Is it possible to replace halogen lamps with LED lamps in a chandelier? Replacing halogen lamps with G4 base with LED LED lamps g4 12v ac dc connection

Surely, many owners of chandeliers or spotlights with halogen bulbs have more than once thought about replacing them with LED analogues. Mainly due to significant energy savings. However, it is not always possible to assess in advance whether such an exchange is really necessary. And in this article I want to show in practice what gives Replacing halogen lamps with LED lamps using the example of light bulbs with G4 socket.

In front of you different kinds light bulbs, but all with g4 socket

The top row shows halogen and LED bulbs for 220V, and the bottom row contains the same representatives, but for 12V. It is clearly noticeable that the dimensions of 220V lamps are slightly larger than 12V lamps.

Two types of LED light bulbs with a G4 socket - on the left is a light bulb with a single powerful LED and a diffuse lens, and on the right is a lamp with many LEDs, popularly called “corn”

What will we get from replacing a G4 halogen bulb with an LED one?

If we take a closer look at halogen and LED lamps, we will see that the filament in a halogen lamp is located closer to the base. While the emitting LED in an LED lamp is located much further from the base. As a result, we get a completely different lighting halo when using different types of lamps.

The left lampshade with a halogen lamp is fully illuminated,
while the LED light in the right lamp only illuminates its outer edge

Here the halogen light also brightly illuminates the entire chandelier shade,
and the LED bulb does not illuminate the lampshade at all

For now, the advantages of halogen lamps are obvious, but we will not rush to conclusions and will continue our experiments on replacing halogen lamps with LED ones.

Let's compare halogen light bulbs designed for 220V and 12V.

On the left, the 220V halogen lamp glows yellow,
and on the right the 12V halogen produces a white light that appears brighter.

Perhaps for this reason, most chandeliers and spotlights with compact shades and a G4 base are designed specifically for 12-volt halogens.

Let's look at how LED lamps of different voltages behave.

On the left, the 220V LED corn lamp lights up yellow,
and on the right is a lamp with a diffuse lens, but at 12V it gives white light

Important points when replacing a halogen lamp with an LED lamp with a g4 base

When replacing a halogen lamp with an LED analogue, it is necessary to take into account the following, in my opinion, the most important feature. A halogen lamp is essentially an incandescent lamp that shines in all directions. And the LED emits light only in one direction, which in space looks like a light cone. This is why almost all single LED bulbs have a diffuser lens. However, for some types of spotlights and chandeliers, a diffuse lens may not be effective. In this case, an omnidirectional LED corn lamp can partially correct the situation.

A striking example of comparing halogen and LED lamps in a chandelier with small shades

Now let’s compare the shape and size of the light spots produced by LED lamps of different designs.

In the photo from left to right: LED corn lamp, LED lamp with one LED and a diffuser lens, LED lamp with one LED but without a diffuser lens

As you can see, in this case, at the same power, a redistribution of the light flux occurs. In corn lamps, the luminous flux is close to a halogen lamp, and lamps with and without a lens have an increasingly concentrated luminous flux. This causes the illumination directly below the luminaire to appear stronger, while the overall illumination of the room appears insufficient.

Therefore, in this particular case, it is advisable to replace halogen lamps with LED “corn” lamps only in connection with the opportunity to save money on electricity.

In some types of lamps, due to the shape of the lampshade, even a halogen lamp sticks out, and when using its LED analogue, the protrusion of the light source becomes even more noticeable. When turned on, there is a change in brightness, and for the worse.

The central lampshades are illuminated by halogen lamps, which stick out slightly, the remaining lampshades are illuminated by LED lamps with one LED

Here we cannot say that it has become darker; rather, a redistribution of light has occurred. The stains on the ceiling have disappeared, the glass elements are less filled with light, however, under the chandelier itself there is more than enough light, which cannot be said about the room itself. It's all due to the direction of the LED glow.

The pitfall of replacing halogen lamps with LED lamps

When replacing halogen lamps with LED lamps, it was detected next feature: 220V LED lamps shine brighter than 12V lamps with the same power and luminous flux. What causes this anomaly, since the LED itself is a low-voltage device and operates on several volts, just remember the famous LED strips?

