GU10 bulb rated 4.5w. Can I replace with 5w GU10? LED bulbs

Discussion in 'Electricians' Talk' started by 8768b, Apr 10, 2023.

  1. 8768b

    8768b New Member

    The kitchen was completed almost 12 years ago. It had 10
    GU10, 4.5w, 6000k, 240v 50Hz bulbs (LED type) One bulb blew last night.
    I have swapped over a bulb to ensure the unit/bulb holder is not at fault.

    To get the same effect, I'm only really seeing 5w, 240v GU10 bulbs. I

    Question is, can I replace it with a 5w LED?

    The other problem which I will have to ignore possibly is the design as the present bulbs have grey fins surround, a bit like an aircraft engine fin design, and can see any in any power rating.
    The present bulbs are by 'Kinghts' fire-rated, very bulky downlights.

    All help will be gratefully received.
     
  2. seneca

    seneca Screwfix Select

    Yes that will be ok.
     
    8768b and arrow like this.
  3. arrow

    arrow Screwfix Select

    That will be fine.
     
    8768b likes this.
  4. AnotherTopJob

    AnotherTopJob Screwfix Select

    The fins are probably a heatsink which help extend the life of the bulb by keeping them cooler. LED technology has improved in recent years and most bulbs don't tend to have them, although not many are likely to last 12 years!
    As mentioned, any GU10 replacement will be fine.
     
    8768b likes this.
  5. 8768b

    8768b New Member

    Great. The consensus is go ahead and if required, go for the 5w as opposed to the existing 4.5w.

    The fins, give the lights a distinctive finish but been searching since and will go for a satin steel surround.

    The 6000k is also a challenge as most bulbs I have seen are less than that.

    I will revisit the thread just in case there is more help/tips here.

    PS: I thought I had already posted the above bits but had not. I've been looking for hours and there are loads in white plastic but hardly any in any metal colour, ie satin but a few in chrome but no fins.

    NB. As I intially stated the current GU10 bulbs are 4.5w and 6000k. Can I go as high as 6w's?

    The fire-rated downlights are not 'knights' but Knightsbridge, appear quiet surdy in the wires inside the ceiling.
     
  6. adgjl

    adgjl Screwfix Select

    The "6000K" is the colour temperature. If the new light is different to this, it will have a different shade of white. The usual ones are:
    6000K - Daylight
    4000K - Cool White
    3000L - Warm White
     
    8768b likes this.
  7. AnotherTopJob

    AnotherTopJob Screwfix Select

    6w is fine. Old halogen GU10s could be up to 50w, so wattage with LEDs is generally not an issue as the wiring is designed to cope with much higher loads. They also generate much less heat.
     
    8768b likes this.
  8. 8768b

    8768b New Member

    All posts were noted as very helpful. I'll buy you all a pint if I see you are my local.
     
    AnotherTopJob likes this.
  9. Tilt

    Tilt Screwfix Select

    IMO a 5000k colour temperature is more suitable for kitchens.

    I've always found 6000k bulbs too blue for my liking.

    It may be just my opinion though ?........ Lol.
     
  10. AnotherTopJob

    AnotherTopJob Screwfix Select

    I get the impression the OP was trying to match the existing colour to avoid replacing the whole set? Could be wrong though.

    Personally I'm not keen on anything over 4000k.
     
    8768b likes this.
  11. Tilt

    Tilt Screwfix Select

    Good point ......

    But as the lights are 12 years old and one has failed, may be worth investing in a full set .......

    No need for them to cost that much AND then the options are open ........
     
    8768b likes this.
  12. 8768b

    8768b New Member

    Cheers to all
    Yes, I am trying to match the old bulbs.
    We got one Friday/yesterday, no fins etc, same brand, same k's ie 6000k's
    The new bulb was 5w as opposed to the existing 4.5w

    I have another question as the old bulbs are "50Mz" but the new bulbs, I could not see the 'Mz' on any of the new bulbs in stores.
    Does it matter and what is this rating, please?

    The 'lumens' or whatever it is called, along with the 6000k that are described as 'daylight' are there different lumens in the 6000k range and how would this impact the light. The old bulb does not state lumens.

