LED bulbs and transformers are used in a wide array of different applications. They are found in electronics and computers, in appliances as well as in most vehicles. However, by far the most common use of the LED bulb and LED transformer combination is the replacement of old styles of light fixtures to new, modern and more energy efficient options.
The Advantages
In the past, many people have opted to use halogen bulbs as a replacement for traditional types of bulbs and fixtures. While these bulbs do produce a good quality of light, they also produce heat just like a traditional bulb. Heat is wasted energy and in the summer it can even end up adding to the warmth in a room, which is never a good idea.
With halogen bulbs, it will be important to know if they are mains or low-voltage when switching to an LED bulb. An LED bulb that has pegs or a wider based on the bottom of the pins, is mains bulb. With a straight pin on the LED lamp, there will be an LED transformer in the fixture or that the bulb fits into. This transformer will need to be changed to accommodate the lower power requirements of the low-voltage LED light.
Changing the Transformers
If there is an existing halogen system in the fixture, it will be necessary to change the LED transformer. This is typically a job completed by an electrician, but a do-it-yourselfer with a bit of electrical experience can complete the task.
It is essential to make sure all electricity is shut off to the fixture. This is also the same if you are switching out an existing component, such as the transformer, on any piece of equipment or in any lighting system.
It will be important to choose a replacement or a new transformer that is the right equivalent wattage in relation to the wattage of the new LED bulbs. This is important as incorrectly matching the two will result in poor bulb performance and can even result in failure of the fixture.
Typical signs of the wrong transformer used with an LED bulb will include lights that seem to flash on and off when turned on or when the light does not come on at all and the bulb and the power supply are both tested and in good working order.