Let's try to figure it out. LEDs work on DC. LED bulbs, designed for 220V, have a miniature rectifier with a stabilizer inside, so they can operate on alternating voltage. In 12V LED lamps there is no rectifier, but there is always a diode bridge, which allows you not to worry about the switching polarity, but does not provide the declared brightness when operating on alternating current. Therefore, 12V LED lamps must operate on constant current, which can be provided by a special power supply or LED driver. And in halogen lamps, where we want to replace the lamp with an LED one, a special transformer is installed to power low-voltage halogen lamps, which is not intended for LEDs. That is, additional costs are required to purchase and replace the transformer with an LED driver.

LED drivers for LED lamps and transformer for halogen lamps

What to do? Either come to terms with it and use higher-power analogues, or, best of all, replace that same “halogen” transformer with LED source nutrition. But then you need to change all the lamps from the chandelier at once, not forgetting design features LED lamps.

When I was just planning to replace the halogen light bulbs in my apartment with LED ones, I watched several videos that were clearly in favor of LED sources, but in practice it turned out not to be so simple. Replacing halogen bulbs with LED ones does not always make the room brighter - the shape and size of the spotlight itself or the lampshade in the chandelier plays a big role here. I hope my article helped you decide whether you need such a replacement.

Which have a G4 base - a separate group of light sources. They are distinguished by the presence of wire pins at the base, located at a distance of 4 mm. Such light bulbs can be connected to a power source of 12V and 220V. The article provides an overview of G4 12V LED bulbs.

Description and purpose

LED light bulbs are also called capsule light sources. They are equipped with two wire pins through which current is supplied. The power of such devices is minimal - from 0.8 to 5W. The ability to connect them to 12V and 220V sources significantly narrows the scope of application of the light bulbs. But despite this, they can be used for both household and industrial lighting.

Purpose of 12V G4 LED bulbs:

• Light bulbs are used in design solutions when it is necessary to arrange hanging structures. Slight heating allows the use of light bulbs in conjunction with suspended ceilings.
• Light bulbs can be used to decorate interior items.
• Also used for automobiles and motorcycles as a lighting and illumination system.

All G4 bulbs are small in size. This performance is especially noticeable when compared with similar 20W. The products are made in such a way that all the chips are located on the surface, this is explained by their compact size. The level of light intensity is determined by the number of diodes in the light bulb.

Operating principle

Instead of a base, G4 12V LED bulbs use two contacts located at a specific distance (on the bulb this arrangement is designated as G4). The design allows you to connect a lighting element of different power to a specially designed connector. Light bulbs connected to require the installation of a power supply to ensure normal operation.

How does the G4 light bulb work? Similar to its LED counterparts: the production of light energy from the electrical equivalent occurs with the help of a semiconductor crystal and the processes occurring inside it at the moment of connection to the network.

A special feature of LED bulbs is their ability to convert alternating current into direct current. The process occurs using a driver, built-in or external. Typically, light bulbs are not equipped with a 12V driver. It is installed outside the lighting element.

Types of lighting elements

Types of G4 12V LED bulbs are distinguished by many characteristics. This is not only the lighting power and the source of consumption. Let's take a closer look:

1. By type of installed power source:

• low voltage - 12V;
• connected directly to the 220V network.

The difference between them lies in the location of the power supply (driver) - inside the structure or as a separate unit outside the light bulb.

2. Light sources also differ in power - from 0.8W to 5W. Designs can be either in whole values, for example, 2W, or in fractional values ​​- 1.5W.

3. Flask shape:

• the light bulb may have an open light source - there is no bulb;
• with a glass bulb of various shapes - transparent or frosted;
• the light bulb can be shaped like a disk; this design is called a “tablet”.

The number of diodes also differs depending on what type of light bulb and its characteristics.

4. By type of color temperature:

• cold light - 5,000 - 6,500 K;
• natural light - 4,000 - 4500 K;
• warm light - 2,700 - 3,200 K.

5. The glow angle of the G4 bulb can be: 160, 180, 280 or 360 degrees.

Typically, on the product box, manufacturers indicate recommendations for replacing the G4 light bulb. For example, it is recommended to replace 40W incandescent lamps with an LED analogue of 5W.

Technical characteristics of light bulbs

Like any light source, G4 12V LED bulbs have their own technical characteristics. They are indicated on the packaging and help the consumer make the right purchase.

Bulbs with G4 socket have the following parameters:

• The color temperature of the devices is from 2700 to 6500K.
• Luminous flux from 40 to 600 lm.
• Power supply 12V or 220V.
• The operating time of the light bulb is 35 - 50 thousand hours.
• The manufacturer allows the use of light bulbs in the range of such mains voltage: from 150 to 265V.
• Compact size of light bulbs. This is important when replacing halogen sources with LED ones, because the element must be freely placed at the installation point.
• The power of the light bulb depends on the number of diodes used. But manufacturers rarely indicate information about them on the box.

