Replacing old bathroom halogen spotlights (GU5.3 12v) with LEDs (GU10 230v)

tomahony

In my bathroom I've got old 12v GU5.3 halogen spotlights that are starting to fail. Each fixture has its own electronic transformer with a minimum wattage and my understanding is that these won't run LEDs.

So I have a few options:

1. Find some old halogens (I believe these are no longer made, so hard to find and relatively expensive to run)
2. Replace the transformers with some LED-friendly ones (expensive at ~€20 each)
3. Switch to GU10 LEDs that run off the mains and upgrade the fixtures to IP66 (which I understand to be the minimum rating for lights above and around showers/baths)

I would guess that option 3 is the best long-term option

• Is it as "simple" as removing the transformer altogether and replacing the fixtures for IP66 rated GU10 fixtures wired direct into the mains?
• Are there any other regulations I'm overlooking since these would have first been installed (20 years ago probably)?

10-10-20

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058388215/replacing-old-bathroom-halogen-spotlights-gu5-3-12v-with-leds-gu10-230v

There's a shower-rated fitting that I have installed - IP65 rated (IP65 is required over showers), at EUR 10.45. No LED is included, but I prefer those.

https://www.eurosales.ie/products/RS10165-13.html?filter_set%5B%5D=109,5020,5021&page=8

You can get bulbs cheap enough too, but just be aware that you might need additional lumens (LM) depending on the room:

https://www.eurosales.ie/products/5GU10COREPRO.html?filter_set%5B%5D=109,5059,5060

As it's work in a bathroom a RECI will have to complete the work, but it's for one of a number of good reasons as often the earthing isn't complete on those old transformer circuits, and the earths are just twisted together - or even cut away.

But anyway I hope I have saved a few quid on the fittings.