    In the new bulb, as above, the light is not as white possibly due to the old ones having a flat face and three little yellow squares and the new bulb having small dome glass.

    I am researching for another bulb and to match, may change all bulbs at 600k but as you all know, they don't make anything like they used to.

    The exisitng bulbs are 240v new one is 230v - My OH felt light was a bit yellow. We are used to the gallery lighting as it is a black-and-white kitchen. I guess you get used to the light

    All help will be appreciated.
     
  13. AnotherTopJob

    AnotherTopJob Screwfix Select

    It would be 50Hz (Hertz) which is the grid frequency in Europe and most countries, so your bulbs will be fine.

    Generally LED bulbs won't be affected by the slight difference in voltage.

    If you want to have consistent light output and colour temperature, you'll really need to replace the full set.
     
    8768b likes this.
  14. Tilt

    Tilt Screwfix Select

    I've purchased differing options of these numerous times ie MR16 and E14 particularly.
    https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175369568981?hash=item28d4d742d5:g:WQAAAOSw7Zli56Nr

    They are plastic I think but great bulbs. I would recommend (and purchased myself) the NEUTRAL WHITE.
    As the MR16's are visible by design, they look great too IMO, though you cannot normally see much of the GU10's other than the lens.

    NB their stated 9 watts bulbs, I measured these at 3.8 watts (approx 40w equiv)
    And a (proper yellow coloured) their 12 watts measured 4.6 watts. (approx 50w equiv)
    Also note that the higher watt bulbs are slightly longer. The dimensions are in the pic / description.

    The LAP ones from SF 4.7w 4000k 345 lumen are pretty good too (assuming still available).
     
    8768b likes this.
  15. Tilt

    Tilt Screwfix Select

    The colour of the neutral white ones matches daylight OVERCAST days almost perfectly.

    When they are on you do not notice a colour change, they just make the room much brighter, almost looks natural.
     
    8768b likes this.
  16. 8768b

    8768b New Member

    Cheers all.
    Tilt, what you said. "
    NB their stated 9 watts bulbs, I measured these at 3.8 watts (approx 40w equiv)
    And a (proper yellow coloured) their 12 watts measured 4.6 watts. (approx 50w equiv)"

    Are you saying that their wattage advertised was wrong? Cheers in advance.
     
  17. 8768b

    8768b New Member

    Tilt, looking at the link, do you see the yellows or the glas on the GU10 9w, please? I think those are the ones you bought and I'd be looking at 6000/6500k
    Cheers.
     
  18. Tilt

    Tilt Screwfix Select

    @8768b
    If you look in their ebay shop you will probably find the coloured ones in another listing of theirs....

    I have red, purple, yellow, blue and green MR16's. very similar to the GU10's apart from the fitting, obv's.

    I also purchased MR16's and E14's in the neutral white, as in that link, from Ranpo (china).

    Yes, I BELIEVE their indicated / listed wattages are incorrect. I connected them individually to a plug in type tester.

    I have three of the (listed 9w / 3 led's each) bulbs over my dining table and they light it up lovely, even in daylight, and this is a few feet away from patio doors.

    Maybe, just order ONE of the 6500K (if you are set on that colour temp) to see what it is like and it's brightness.

    As an aside, 10 x 4.5 watt led bulbs is equivalent to about 450 watts Halogen ..... should be VERY bright, but maybe their listed 12 watt are not far off what you have now.
     
    8768b likes this.
  19. 8768b

    8768b New Member

    Hello
    Thank you.
    I'm looking at a couple of others as well and when ordering, I'll decide which to order first and just order the one initially - if it matches, then I'll order the others
    I do appreciate the time and effort you have put in trying to help me.
     
    Tilt likes this.
  20. 8768b

    8768b New Member

    @Tilt
    looking at the GU10 on the link you provided, they state 15w. Will that be ok for my bulb holder as the current ones are 4.5w as it states o the bulb and I'm not sure it it is per one of those small light units in the bulb or total power? The present bulbs have 4 of those little light units per bulb. Thank you.

    Edit. Sorry the bulbs have 3 light squares per bulb and non the wiser if the 4.5w is per bulb or times 3 IE per little unit.
     

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