To choose the right light bulb you need to consider the following points:

• the purpose of the acquisition, that is, what area of ​​premises needs to be equipped;
• what power source will be used;
• how much light bulb power is needed?

Although the compact dimensions allow the light bulb to be used in almost any lighting device, it is recommended to measure the lampshade before purchasing. It is also important to choose light bulbs with a high color temperature and a wide beam angle.

Pros and cons of using the G4 light bulb

LED light bulbs G4 12V 20W, like any product, have their advantages and disadvantages.

They have the following positive characteristics:

• strength and long service life;
• minimal heating during operation and electricity consumption;
• light bulbs are environmentally friendly and do not require special skills to replace;
• compact dimensions allow the use of light bulbs in miniature lamps;
• the light bulbs immediately work at full power after switching on;
• the frequency of switching on the lighting device does not affect the quality of lighting;
• G4 light bulbs are available in different light spectrums, which allows you to choose one that suits a specific person.

Some disadvantages can be noted:

• with prolonged use, the crystal degrades, which leads to a gradual decrease in the brightness of the lighting;
• LED bulbs have a high pulsation coefficient, which is explained by the connection to the AC network;
• due to the discrepancy between the luminous flux and analogue incandescent lamps, LED sources are not recommended for use in offices or industrial premises;
• quite high cost.

Price and quality of products

The cost of an LED light bulb varies depending on the technical characteristics. This can be explained by the variation in radiation intensity and level of power consumption.

On sale you can find products from the following companies: Feron, Navigator, Osram, Philips, Maxus, Eurolamp, Electrum and others. There are light bulbs made mainly by Chinese manufacturers, but you can also find them from Austria. There are also goods from nameless manufacturers on sale, their cost is usually lower. But the technical characteristics do not correspond to the declared ones.

Bulbs with a high color rendering index and a large radiation angle are somewhat more expensive than other analogues. For example, you can buy G4 12V LED light bulbs in Gomel for a price starting from 10 rubles. a piece.

When choosing a lighting source, you need to pay attention to the quality of the product. It is recommended to choose products from manufacturers that have proven themselves in this market segment.

Is it worth replacing a halogen light bulb with an LED one?

Many owners of chandeliers and small spotlights wonder whether it is advisable to install G4 12V LED bulbs instead of halogen ones. People have such thoughts in order to save energy consumption.

What are the differences between light bulbs? If you look at both models closely, you will notice that the halogen filament is located somewhat closer to the base. And in LED analogues it is located further from the base. This means that the halo will be different: in the first case, the entire ceiling is illuminated, and in the second, only its outer part is illuminated.

Halogen and similar in lighting color. Thus, a halogen lamp and a 220V LED lamp emit almost the same yellow light. And the 12V analogues produce white light, which seems much brighter.

If you need to replace a halogen light bulb with an LED one, then you should know that the first one shines in all directions, and the second one only in one direction. In space, such directional light is similar to a light cone. When purchasing a light bulb with one LED, you need to pay attention to the presence of a diffusion lens or choose “corn” type light bulbs.

It is worth noting that buyers give preference to LED bulbs. But when buying, you take into account many nuances: the shape of the lampshade, the area of ​​the room, the power source, and more. With correctly selected LED bulbs, all customers were satisfied with the results.

Positive customer reviews

When purchasing G4 12V LED light bulbs, consumers leave many positive reviews. They noted the following points:

• The light bulb saves your budget. They allow you to reduce energy consumption, which significantly reduces the cost of lighting the room. Due to the brightness of the products and long service life (several times longer than halogen or incandescent), such light bulbs are preferred by an increasing number of people.
• Particularly convenient is the ability to decorate the interior. Light bulbs can be used to illuminate various areas of a room, furniture, and can also be used in cars.
• Devices designed for mounting 12V light bulbs are equipped with a driver. This solution increases the service life of the lighting component.
• The operation of the light bulb does not depend on the polarity of the supplied voltage. This means that the light bulb works with any power source.
• On sale you can find LED light bulbs equipped with 100 microfarad capacitors. The larger the capacitor, the less the light bulb flickers, which reduces damage to the eyes.
• Buyers also note the ease of replacing LED bulbs. When working with them, you do not need to wear gloves, use degreasers or be afraid of burns.
• Light bulbs do not heat the air in the room.

