Led Driver for Light Fitting and LED Bulbs Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[Rodge300]

I recently purchased some ceiling light fixtures for my lounge and dining room from Next.

These fittings each needed 5 G4 bulbs and Next recommended that I purchase their halogen bulb 5 pack. Not knowing the problems I would face I purchased LED bulbs instead and fitted them in both fixtures as I’ve had numerous issues with halogen bulbs in the past and LED are more efficient.

I have now realised that because of the power issue, the bulbs will constantly flicker after being on for a few minutes and the fixture itself will make a buzzing noise.

After researching the cause I now realise that I need an LED driver for the fixtures to replace the transformer that came with the light (see attached image).

The problem I have is trying to purchase the correct driver and wire it up correctly. I know which wire is L and N for the PRI but the SEC is marked + and - on an LED driver which is different to the current halogen transformer so I am not sure which wire goes where.

If anyone can recommended the correct driver I would be most grateful, and also how to wire the + and - up correctly.

If it is of any help, The fitting recommended 20W halogen bulbs but I purchase 20w equivalent LED bulbs.

[Mr White]

You need to buy an LED driver that has a greater output than the total amount of LED lamps you have on each light fitting.

LED's will only work one way round, so it does not matter which way round you connect the secondary side, because if it does not work one way, it will work the other way.

(That said some LED lamps have their own bridge rectifier, so they will work either way round)

[Rodge300]

Would this suffice? The bulbs are 2.3w (and 285mA) each so x5 = 11.5w.

I have read on some sites about having a buffer for the max wattage, how important is this?

Do constant voltage and constant current drivers have different uses or does it not matter in my instance?

[Mr White]

No, it is too small to operate 5 lamps.

[Rodge300]

Too small in size or in power rating?

Are there any drivers that you recommended for this purpose?

[Mr White]

It's too small is the capacity it has to run your 5 lamps. 4 Lamps would not be a problem.