GU10 Ø 35mm

A smaller size, big benefits: Why choose GU10 Ø 35mm LED spots

The transition from traditional halogen GU10 Ø 35mm spots to their LED counterparts offers various advantages, resulting in a more efficient and sustainable lighting solution.

• Lower energy costs: LED GU10 Ø 35mm spots consume significantly less power than halogen lamps with a comparable light output. For example, a 3W LED spot can replace a 25W or 30W halogen lamp. This leads to a noticeable reduction on the energy bill.
• Long lifespan: These LED spots have a particularly long lifespan, often up to 25,000 or even 50,000 burning hours. This reduces the frequency of replacements and the associated maintenance costs.
• Instant light output: Once switched on, LED spots immediately provide their full brightness, with no warm-up time.
• Less heat emission: LED technology generates much less heat than halogen, which is safer in enclosed fixtures and contributes to longer retention of the spot and the fixture.

Comparison: Halogen GU10 Ø 35mm versus LED GU10 Ø 35mm

Choosing the right GU10 Ø 35mm spot for your project

Choosing the right GU10 Ø 35mm spot requires understanding some technical specifications. These determine not only the light quality but also the functionality and suitability for your specific application.

Technical features for a suitable choice

• Light color (Kelvin): Color temperature, expressed in Kelvin (K), influences the ambiance of a space. A value of 2700K to 3000K provides warm white light, comparable to traditional halogen, which creates a cozy atmosphere. Higher values, such as 4000K, offer cool white light that is more functional and can enhance concentration, which is useful in kitchens or workspaces.
• Light intensity (Lumens): While wattage indicates energy consumption, Lumens tell you about the actual brightness of the spot. To achieve similar light output as your old halogen lamp, focus on the Lumens value.
• Beam angle (Degrees): The beam angle, indicated in degrees, determines how wide the light spreads. A narrow beam angle (for example, 24° or 38°) is suitable for accent lighting, to highlight specific objects or parts of a room. A wider beam angle (for example, 60° or more) provides more general, diffuse lighting for a larger area.

  

• Color Rendering Index (CRI): The CRI value (Color Rendering Index) indicates how accurately colors are rendered under the light of the spot. A high CRI value (above 80, ideally 90+) is important in spaces where color fidelity matters, such as in a kitchen or a room with art.
• Dimmability: Many LED GU10 Ø 35mm spots are dimmable, offering flexibility in creating the desired ambiance. It is important to check compatibility with your current dimmer. LED dimmers work differently from dimmers for halogen lamps, and a 'trailing-edge' dimmer is often required for optimal and flicker-free dimming experience.
• IP rating (Ingress Protection): Although most 35mm GU10 spots are for indoor use, the IP rating is relevant for damp areas like bathrooms or covered outdoor spaces. A higher IP rating provides better protection against dust and water.

Installation and points of attention when installing GU10 Ø 35mm spots

Installing GU10 Ø 35mm LED spots is generally easy. These spots work directly on the mains voltage (usually 230V), meaning no external transformer is required, unlike MR16 spots, for example. This simplifies the wiring and installation.

For the installer, there are a few points of attention to ensure seamless operation:

• Dimmer switches: As mentioned earlier, compatibility with the dimmer is important. Flickering, buzzing, or limited dimming range can occur if the dimmer is not suitable for LED. A 'trailing-edge' dimmer often solves these problems.
• Heat dissipation: While LEDs generate less heat, good ventilation of the fixture is still important. This contributes to the long lifespan of the spot.
• Physical dimensions: Although the diameter is 35mm, the total length of the LED spot may vary slightly. Check if the spot fits completely into the fixture, especially in older or specific recessed situations.

For more in-depth information on preventing flickering or choosing the right dimmer, refer to our blog article on preventing LED flickering and choosing the right LED dimmer.

Frequently asked questions about GU10 Ø 35mm spots