We can say that all buyers of LED light bulbs were satisfied with the purchased product. They will be happy to recommend it to their friends and acquaintances.

Negative customer reviews

Some buyers of G4 12V LED light bulbs note the following negative aspects of using the products:

• There are few reviews of this product on the Internet, and sellers are also not aware of all the characteristics of this product. Some buyers had to deal with problems for a long time technical characteristics, because there was no specialist nearby to help choose a light bulb.
• When buying most Chinese light bulbs, the declared power is not justified. Lighting components sometimes produce light output that is half that stated on the packaging.
• Some buyers thought the light was not bright enough.
• Many people complain about flickering light bulbs. Company representatives say there should be no flickering. If there are no other factors causing flickering, the light bulb can be exchanged for another one under warranty.

LED light sources with base G4, are the smallest and quite economical compared to similar ones. Thanks to its shape and low energy consumption this type lamps are widely used in various fields of human activity. One of the main tasks LED lamps with G4 socket is a replacement for halogen light sources.

Firms offer the user a high-quality and economical option LED lamps. These companies were able to place a large number of LEDs in a small housing, which has the same parameters as a halogen lamp. By using many economical LEDs, manufacturers were able to obtain an economical lamp that can produce a very high luminous flux. Due to this, LED lamp with G4 socket On average, it has a power of 3W, and the luminous flux it produces reaches 200Lm. Halogen lamp to obtain such a luminous flux it must have a power of about 10W, and therefore it becomes unprofitable compared to an LED light source.

They are mainly used in shops, hotels, lobbies, restaurants, any public places, and are also widely used in human everyday activities. Due to its minimal size, this type of lamp is often used by designers to create lighting effects. There are a lot of light compositions, wall or ceiling, where they are used to create a pattern or frame. LED lamps with G4 socket. Also, these lamps do not emit heat during operation, which means that they can be used to illuminate objects that critically respond to thermal influences.

Mainly due to this property, such LED bulbs used in museums to illuminate paper or other exhibits. Also due to the absence of heat generation during operation, this type lamps are widely used by shops and restaurants that illuminate food or various prepared foods.

Installation LED lamps is very easy to do because base G4 these are just two metal pins that need to be inserted into the groove of the cartridge. When replacing with an LED light source, the user does not need to install the socket to the electrical network, but simply remove and insert the diode.

LED lamp with G4 socket Compared to that, it does not have an ignition stage, and the user instantly receives 100% luminous flux. Halogen lamp when turned on, it cannot immediately produce a full luminous flux; also, during operation, this lamp loses performance, which is expressed in the loss of intensity of the transmitted light beam. LED lamp has no such problems. Life time LED lamp 15 times more than halogen light sources. This means that when using halogen lamps, the user will constantly incur expenses for new light sources, as well as constantly pay for their installation, which is irrational and much easier to use LED lamp, which does not require this maintenance and costs.

Halogen lamps have been firmly established in the electrical equipment market for a very long time. And even now, in the age of higher technology, despite the fact that, in fact, they are incandescent lamps with high energy consumption, the demand for them is not decreasing. And yet, many would like to replace the existing halogen lamps at home with a more economical lighting option - elements on crystals.

A person encountering LED lamps for the first time may think that there can be no difficulties in replacing halogen lamps with LED lamps. It seems that the voltage is the same, and the base is suitable - change one for the other, and that’s it.

But not everything is as simple as it seems at first glance. Of course, with the same luminous flux, LEDs consume much less electricity, but without certain knowledge it is unlikely that it will be possible to replace halogen bulbs with them.

The fact is that the power supply for halogen lighting elements, although it provides the voltage they need at 12 V, does not stabilize it, which is necessary for normal functioning LED lamps. With such a battery, the LED backlight will flicker so sensitively and noticeably that you can forget about comfortable lighting. It makes sense to figure out how to replace halogen 12-volt light bulbs with LED ones, while getting even and clean lighting.

You can consider the possibility of replacement using the example of a chandelier with a remote control and with halogen lamps powered by 12 volts. One of the problems associated with replacement has already been mentioned - this is the receipt of an unstabilized current at the output of the transformer. But there are a couple more complications that are important to be aware of.

Firstly, the transformer feeding 20-watt lamps will begin to operate unstable when the power is reduced, which is inevitable when installing LEDs up to 1–1.5 watts per lamp.

Periodic power outages are also inevitable. Of course, not all such devices are susceptible to this “sore”, but still many of them are.

