm white at 2700K to 3000K.

Dimming can get complicated.

Not every LED MR11 bulb is dimmed, particularly when the driver is non-LED. Others begin flickering at the low levels and will not dim at all. Also, make sure that the particular LED version includes the term dimmable and that your dimmer is a low-voltage dimmer.

The variances in heat affect some of the fittings. LEDs do not heat as much, and halogens emit loads of heat. That is very fine for your bill on electricity, but for certain enclosed fittings the less heat is no help in safety. Mostly, LEDs are much more efficient as they have built-in heat sinks that hold the is generated.

What Does This Mean To You?

Getting LED variants of the halogen MR11 bulbs is definitely possible, and the upgrade is quite easy for most individuals. As long as your current transformer is not too old, it is practically just plug and play. With an older halogen-only transformer, you are likely to need an LED-friendly driver, especially when there are multiple bulbs to be changed at the same time. MR11 and GU4 accompany each other, yet explain the various aspects of the bulb. This LED alternative will work a better, cooler, and longer job than your old halogen as long as you match the size, the pin base, and the voltage.