LED energy saving bulbs for mains/halogen fittings

[Vortex4]

Let us know how you get on!

[KD]

Will do, I've just confirmed that the Skot transformers, model ET60T-5, are rated as 20-60W so I'm hopeful that the power draw, or lack of it, is the cause of the problem with the Exergi LEDs. Other LEDs that I've looked at specifiy DC but the Exergi bulbs say AC/DC so that hopefully won't be an issue either.

Thanks once again, Have a Merry Christmas, Keith

[Alan Braggins]

And if you actually need 50W, you've got no chance of finding LED bulbs with comparable output anyway. (What you definitely don't want to do is what the previous owner of my house did, which was to run three 50W bulbs off a transformer rated at 60W.)

[KD]

Hmmm. The transformers have turned up but are those type with pre-soldered cables for the light fitting. I had expected, as with the LED drivers, to be able to simply swap the fittings over without fannying about with anything else. This might take a little longer than planned. Ho hum.

Keith

[KD]

Hi all, Sorry for replying to my own post. I've cobbled up the wires with connection blocks temporarily and have now installed one LED. Though not scientific, I connected an Exergi with the original transformer and noticed a 90-100% drop off in DAB signal strength when I turned it on. I've now cut out the old transformer and replaced with an LTYT70. Having installed the same LED, I'm noticing a nominal drop off in DAB signal though this may be a coincidence as the signal strength-o-meter does vary a lot anyway and I'm naturally pessimistic.

So, I think I'm happy to progress with putting the remaining Exergi bulbs and replacement transformers in place. One point I would make is that the Exergi bulbs say they accept AC/DC. Just be aware that most info on LEDs out there say that you should use a DC driver only.

Cheers, Keith

[Mark]

Agreed. I have some 5W LED GU10 bulbs, which are about as bright as the halogens. These are very expensive though and one went wrong after 13 months.

[KD]

Hi again, One last, final update. I've just added the second (of four) Exergi LED MR16 + new LTYT70 transformer replacements into the mix and have lost DAB completely in the kitchen. I tried another bulb to ensure it's not just a faulty one and this caused problems as well. Looks like my experiment with LEDs has failed - radios really don't like them. Off back for a refund :(

Sorry for reporting the bad news, Keith

[robert]

Its down to the "transformer" (really a switched mode power supply) not the LEDs themselves.