MR16 LED lamps are popular replacements halogens bulbs both in residential and commercial use. The reason for their popularity is that the original, halogen MR16 lights were commonly used in households, and LEDs can instantly replace most of them. Also, LEDs have much better qualities and numerous advantages, compared to their halogen version.
MR16 stands for multifaceted reflector with the diameter of 16 of eighths of an inch, or two inches in other words. Alternatively, the same light bulb exists with different diameters: MR11 and MR8 spotlights are smaller sized multifaceted reflectors. The MR16 bulb usually operates on low voltage, and has GU5.3 fitting type. These bulbs most commonly operate at 12V, and if the pins are not polarity sensitive, the light can be fitted both ways, operating on AC and DC as well. MR16 bulbs operating at mains have GU10 fittings, and are rather called GU10 spotlights.
To be able to understand and value the useful features of the LED replacements, we must look at the halogen MR16 lights in short. The halogen MR16 bulb has a reflecting surface: the internal part of the bulb is made of pressed glass or aluminium in cheaper versions. The glass surface is constantly under pressure, which makes it easy to explode. The reflecting surface controls both the direction and the spread of the light, intensifying the light of the bulb. The bulb is available with various beam angles of light from narrow degrees of 10 to 60, however, the most frequently used spotlight is around 35 degrees. The colour temperature of the halogen MR16 is very warm, yellowish light, and is easily altered with dimming.
The main disadvantages of the halogen MR16 light is that they have a low conversion rate of power, turning most of it to heat instead of light. Therefore, they have a high power consumption along with very much heat emitted, dangerous not only to touch but also to be placed near textiles or wood during operation. Halogen bulbs are sources of fire hazard in any home, and should be fitted and operated with care. The halogen MR16 bulb emits a considerable amount of ultraviolet light dangerous to human health, and is also sensitive to shakes and shock. Both these problems are partially solved with a glass cover that filters most of the ultraviolet light and functions as an explosion shield.
LED MR16 spotlights, on the other hand, do not suffer from the majority of the above disadvantages. Although, LED lights do not have the reflective inner surface, the are called MR spots because they are replacements of the original reflectors. Beam angle, which is similarly varied with LED lights too, is usually controlled within the optics of the diode. Colour temperature is much more varied compared to halogen lights. Cooler white colour temperatures can be closer to natural light, and do not colour the room yellowish. At the same time, coloured versions of MR16 lights are available in LEDs.
LED lights in general have the advantages of cool running, eco-friendly design, long lifespan (usually around 30 – 50 000 hours), and high power LEDs can operate even 24/7. LEDs are not sensitive to shakes or shocks, and operate at low temperature too. The most obvious advantage of LEDs is their extremely low consumption of power. Since LEDs convert 90% of power to light, they emit substantially less heat, and mean no or very little fire hazard in homes. LED lights are also available with GU5.3 for low voltage and GU10 for mains fittings.
For LEDs operating at low voltage, the operating power supply has a major significance. Electronic transformers used for halogens are usually not suitable for running LEDs for two reasons. Many transformers require a minimum voltage to start operating, which is not drawn by LEDs using only a fraction of the power compared to halogens. The other reason is actually more important from the point of view of LEDs, since electronic transformers can ruin the LED lights. Halogens do not require stabilized voltage, while LEDs are highly sensitive to changes in voltage and current. If you are replacing your halogen MR16 lights, it is best to purchase LED suitable transformers as well to assure their long lifespan.
LED MR16 lights are slowly replacing traditional halogen MR16 lights for their numerous advantages. While halogen lights are sources of fire hazard, and consume a large amount of power, LEDs are safe and cool running, with a fraction of a halogen’s power consumption. They are also available with various performance, colours, colour temperatures and beam angles, to replace almost any halogen light in your home or business.
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