Replacing Halogen Downlight

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west123
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Replacing Halogen Downlight

Post by west123 »

Hi there,

I have two downlights in my bathroom connected to a transformer. It looks like one of the downlights are not working anymore, have tried changing the bulb and not working. Ive attached some pictures, it looks like both are connected to the one transformer. I am assuming that the transformer is fully working as one of the downlights are working fine and its just one of the actual downlights.

Problem is that the downlights are 20 years old and im looking ideally for a like for like replacement that I can just plug into the adapter (picture with the two adapters). I have measured the diameter of the hole and its exactly 2 inch. Any idea where I can purchase an exact or similar replacement? Thanks
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Replacing Halogen Downlight

Post by moderator2 »

Moved to lighting
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arco_iris
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Replacing Halogen Downlight

Post by arco_iris »

:welcomeuhm:

Several things to consider here.

You say you have changed the bulb (not everybody knows how to dismantle that type of lamp), was it (a) like for like - 12 volt, G4 (two small pins) 20W, and (b) were you aware to handle the new bulb with latex glove or piece of tissue, not supposed to touch halogen bulbs with bare fingers.

Have you tried/tested the bulbs by swapping them between the fittings? (using a glove).

If yes, still one doesn't work,then it's not the bulb. Have you carefully checked the wiring connections at the transformer, and/or tried swapping the plugs in that 6 way junction block?

If we are going to change the fittings with modern LED units (you can get 240v ones for less than £10 each and do away with the transformer) then it is the size of the hole that is important, not the size of the fitting, (which has spring clips on) and this should be in metric. What did you measure to be 2"?

Measure the hole in mm then post back here.

Transformer is dimmable, do you in fact have a dimmer switch? May not be needed to be.


.
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Someone-Else
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Replacing Halogen Downlight

Post by Someone-Else »

I would suggest you change them both. I found quite a few (50 mm hole diameter) downlights they are slightly taller than yours, but they are also mains, so you can do away with that "Transformer" and that "junction box" I found them using google, but its down to your personal choice which ones you like.
Above are my opinions Below is my signature.

Would you hit a nail with a shoe because you don't have a hammer? of course not, then why work on anything electrical without a means of testing Click Here to buy a "tester" just because it works, does NOT mean it is safe.

:mrgreen: If gloom had a voice, it would be me.

:idea1: Click Here for a video how to add/change pictures


Inept people use the QUOTE BUTTON instead of the QUICK REPLY section :-)
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arco_iris
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Replacing Halogen Downlight

Post by arco_iris »

Not yet knowing your answer, OP, this one should fit, (55mm hole), it's the ones that I use, doing away with the transformer:

https://led.me.uk/kitchen-under-cabinet ... 6000k-1-5w
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Someone-Else
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Replacing Halogen Downlight

Post by Someone-Else »

arco_iris wrote: Mon Apr 05, 2021 5:26 pm Measure the hole in mm then post back here.

Just saying.............
west123 wrote: Mon Apr 05, 2021 4:56 pm I have measured the diameter of the hole and its exactly 2 inch.
Above are my opinions Below is my signature.

Would you hit a nail with a shoe because you don't have a hammer? of course not, then why work on anything electrical without a means of testing Click Here to buy a "tester" just because it works, does NOT mean it is safe.

:mrgreen: If gloom had a voice, it would be me.

:idea1: Click Here for a video how to add/change pictures


Inept people use the QUOTE BUTTON instead of the QUICK REPLY section :-)
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arco_iris
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Replacing Halogen Downlight

Post by arco_iris »

Someone-Else wrote: Mon Apr 05, 2021 5:57 pm Just saying.............
Yeah, saw that after but didn't bother to edit.

I've got twelve inches, but I dont use it as a rule!
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Replacing Halogen Downlight

Post by ericmark »

The standard down lights comes as MR8, MR11, MR16 the MR stands for multifaceted reflector and the 8, 11, and 16 are the number of 1/8th of an inch across, it comes from the old cathode ray tube sizes, so at 2" or MR16 hole size is around 64 - 68 mm, so looking for MR11, there are loads of MR11 fittings, in theory nothing to do with voltage or bulb connection although for some reason 12 volt stuff seems to go by the physical size and 230 volt by the electrical connector, so both G5.3 and GU10 electrical connectors can be MR16 bulbs, but seems 230 volt called GU10 and 12 volt MR16 and of course with LED often no reflector as such so hard to find a true MR16 LED bulb, but still called MR16.

I like the look of the GX53 although never used one, as flush fit, renewable bulb, and large enough to span hole and gives a less directional light output. At 4 inches (100 mm) there is room to mount and use existing hole, but with non renewable bulbs there are so many options.
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