Have you decided to replace your halogens with LEDs? If you do but don’t have any idea how, then the first order of business, call for an electrician! It’s better if you don’t dabble with electricity on your own because it’s dangerous. Also, it’s not as simple as swapping out a halogen bulb with an LED, especially if your downlights are initially housing halogens.
Although, once you have already upgraded your lighting fixture, it will be easier to replace the LED bulb by yourself. If you want to ensure even better performance, you can ask your electrician to replace the entire fixture and use an LED fitting.
Well, replacing halogen by yourself is a no-go, but you can do these tips to guarantee that you’re choosing the correct LED bulb and fitting for your substitutes.
Study the VA Rating of your transformer
You need to identify if your halogen bulb is using a transformer (used to convert high voltages to suit the voltage level of household lighting). If your fitting has a transformer, check its maximum load before replacing it with an LED bulb. You can often find it in the body of the transformer itself with a VA number. These numbers will help you know the maximum voltage the transformer can accommodate.
For example, a 50VA transformer can take up to a 50w halogen bulb, whereas a 30-60VA can handle a 30-60w light bulb. Also, remember that some transformers can only carry one light fitting while others can load several low wattage light bulbs in series.
It’s crucial to note that the maximum load relates to halogen bulbs only. If you have a 50VA transformer for halogen lamps, it does not mean that you should install 50w worth of LED bulbs. It can overload the fitting and become a safety concern for you!
Switch out your old halogen bulbs with LED of the same wattage
Be mindful that your LEDs need the same or equivalent wattage to your existing halogen bulbs when you switch out. You can see the equivalent wattage conversion in the product specification or the product packaging.
The actual wattage of LED lights may vary but confirm that the equivalent wattage is the same with your current halogens. For example, if you have a 40w halogen bulb, your replacement LED should be a 40w equivalent to LEDs. Most 5w or 6w LEDs have an equivalent wattage of 25w.
You need to guarantee that you follow this step to avoid safety risks, and your transformer can carry the load properly.
Now that you know some of the reasons you should switch and how to transition from halogens to LEDs, you need to start looking for high-quality LED replacements! Check out our website, Simple Lighting! We have an extensive collection of indoor, outdoor, commercial, and site lighting that can help you enjoy and work in a brighter space!
