Many light bulbs go by the same name yet they are very different. Here is a quick tip to remember what is what when it comes to the MR16 light bulbs. MR16 (mirrored reflector) light bulbs are available in both line voltage (120V) and low voltage (12V or 24V). How do you tell the difference?
We like to use the Frankenstein method. If the light bulb has Frankenstein knobs like the picture on the left, it is 120V with a GU10 base. The GU10 base is called a twist and lock base. This GU10 MR16 bulb is halogen and can be dimmed with a standard incandescent dimmer. There are LED versions available.
If the light bulb has a bi-pin base, like the picture on the right. It is a low voltage bulb, the most common is 12V. The MR16 bi-pin base is called a GU5.3 base because of the width between the pins. This GU5.3 MR16 bulb is halogen and requires a low voltage transformer. The dimmer is determined by the transformer; either electronic low voltage or magnetic low voltage. There are LED versions available.
So, the next time you are buying lights bulbs just remember…Frankenstein knobs = higher voltage!
Complete List
Outdoor Living IV Posted on July 13th, 2020
Outdoor Living III Posted on May 29th, 2020
Some Light Gardening! Posted on April 29th, 2020
Back By Popular Demand Posted on March 25th, 2020
New website and a New Look Posted on September 20th, 2019
Categories
New (number of posts: 3)- Tips (number of posts: 41)
- Uncategorized (number of posts: 10)