Well, secondly, oddly enough, when completely replacing lamps from halogen G4 to LED, the remote control for the chandelier ceases to control the lighting device. It is only enough to turn it on; other commands have no effect on the chandelier. Moreover, if not all, but only part of the light bulbs are replaced, the remote control operates in normal mode. This happens for the reason that the power consumed by the diodes is so small that the transformer stops fully powering the control unit, leaving it with only one main function.

So, where do you start to remodel a chandelier, considering all the problems associated with replacing halogen lamps with LEDs?

A 12-volt chandelier with a remote control, like all lamps of similar types, contains in the circuit three transformer blocks designed for halogen lamps, an LED control unit (one group on the chandelier initially consists of this type of elements and they can blink in two or three colors), and also a halogen lamp controller.

Next, you need to calculate what the total load on the stabilizers that will need to be installed will be. If there are 8 and 9 LEDs in two groups, the output will be 12 watts and 13.5 watts. For such a chandelier, you can choose good power supplies up to 15 W, which will be of a suitable size for placing them in the housing of the lighting fixture. Also, such stabilizers will protect against short circuits and voltage surges. Afterwards, you need to unsolder the wires from the power supplies for halogen lamps and connect them to the purchased devices for LED lamps. Now we install the lighting fixtures on the crystals, and the chandelier is ready.

With help of this action All problems in the chandelier that appear when replacing lamps are immediately eliminated. The LEDs stop flickering, the light from them comes out smooth and clean, naturally, “dips” disappear, i.e. the stabilizer does not turn off due to the low power of consumers, and the remote control remote control works like a clock.

To change or not

In general, of course, remodeling a chandelier will take a lot of time, effort, and will also force you to invest financial resources. But the main advantages of such a replacement are that in addition to a longer service life, which is 30,000 hours for LEDs versus 4,000 hours for halogen lighting elements, there are also significant energy savings. After all, the power of a chandelier with G4 lamps on crystals will generally be 25.5 watts, while if there are halogen lamps, this parameter will be 340 watts. Therefore, such modernization will be quite appropriate and reasonable.

But there is one more parameter that must be taken into account when choosing light elements on crystals - this is their color temperature. You need to understand that a warmer color will be more pleasing to the eye, but the colder it is, the brighter the luminous flux will be. This happens because the color temperature of a “warm” lamp (2,700-3,000 K) is much lower than the same parameter of a “cold” lamp (6,500 K). However, halogen lamps exist only at a temperature of 2,700 K.

LED lamps from spotlights

A very common type of lighting is 12 volt halogen ceiling lamps. Here, as with the chandelier option, you will need to replace the power supply with a driver that stabilizes the voltage for comfortable operation of the LEDs.

Well, then you just need to replace the halogen bulb with an LED one. This is quite simple, of course, for those who have changed the lamp in a similar lamp at least once. The main thing is not to forget about precautions when working with dangerous voltage. It is imperative to turn off the voltage before performing any manipulations, since electrical installation work with the power on is not permitted, according to safety regulations.

You can also make an LED lamp with your own hands, using a housing from a used halogen lamp with a 12 V G4 base. But the process is labor-intensive and requires at least basic knowledge in electrical engineering and skills in working with a soldering iron.

Other replacement options

The fact is that halogen lamps do not only have pin sockets, such as G4. Nowadays it is very easy to find E27 screw light bulbs on the shelves of electrical stores. These can be installed instead of conventional incandescent lamps, and they operate from a network with a voltage of 220 V, and not from 12 V. The advantage of this type of lighting device is that such a base is universal.

Instead of a halogen lamp, you can install an incandescent lamp or even an LED lamp in the socket. Conveniently, LED lighting elements with a similar base are already equipped with a driver, and therefore, when replacing, nothing is required except, of course, the 220 V light bulb itself.

In cases of 12-volt equipment, you will have to spend money on a stabilizer or make it yourself, which is very labor-intensive and difficult. Although with certain knowledge and skills, and perhaps without them, but with a great desire and “hands from the right place” it is quite possible.

So which is better?

Whether to replace halogen lamps with G4 12 V LED lamps in an apartment or not is, of course, a difficult question. On the one hand, energy savings and a much longer service life of lighting devices on crystals. On the other hand, when replacing, you also need to invest. These are LED bulbs and a stabilizing device - a dimmer. Of course, after a short time the costs will be justified, but this will happen later, and you need to spend it now. Is it possible to give a satisfactory answer to this question? In any case, everyone must decide for themselves.