With halogen bulbs being phased out, it has become necessary to convert old spotlights to LED lights or make them compatible with LED bulbs. Some of these conversions can be done simply by replacing the bulb, but for certain fixtures, that isn’t enough.
LED bulbs with matching bases are available to replace most halogen bulbs. As a general rule, replacing a 230V halogen bulb with an LED bulb is easy, but replacing a 12V halogen bulb with an LED bulb requires replacing the transformer. This article covers the most common halogen lights found in homes and how to convert them to LED lights.
Converting Ceiling Spotlights to LED Lights
Converting recessed halogen spotlights to LED lights can be done either by replacing the halogen bulbs with LED bulbs or by replacing the fixtures with LED fixtures.
The process depends on the voltage and wiring of your current fixture. Determine whether your fixture is connected to the mains (230V) or to a transformer (12V).
Converting Mains-Powered (230V) Spotlights
For GU10-base halogen spotlights, the switch to LED is as simple as replacing the old bulbs with GU10 LED bulbs. You can replace the bulbs yourself.
Please note: Some LED bulbs are slightly larger than older GU10 halogen bulbs. Make sure the new LED bulb fits in your fixture before ordering a large quantity of bulbs.
If you want to replace your old halogen lights with LED lights, you’ll need an electrician to perform the replacement work. The wiring of halogen spotlights (230V) allows you to remove the old halogen spotlight and install an LED spotlight and its transformer in its place.
Note: Your choice of transformer determines whether your lights will be single-color or have adjustable color temperature. For example, a Zigbee transformer paired with a Zigbee bulb allows the light fixture to be integrated into a lighting control system, enabling stepless adjustment of the light’s color temperature and brightness.
Modifications for Low-Voltage (12V) Spotlights
Compatibility issues may arise between a new LED bulb and an old halogen transformer when the bulb operates on 12V. Replacing the old (AC) transformer with a (DC) transformer suitable for LED bulbs usually resolves the issue. A licensed electrician should perform the transformer replacement.
GU5.3 LED bulbs are available for GU5.3 (MR16) halogen spotlights.
If you want to replace your old halogen lights with LED lights, you’ll need an electrician to perform the replacement. In most cases, 12V halogen lights are wired with a two-wire low-voltage cable, with multiple lights connected to a single transformer. This should be taken into account when selecting LED lights. Many new LED spotlights use a three-wire low-voltage cable for wiring. If the electrical wiring is run through conduits, it may be possible to run an additional wire, whereas in locations without conduits, this is difficult.
Converting Track Spotlights to LED Lights
Upgrading fixtures to LEDs on a 1- or 3-phase track (230V) can be done either by replacing the bulb or by replacing the entire fixture. Check the condition of the fixture before ordering new bulbs. Plastic fixtures, in particular, may have reached the end of their service life and should be replaced entirely. You can replace both the bulb and the fixture yourself.
If your light rail is a 12V model, the selection of compatible LED fixtures is more limited. You can replace the light fixtures with LED replacement bulbs, but we recommend replacing the old halogen transformer with a new one suitable for 12V LED bulbs at the same time. A licensed electrician must perform the transformer replacement.
Replacing spotlights in a mirror cabinet or kitchen countertop
G4-base halogen lights, commonly used in mirror cabinets and kitchen counter lighting, have typically been of poor quality. The easiest way to convert these spotlights to LED lighting is to replace the fixtures entirely. Surface-mounted spotlights can be replaced with LED strips, but recessed spotlights should be replaced with LED spotlights to conceal the mounting holes. An electrician should remove the old fixtures and replace the transformers. You can install the new plug-in transformers yourself.
Most Common Problems
The most common problems when switching from a halogen bulb to an LED bulb are related to the halogen transformer or dimmer. When replacing the entire light fixture from a halogen spot to an LED spot, problems are most often related to the wiring, but issues may also arise with the old dimmer.
Problems Related to the Transformer
- An old transformer may have a minimum load requirement, such as 30W, which is not met when using LED bulbs. In this case, the LED bulbs will not turn on.
- The old transformer is an AC type, whereas an LED bulb requires a DC transformer. As a result, the bulbs will not function normally or may fail prematurely.
These problems are usually resolved by replacing the transformer with one suitable for LED bulbs.
Problems Related to Dimmers
- The dimmer’s adjustment range is suitable for halogen bulbs but not for LED bulbs or fixtures. Dimming does not work properly—for example, the lights may flicker or fail to dim smoothly.
If you have a wall-mounted rotary dimmer, you can try to fix the problem by adjusting the dimmer’s minimum level screw (located under the cover). You can make this adjustment yourself. If the problem persists, it’s best to replace the dimmer with one suitable for LED lights. A licensed electrician should perform the replacement.
Dimmers located in the light fixture’s cord or body are rarely compatible with LED bulbs. If the cord dimmer is not working, it’s best to replace the entire cord with one that has only an on/off toggle switch. Of course, this means you’ll lose the dimming feature. It’s best to have an electrician replace the cord.
How much will the retrofit cost?
Replacing six 230V recessed spotlights in the same group with LED spotlights takes two to three hours. This includes removing the old fixtures and installing the new LED spotlights and their transformers (without enlarging the mounting holes).
Replacing the spotlights in a mirror cabinet with LED spotlights takes about half an hour if the new fixture fits into the old mounting hole and the transformer is easily accessible. If the mirror cabinet needs to be removed from the wall or otherwise modified, the work can easily take a couple of hours.
Upgrading the lighting throughout an entire house typically takes several days and may require the work of two installers (for the installation of large light fixtures).
If the old light fixture is easy to remove yourself (ceiling light, floor lamp, or table lamp), you can bring it to the store to get a price estimate for the installation work. Sometimes the work can be done while you wait, but most often it is completed within 2–5 business days.
The duration of the modification work is estimated before the work begins. We always bill for installation work based on the actual number of hours worked, after the work is completed. At the time of writing this article, LedStore’s electrical installation service costs 65€/h, including VAT. Updated prices can be found on our installation services page.
Information to Include in Your Quote Request
It’s a good idea to include basic information about the project in your quote request. Please attach photos of the installation site and the light fixture to be replaced. The photos will help us suggest a replacement fixture, bulbs, or transformer, and the installer can estimate the time required for the installation.
Useful information:
- The bulb type of the current light fixture (this also indicates the operating voltage).
- The location and type of the transformer. Photos of the transformer and its installation location are helpful.
- The diameter of the mounting hole and the depth of the mounting space. A photo of the light fixture and the hole is helpful.
- When replacing kitchen under-cabinet lights, photos taken from underneath the countertop and one photo from a distance are helpful when planning the installation.
- Location and type of dimmer or switch, if possible.
If your renovation includes replacing the entire ceiling, it’s also a good idea to update the lighting at the same time. In that case, redesign the lighting from scratch to ensure it meets your needs. Removing the ceiling allows for the installation of new lighting fixtures and lighting solutions, since the wiring can be reconfigured. Come visit our store to discuss your renovation and get some new lighting ideas.
Links and further reading:
At the LedStore: LED bulbs to replace your old ones.
LedStore’s services: Learn more about our installation services.
In the LedStore Information section: Read about replacing fluorescent tubes with LED tubes.
On the LedStore blog: Read more about various lighting renovation projects.
