Downlighters failing

I have eight GU5.3 downlighters with individual transformers in a room about 4m x 6m. The lights are fairly standard types with the round wire clips to hold the bulbs in.
They’ve been fine for ten years but recently started failing. I’ve replaced two transformers but now two more bulbs have failed. (Haven’t checked yet if just the bulbs or not). Bulbs are all led now but have in the past been halogen or others.

First question is what is going wrong. Is there more to it when changing transformers. I could only find one type at B & Q so that’s what I replaced the old ones with.

Second and probably more sensible question. Should I change to mains voltage LED downlighters? If I do is it just a case of taking the transformers out of the circuit and connecting the units directly to the mains cable. And if so any recommendations for white fittings which will fit the ceiling holes.

There’s a dimmer switch which again has worked fine for years and I would prefer to have dimming capability although not essential. Is there a specification of dimmer switch needed for the proposed lights?

colorado said:

Should I change to mains voltage LED downlighters?

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Yes, there is no point in having 12V versions now. Only made sense in the distant past with halogen lamps, and using LED with transformers designed for halogen often results in problems. There is also far less choice in 12V LED lamps compared to 230V versions.

colorado said:

If I do is it just a case of taking the transformers out of the circuit and connecting the units directly to the mains cable.

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Yes. As for what will fit, it all depends on the size of the existing holes. Ideally the new lights will fit in the existing holes. Slightly worse is to make the holes larger. Those that require smaller holes are a non-starter as it will require extensive repairs to the ceiling.

Dimming is entirely possible - you need dimmable LED lamps and a suitable dimmer designed for LEDs, such as those made by Zano or Varilight. Unlikely that the existing dimmer is suitable.

flameport said:

Yes, there is no point in having 12V versions now. Only made sense in the distant past with halogen lamps, and using LED with transformers designed for halogen often results in problems. There is also far less choice in 12V LED lamps compared to 230V versions.


Yes. As for what will fit, it all depends on the size of the existing holes. Ideally the new lights will fit in the existing holes. Slightly worse is to make the holes larger. Those that require smaller holes are a non-starter as it will require extensive repairs to the ceiling.

Dimming is entirely possible - you need dimmable LED lamps and a suitable dimmer designed for LEDs, such as those made by Zano or Varilight. Unlikely that the existing dimmer is suitable.

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Thanks, sounds like the way to go. I’ll measure the holes in the daylight.

colorado said:

Thanks, sounds like the way to go. I’ll measure the holes in the daylight.

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Seems to be a 55mm hole, and there don’t appear to be many to choose from that size. Is it best to get integrated LED or does it not matter?

Found these that look fine to me, has anyone used them?

https://www.nationallighting.co.uk/...ed-fire-rated-downlight-matt-white-ip65-520lm