Replacing a faulty MR16 downlighter

[cornerstone.school22]

Hi

A MR16 12V halogen downlight has failed in a kitchen of my relative. Checks with a meter suggest that the associated transformer has failed. The transformer is dedicated to that light fitting and the transformer/light fitting was manufactured by JCC.

I am undecided whether to replace it with a similar unit or to do away with the transformer completely and fit a 240V led GU10 unit. I have two questions:

1) Which course of action would you recommend?

2) Am I allowed to do this by Part P, given that I am not a qualified electrician? And am I correct in thinking this work is non-notifiable?

Thanks

David

[Andrew Gabriel]

The 12V lamps are much more efficient (even after allowing for transformer losses), and have more accurately defined beam angles (although that can be a bad thing when they're downlighters being used for general lighting). The 12V wiring must be well connected as the high current is a fire risk in conjunction with poor connections.

Correct. Even in a special location, like-for-like replacement is not notifiable.

However, none of us can judge if you are compitent to do so.

[davidandbella]

Thanks for your reply. One more question please: Strictly speaking, am I allowed to do this work if the house is not my own dwelling?

[Andrew Gabriel]

That's up to the owner. You will need to ask, or check your contract. I suspect the answer will be No, and they expect to pay for fixing things like that which go wrong.

[ARW]

Assuming that the relative with the faulty transformer owns their own place then I see no problem.

[Andrew Gabriel]

Missed that - was assuming he meant it was rented.

[John]

Have you checked that the connections (probably choc-block) haven't failed? It's the most common fault I've seen on MR16s.

[meow2222]

LEDs are far more efficient than halogen. Many have poor light quality, but not all.

NT