Q & A of the Day - Will LED lighting work with existing transformers?

BookmarkThis 21.07.2010
Osram
 

Our Voltimum Experts answer your questions on a daily basis in our Technical Expertise area. This Question of the Day, on lamps and light sources, and whether existing transformers installed on traditional ceiling spotlights will work if the lamps are changed to LEDs, is answered by OSRAM:

An OSRAM Golden Dragon LED.
An OSRAM Golden Dragon LED.
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Question: Is it true that existing transformers installed on traditional ceiling spotlights will not work if the lamps are changed to LEDs. I have been told this is because of LEDs calling for too little current (3W rather than the 35W - 50W) consumed by the original spotlights.

If this is true, can we be sure we are being eco-friendly and green by removal if the existing (perfectly good) transformers and wiring, to replace it with an LED system?

Answer: In general, most electronic transformers for low voltage lighting require a minimum load to operate correctly, which will be well above the load of a single LED lamp.

By installing an appropriate LED driver, the LED will be operated at it's rated 3W. However, please be warned that, currently, most 3W+ LEDs for this type of application produce much less light than the original halogen lamp - always consult the manufacturers datasheet.

To see many more Q & A in Voltimum UK's Experts Area, please click on the link:

www.voltimum.co.uk/consult.php?universe=consult.index.questions

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OSRAM
OSRAM House, Waterside Drive,
Langley, Berkshire SL3 6EZ
Tel: 01744 812221
Fax: 01744 831900
Email: voltimum@osram.co.uk
Web: www.osram.co.uk
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Source: OSRAM & James Hunt

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