Energy Saving light - Can i use halogen instead?

[Gromit]

I have this light in my kitche

http://www.diy.com/na...hrome-Effect-11727726

It takes Gu10 Energy saving lightbulbs. 9w (Eqiv to 40w)

Frankly, I am finding the light too poor. Can I replace the bulbs with higher watt ones (The spec says 11w) or even have halogen bulbs.

Any sparkies who may know please advise.

[shooty]

my advise would be to buy GU10 (LED) lamps for it. A brighter white light and will save on fuel bill. The best part is you will not be replacing them every other month as LED lamps last a very, very long time

[Old_Geezer]

I'd have thought if the fitting spec says 11w max then that would be the max.

[Old_Geezer]

If the LEDs fit then ok, they would be expected to be cooler. But at present you already have the equivalent of a 120 W candescent bulb, admittedly probably pointing at different places.

[shooty]

The 11w max will be due to the heat output of an MR16 halogen lamp.
LED lamps run cool, so the wattage can be increased. (for your peace of mind, i am an electrician) I thoroughly recommend these lamps. A little costly initially (approx £7 if you shop around) but will save you money in the long run due to the length of life and energy saving costs.

[gl556tr]

Beware the so-called energy-saving light bulbs! Unbelievably they have been given the stamp of approval - and that, in spite of their Hg content. (If these light bulbs are thrown away in 'normal' rubbish they will tipped into land-fill; of course, it is the quantity of such light bulbs that will poison the earth and ground water.
Fortunately, there are firms which offer light bulbs containing 0% Hg; but they are hard to come by.

[shooty]

PS. any advise given on AB, is only advise. I will not be responsible for people falling off chairs, blowing up of there/neighbours house or death by licking wires to see if they are live : )

[shooty]

These are LED's and not the ''energy saving lamp that you are refering to gl556tr

[Gromit]

Thanks shooty and others.

I have found the LED eqivalent bulb and the are £29 (ouch). Might just buy one to see how much of a difference it makes.

[shooty]

Don't pay more than £7.00. There are plenty out there. try your local ''City Electrical Factors'' : )

just enter your postcode in the box on the link below : )

http://www.cef.co.uk/branches

[gingejbee]

Before you go for halogen - they do give out a *lot* of heat and may be completely unsuitable for the fittings.

[marden40]

http://www.toolstatio...lm/d220/sd3276/p36375

[Gromit]

Thanks shooty, you have been most helpful.

There is a CEF less than a mile from my home. I will take my buld and see if they have an LED version.

[Gromit]

Went to My local CEF and sadly they couldn't help me. I took my energy saving bulb and told them I needed one the same length (75mm) in LED, and they said such a thing didn't exist. I ordered one of these

http://www.ledgiant.c.../megaman-gu10-led-7w/

Which fits perfectly and is a lot brighter. Very pricy though. Hope the 25,000 hours lifespan is correct.

Thanks shooty, LEDs was a good call.