New Downlight Installation: GU10 or MR16

Lar993 on 22/08/2014 - 09:46

Hi all.
Need some advice regarding the downlights.

It's new downlight installation (ie. we're not replacing halogen ones with LED) and I'm tossing between two LED options:
GU10: ~$5/bulb + ~$5 to $6 fitting = ~$10 total
MR16: ~$25 to $28 each
I think, installation will cost around $30-$35 per downlight.

Due to its low cost, I'm inclined towards getting GU10. However, someone told me that the globes/bulbs don't last that long and may need changing quite frequently.

I'm going to look up Whirlpool & other forums for info. Can anyone from OZB give me some advice as well? Thanks

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • Amaris on 22/08/2014 - 10:08

    I would think LED with MR16. GU10 is 240v whereas MR16 is 12v

  • onetrickpony on 22/08/2014 - 11:37
    +1

    Definitely the GU10. The MR16 bulb still requires a transformer and the low voltage lead to the bulb. These start failing at around the 7 year mark, and require an electrician to replace the transformer. Occasionally the transformer will short out and trip the lights out as well. The GU10 is just a 240v bulb and completely user serviceable. Lifespan of the bulbs will be similar.

  • sane on 22/08/2014 - 13:23
    +2

    I've tended towards the 12v approach - because either way you have to have a transformer, but in the case of GU10 it's squashed in with the LEDS (thus more heat in a confined space).

    More important is to have dimmers and good CRI units - the cheapo end is cheap for a reason.

    Oh, and don't trust any numbers - practical testing of all units is needed - colour, beamwidth and flicker are key considerations.

  • cycleri3 on 30/08/2014 - 18:48

    I would go with GU10 for sure. It is direct 240V AC connection, so no need of "middleware" like transformers that is just another thing that can fail. Also because its direct 240V you will be future proof if a new lighting tech comes long. People using MR16 will need to rewire since they are stuck with sockets that get 12V DC current specifically for MR16 LED or Halogens. I have MR16 halogens and plan to rip it all out and go to GU10.

  • ramireztata on 16/09/2014 - 13:59

    Go with MR16 with external transformers. Make sure to install Plug Bases in the roof. In this case you won't need a sparky to change them later on;

  • JimB on 18/09/2014 - 16:28

    MR16 for sure.

    For LEDs they aren't called transformers anymore, they are called drivers.

    Yes they may fail, but should last a lot longer than GU10s due to heat.

    Plus, I haven't seen any decent GU10 LEDs, but have seen (and used) very good MR16s.

    True, technically when your driver (transformers) dies you need to electrician to swap it. But since this is OzBargain I can't see any member calling an electrician to unscrew and rescrew a few wires.

    As sane said, GU10s are cheap for a reason.

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