Know The Voltage Of Your LED Light Bulbs
Posted by Richard Clarke on 1st Feb 2012
It shouldn’t come as a surprise to you that light bulbs generally operate at different voltages, but unless you’re able to distinguish between them, you might be in for a little shock!
LED light bulbs are available in two primary voltages: Mains Voltage and Low Voltage.
Mains Voltage LED Bulbs
Here in the UK, the mains electricity supply is 230V AC (Alternating Current). This is used to supply the majority of domestic and commercial lighting.
LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) operate using low voltage DC (Direct Current). As such, LED bulbs like those with GU10, B22 or E27-fittings that are designed to run straight off the mains, require a 'driver' to convert the voltage from 230V AC to one that is suitable for them to use.
Immediately upon picking up a mains voltage LED bulb such as the aforementioned GU10 LED (230V), you’ll notice that they’re slightly longer than Low Voltage LEDs like MR16 (12V) LEDs. That’s because the ‘driver’ unit is incorporated into the GU10 fitting itself, whereas in the case of an MR16's it’s situated elsewhere.
Low Voltage LED Bulbs
As their name suggests, these are simply LED light bulbs that operate at a lower voltage than is provided by the mains electricity supply.
This category includes the aforementioned MR16 LED bulb, as well as those with AR111, MR11 and G4 bases.
Prior to the advent of LED low voltage lighting technology, this category of bulb was only used in locations in which a mains connection wasn’t possible. This included cars and other vehicles, meaning they would, by necessity, be run from either a 12V or 24V portable power supply.
Low voltage lighting in domestic settings is a fairly recent innovation. It is designed primarily for fittings in kitchens and bathrooms where there’s a strong possibility of moisture. Therefore, rather than being connected directly to the mains supply, an intervening transformer ‘steps down’ the mains voltage to a safe and manageable level.
When you switch your old, inefficient halogen bulbs for up-to-the-minute MR16 LEDs, there’s no guarantee that they will be compatible with your existing 12V transformers. Contact your retailer to determine whether or not your need to upgrade your system.
Should you require any further information about LED Light Bulbs and their voltages, or indeed anything at all LED light-related, please don’t hesitate to contact the Wholesale LED Lights Customer Service Department on 0116 321 4120.
Or, if you’d prefer, you can send an e-mail enquiry to cs@wled.co.uk.
