What size are G9 LED bulbs and will they fit my fixture?

G9 LED bulbs are designed to fit any standard G9 socket.  The 9 within the part code of G9 refers to the pins being 9mm apart.  Whilst this measurement will always remain the same size, the physical size of the bulb itself can vary.

LED G9 bulbs were once larger than traditional halogen G9 capsules as they needed to have sufficient room for heat sinks and other internal components that halogen G9 bulbs did not have.  But over time the size of these LED bulbs have been refined and they will not often be more than 10mm longer than halogen versions.

If the fixture you are looking to put the lamp into has limited space it is important to check the dimensions of any replacement lamp to make sure it will still fit within the same space.  The dimensions of any G9 bulbs should be labelled on the packaging or on the website you are looking to purchase the bulb from.

You should also consider the space available for ventilation if you are looking to replace your halogen G9 lamp with a LED version.  LEDs generate less heat than halogen bulbs but they do require some airflow and ventilation to help maintain their lifespan.  Using a G9 bulb that has little to no space for ventilation can reduce how long they will last. 

It may be worth considering pin alignment and insertion depth.  It is unlikely that this will vary but it is worthwhile double checking this.  If there are any variances compared to standard G9s this should be advised by the manufacturer. 

In summary, when you are changing your halogen G9 bulb to a LED G9 bulb you should always:

• Measure your existing bulb and make sure the new one matches
• Check how much space you have in the fixture and if there is any wiggle room for a slightly larger bulb if needed
• Make sure there is sufficient ventilation for the bulb within your fixture
• Make sure you are happy with how the LED bulb looks within your fixture once installed.

Following these steps should ensure a smooth transition between these two types of bulbs without any issues.