FAO Bright Spark........... or anyone who's passing by................

[The Builder]

As part of a renovation job, a customer wants me to replace some kitchen downlighters. They're the usual 12v variety with transformer. They're tired of having to replace the bulbs every few weeks. I was thinking of an MR11 LED direct replacement ( 5 or six quid each, but long life).
Not going to be as bright though, are they?

[craft1948]

I hate the light from long life bulbs. Don't know what they're doing to have to replace the bulbs so often. I've been in my house 5 years and have never had to replace a downlighter in the bathroom yet, and only about 6 in the kitchen.

[The Builder]

I think they're over-heating, Crafty. There's insulation in the ceiling. It's pulled back out of the way, but it leaves little room for cooling :o(

[Zacs-Master]

If you can get 7w ones (or higher) in warm White, they should be OK. Not as bright as the presumably LV ones but far far longer life which seems to be their criteria.

[The Builder]

Thank you Zacs :o)))

[Zacs-Master]

Yaaay! I've actually given some useful advice to one of the most useful posters on here. My day is complete.

[BRIGHT SPARK]

Hi TB..a while ago we replaced 7 x 12v in a kitchen for a client with the same problem..they went for GU10 230V 4w LED cool white......it was still daytime when we left so couldnt compare....we waited for the phone call when it got dark....the call came ....the customer was over the moon and wants the bathrooms doing now.....I can sense a new ski boat coming on:-)

[The Builder]

Haha ............. thanks Zacs, I'm flattered :o))))))

That sounds good BS. So, I would throw the MR11s and transformers away and fit a basic GU10 lampholder, then fit your GU10 LEDs?

[BRIGHT SPARK]

Sorry I thought you were replacing the lot...but yes you could do that but make sure that the new lamps are compliant with the old fittings...these fittings are type tested for certain lamps..and as you know we all have to cover our backs.

[The Builder]

Great stuff. Thank you all.

[mrs_overall]

Don't forget to have a good light near the airing cupboard

[chas2008]

it always follows the better manufacturer of the bulb the longer they last, replacing with cheapo never works....ie Ring !! or nasty chinese imports...
Same scenario with car headlight bulbs......

[jomifl]

You could have a mixture of warm pinkish flourescents and cold bluish LEDs. They may even fit the same sockets.,

[The Builder]

Thanks to all :o)

[bentaxle]

How times have changed .you could keep a house running for years with three things a Card of Fuse wire Penny tap washer and a 100 watt lamp
And Sparky the VIR out of the old Cap and Casing made lovely shoe lacing for the family
All the best you boys and may all your floor boards lift easy