How to replace a halogen lamp with an LED one
LED lamps instead of halogen lamps are a justified solution, as they are much more economical, safer and more efficient. They will work longer, and if necessary, burned-out LEDs can be replaced with new ones. The only downside is the price.
But LED light bulbs will quickly pay for themselves, as their owner will not need to be replaced in the coming years. After installing LED lamps, it is important to monitor the correct operation. Sometimes they can flicker. If the problem is left unattended, it will affect the service life.
Pros and cons of changing lamps
Many people try to change halogen bulbs to LED ones in a chandelier, as they work on the same principle as incandescent bulbs. Inside the flask is a tungsten spiral and a chemical mixture that prevents failure and wear of the product. Power comes from a 12-, 24-volt power source.
Plus the LED lamp - a quick exit to full power.The brightness of an incandescent, fluorescent or halogen lamp increases gradually. Diodes tolerate voltage drops more easily, especially if it is an expensive and high-quality device.
In addition, safety is important for buyers. The chips are powered by a minimum voltage, so the elements are not dangerous during the replacement process. If an incandescent or halogen bulb stops working, they cannot be repaired. Speaking of LED devices, it is often quite simple change a burned out led on new. If you have experience, you can do it yourself.
Disadvantages of LED lamps:
- over time, the degradation of the crystal occurs, which reduces the brightness of the glow;
- high price;
- neutral or cold light inhibits the release of melatonin, which can cause sleep deprivation.
Chinese low-quality products may have poor color performance and high ripple. Also, buyers often encounter defective devices.
Video: How to choose the right LED lamps.
Features of reinstalling lamps
Before replacing lamps, you need to consider a number of features. For example, if this is an ordinary chandelier with halogen bulbs, there is no provision for reinstalling the light source due to the installed transformer, which converts the standard voltage specifically for "halogens".
In this case, you will have to change the chandelier completely. If the LED chip is rated for a lower voltage, it simply won't turn on. Also, some chandeliers have a remote control. If you install other bulbs, it will stop working.
In a spotlight
First, the fixing ring is removed, then the device must be removed from the cartridge (before that, gloves should be put on your hands). Then a new light bulb is installed, after which the lamp body is fixed in place.
The LED bulb for a spotlight is considered the best analogue, as it is economical and safe. The displacement of halogens is due to high energy consumption. If the cartridge in the luminaire corresponds to the purchased LED lamp, you can replace one type of product with another.
Installing an LED analog instead of a 220 volt halogen lamp is much easier, since the design provides for a current stabilizer. But if it is necessary to remake the halogens of a 12-volt model with an equivalent supply voltage, difficulties may arise that only a master can handle.
In false ceiling
Replacing light bulbs in a false ceiling occurs in the following order:
- De-energizing the room.
- Dismantling of internal mechanisms, that is, installing a driver instead of a transformer. This is necessary to convert the 220 V current to the required rating for the LEDs.
- Removing the cartridge.
- Installing an LED lamp.
- If necessary, insulate the wiring.
- Assembly.
Before turning on the light bulbs, you should check again if everything is installed correctly. It is important that the transformer works correctly, otherwise it may burn out the diodes.
Is it possible to convert a halogen lamp to LED
Some halogen lamps can be converted, for example if it is a small table lamp.To work, you will need a heatsink, an aluminum board for soldering chips, LEDs and a power supply. First you need to do work with the radiator. If it is large, a part can be cut off.
LEDs are soldered to the board, after which they need to be connected to the power supply. If everything works, a bulb or lenses are installed on top, after which the device should be checked again. Next, you can proceed to install the board in the lamp housing.
The power supply should be in a plastic tube with holes through which cooling will flow. The power wire passes through the leg of the lamp and is installed in the housing itself as an additional radiator. Thus, a 4-watt LED lamp can be made from a 100-watt lamp. If the work is done correctly, the radiator will not heat up to a temperature of more than 30 °.
If a person does not have experience with electrical appliances, it is not worth converting a halogen lamp to an LED one on your own, it is better to invite a master. This will directly affect the life of the chandelier or lamp.
How to avoid mistakes
Before converting a halogen chandelier to LED, you need to learn about common mistakes and problems that can occur. Often masters face difficulties at the stage of changing the scheme of the chandelier. Also, not every master can choose the right LEDs. Their characteristics, the type of holder in the chandelier, the color temperature and the size of the ceiling should be taken into account.
Halogens have a warm glow, so you should purchase diodes with a temperature of 2700 to 3000 K.You also need to remember that 220 V LED sources shine brighter than 12 watts.
The 220V LED lamp has an AC voltage stabilizer. 12 V devices do not have a stabilizer and do not differ in brightness when operating on alternating current, therefore they operate on direct current, which is regulated by the driver. Therefore, for correct operation, you will have to redo the circuit.
