Downlight LED's burning out fast

Diemos · 11-05-2022 02:51PM #1

Can anyone give me advice?

Our living room has 2 sets downlights on a dual dimmer switch.

About 3 years ago I switched the bulbs to LED ones, Phillips GU5.3's.

But they are all burning out, I was under the impression that these would last many years.

Is 3 year the normal life span or have I done something wrong?

niallb · 11-05-2022 03:06PM

Did you get the dimmable version of the bulb?

If not, that could be the problem.

11-05-2022 04:09PM

Doesn't dimmer need to be changed for LED?

L1011 · 11-05-2022 04:11PM

Dimmer needs to be changed and you need to get LEDs that are dimmable and match that type of dimmer. Minefield compared to halogen.

Also I've never found a good GU5.3/MR16 12V LED - have always whipped out the transformer and put a new GU10 tail on, much better range of bulbs available.

Diemos · 11-05-2022 04:56PM

Thanks for the comments.

Did you get the dimmable version of the bulb? - No idea, I just bought a batch of them when I was going through my, lets cut energy consuption phase and swapped all the lights for LED's. So probably not.

The lights are never dimmed, should I just remove it and replace it with a switch?

@L1011 I may just do that and swap out the transformer

Ubbquittious · 11-05-2022 04:59PM

The only thing I can think of at th minute are that Philips LED bulbs are sh1t. I've had several fail, including 2 from the same pack that lasted only a couple of hours each.

11-05-2022 05:01PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119047056#Comment_119047056

While doing that OP could buy smart bulbs & forget about a dimmer altogether. Tell Alexa or Google to dim the lights. That's the road I went down & never looked back

L1011 · 11-05-2022 06:19PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119047279#Comment_119047279

Thats what I've done as well to avoid having to faff with dimmers.

Definitely go to GU10 sockets / mains voltage as the range of bulbs is so much better

niallb · 11-05-2022 06:40PM

When I changed mine about 8 years ago I put in Philips GU10s.

I swapped the dimmer for an ordinary switch when I was doing it but haven't lost a single bulb.

10-10-20 · 13-05-2022 02:29PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119047692#Comment_119047692

I've got to agree - I have Phillips LED GU10's and SES candles in a sitting room on dimmers for the last 8 or more years, all without a single failure.

Alkers · 13-05-2022 02:36PM

I had the same issue with the smaller low voltage LEDs before, swap to GU10 and should be a noted improvement

monseiur · 20-06-2022 11:44AM

Hi Folks, another related downlight LED question. I have a pelment board over mirror in bathroom with 3 no. 12v LED's - the original 12v transformer lasted less than 6 months now the second one has died. Considering that it's a bathroom with related steam, dampness etc. would it be OK to bin the transformer and fit 220v LED ? I'm, obviously, not an electrician but something tells me it a big NO NO !

Thanks.

adrian92 · 25-06-2022 12:19AM

Yes, if you do not need to dim the lighting then, I suggest, as others, swop your dimmer switch for a standard. Then , also , you do not need to buy dimmable versions of your LED lights.

Raven_k42 · 28-06-2022 01:08AM

A related question if I can please. I'm looking to replace 3 x GU5.3 in a hallway with GU10 LEDs. They're controlled by a single switch. Before I start - could the transformers be wired in series or something ?. I'm happy doing 3 standalone transformer swaps - but any more complicated wiring and I will get a professional. I'm not an electrician but have replaced lights regularly.

Thanks, K

Downlight LED's burning out fast

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