GU10 LEDs not working in old kitchen spotlight bar Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[tobyonekenobe]

I moved in about 12 years ago and as far as I can remember there was only ever one bulb (GU10 50W halogen) out of four that worked in the lighting bar in my kitchen (it's one of those ceiling bars where you can change the angle of each bulb). It provided enough light by itself so it didn't really bother me, but I just recently decided to replace it (and the other non-working three) with some Phillips non-dimmable 4.6W 220-240V LEDs (50W equivalent). The problem I have is that they only work when I keep the one working 50W halogen in one of the holders. Doesn't matter which one. If I swap it out so that they're all LEDs then none of them work. What am I doing wrong?

[Mr White]

Are you sure the working lamp is 240v? From what you have said, it sounds like they are 12v and powered from a 12v transformer.
The "transformers" have a minium rating average being 30w
4x 4.6w =just over 18W, well below the minimum.
To be honest I would suggest you change the complete light fitting, less hassle, I found THIS ONE four adjustable lights, no transformer and it comes with lamps.

[tobyonekenobe]

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I'm sure the old working halogen is 240V (it says it on the bulb). Presumably it wouldn't work at all if it was connected to a 12V transformer. I did change the whole fixture for a new model and I get exactly the same results as the old fixture.

[Mr White]

Sounds very odd, but without being there to see what the "fixture" is that you have changed, and how it is connected, I would suggest you change the complete light fitting to save wasting more time and money.

[tobyonekenobe]

I don't know if it helps, but I've taken a couple of photos of the ceiling fixture and the light fitting. Hopefully these attach properly to this post.

[Mr White]

Yes, I can clearly see both pictures you have posted.

I assume you connect the brown and blue wires to the outer two terminals of the choc bloc of the light fitting? (I would say, with the mains off you should cut both the brown and blue wires off, strip and twist them, they only need to be just long enough to go into the choc bloc)

I would also suggest if the light fitting is the original then a part of it is probably broken, and you would be better off buying a new one. Click here The reason is it will cost more to get the fitting looked at for anyone to say, yes it is broken, but you can't get the parts. (It's a sorry world, but that is how it goes, and you must do it safely)