First, just to clarify, MR16 is not a socket type, it is the lamp type, specifically referencing the reflector. You can get MR16s with various style bases including G10.

Most LEDs used in household lighting are intrinsically low voltage DC, 12vDC being the most common. To work at household 110VAC (which is actually more like 120-125 these days. I've seen as high as 127v) they usually have built in transformers and rectifiers, which is why so many still get hot, though not as hot as halogens.

Whatever transformer you current system uses you can probably get direct replacement LEDs that will work well enough, though you may have to go to Amazon or some other supplier to get them.

On my range hood, I've had problems with LEDs not having enough draw to work properly with the current transformers (cheap transformers), so while you probably don't need to disconnect all your transformers, maybe putting one at the head of many would solve a problem like mine. I suggest simply trying it out "as is" first and save some labor until you need to.

That said, if you are willing to go to a bit of trouble to begin with, why not get a whole new system with dimming? LEDs don't currently work as well with typical household dimming without spending a good bit more money.

Just some thoughts,

Joe

Thanks Joe

1. to clarify I meant "change out my 12V MR16 GU5.3-base bulbs with a compatible LED GU5.3-base bulb".

2. I read (somewhere) and spoke to Nora and they said LED bulbs will not work with this Magnetic transformer or the 12V?? said would burn out early? after 1-9 months? is this because the transformer requires a minimum draw?

What say you?

Currently I have about 6 GU5.3 sockets that need replacing, I might have 3 transformers that need replacing too. (this is in other runs around the house)

I have about 5 test LED bulbs in now, and seem to work fine...

Because of the info in sentence 2, I was thinking I should change out all my sockets to GU10, and bi-pass the transformers. (however several folks pointed out the could be a safety issue?)

Could you comment on replacing with a whole new LED system? These are new construction recessed cans. (I'm not ripping out drywall) model NL-401-QAT

thank you everyone for your input.

Well, magnetic doesn't really have a bearing on this as far as I know. The only issue is not all transformers are created equal. I know guys who really enjoy designing and winding their own transformers. I prefer to buy mine ready made for the application (I like to build tube amps). but it does mean you are dealing with low volt AC and not DC. So the LED has to deal with the AC/DC conversion. I could also suffer from just cheaply made LEDs with my range hood.

That said, getting back to a previous point, I wouldn't disconnect the transformers and run all the lights off of one. Magnetic transformers like to be close to the target, so you have line length limitations.

And kind of in general, unless I plan on going back to rewire everything, I am not a big fan of modifying household electrical equipment. If you forget and sell the house, chances are someone will have to go back and back trace your handy work. Yeah, a safety issue.

I'm not a recessed lighting fan, so I don't keep up with the gear, but I know there are companies that sell retrofit replacements and systems. I don't imagine there would be any drywall ripping needed (though, having ripped out drywall myself, still an easy fix). But I would only look at that if I needed/wanted dimming. You need electronic dimming, not electrical dimming.

Maybe someone else can chime in on that.

Joe

Re opening this discussion... because I have some new issues with lighting. Please read original post...

For about a year now I have used LED MR16 bulbs in my LV cans with no modifications. I have had no major issues until recently.

-on one can, the base of the LED got really hot and showed some signs of melting. (not sure if this is happening in others)

-on another can the socket wires melted where it connected to the transformer wires.

Feedback I want is concerning safety. and what my options are dealing with these Low voltage NL-401-QAT recessed cans.

I would really love to rip every one of these cans out of my kitchen (15) because Im so tired of dealing with them (from the earlier issues with the halogen bulbs and sockets) to the new issues with LEDs. Im not even sure how I would do this, these are all new construction Nora Lighting cans with individual magnetic transformers.

I would say at that point, when safety is an obvious issue, call a licensed electrician.

Joe