GU10 LED bulbs are the twist and lock spotlight lamps used in most Irish downlights, and a GU10 LED of around 4.5W replaces an old 50W halogen spot. We stock the Crompton LED glass GU10 in 2700K warm white or 4000K neutral white, and the Sylvania RefLED GU10 in cool white, with free delivery across Ireland on every order from the first euro.
What is a GU10 bulb?
A GU10 is a mains voltage spotlight bulb with two pins that push and twist to lock. The 10 means the pins sit 10mm apart.
It runs directly on 240V, so unlike a 12V MR16 lamp it needs no transformer. GU10 is the standard cap in most domestic downlights, track spots and outdoor up and down wall lights in Ireland. Both bulbs on this page use the GU10 cap, with a beam angle of 35 degrees on the Crompton and 36 degrees on the Sylvania, which suits general downlighting and spotlighting.
What LED GU10 replaces a 50W halogen?
A GU10 LED of 4 to 5 watts giving 340 to 360 lumens replaces a 50W halogen spot. Both bulbs here do exactly that.
The Crompton LED glass GU10 draws 4.5W and gives 340 lumens at 2700K or 360 lumens at 4000K. The Sylvania RefLED draws 4.2W for 345 lumens. That is under a tenth of the wattage of the halogen lamp it replaces, which is why swapping a ceiling full of halogen spots is one of the simplest energy upgrades in a house.
Should I choose warm white or cool white GU10 bulbs?
Choose 2700K warm white for living rooms, bedrooms and hallways. Choose 4000K neutral or cool white for kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms and workspaces.
The Crompton LED glass GU10 comes in both 2700K and 4000K, so you can match a room exactly. The Sylvania RefLED is cool white, which Sylvania positions for kitchens, bathrooms and workspaces. Avoid mixing colour temperatures in the same ceiling, because the difference between neighbouring spots is very obvious once they are all lit.
Can LED GU10 bulbs go in fire rated downlights?
The Crompton LED glass GU10 is stated as suitable for fire rated downlights. Always check the downlight's own instructions too, as some limit lamp type.
A fire rated downlight is built to slow the spread of fire through the ceiling for a set time. LED GU10s run far cooler than halogen, which is kinder to the fitting and the ceiling around it. If you are not sure what your downlights are, the rating is usually printed inside the fitting once the bulb is out. For new fittings, see our downlights range.
Are these GU10 LED bulbs dimmable?
No. The Crompton LED glass GU10 and the Sylvania RefLED are both non dimmable, so they belong on a standard switch, not a dimmer.
A non dimmable LED on a dimmer circuit usually flickers, buzzes or fails early, even with the dimmer turned fully up. If your downlights are on a dimmer, either have the dimmer replaced with a standard switch or call 01 401 9907 or email sales@shamrockelectrical.ie before ordering and we will talk through the options.
How long do LED GU10 bulbs last?
Both bulbs on this page are rated for 15,000 hours. At three hours a day that is more than thirteen years of normal use.
Rated life is an average, and heat shortens it, so a bulb in a sealed or poorly ventilated fitting may not reach the full figure. The Sylvania RefLED also carries a 2 year guarantee. Buying one pack for a whole room also means every spot matches, which is harder to achieve when bulbs are replaced one at a time over several years.
Do I need an electrician to change a GU10 bulb?
No. Swapping a GU10 bulb in an existing fitting is a simple twist out, twist in job. Switch off first and let halogen lamps cool.
A halogen spot can still be hot enough to burn a few minutes after switching off. Some downlights hold the bulb in with a retaining clip that has to be eased out before the bulb will turn. Replacing the downlight fitting itself, rather than the bulb, is electrical work and should be done by a registered electrician.
Where can I buy GU10 bulbs in Ireland?
Shamrock Electrical supplies GU10 LED bulbs across Ireland, online with free delivery on every order, or over the counter in Rathcoole, County Dublin.
We are an independent Irish electrical business at Unit 22, Block 613, Jordanstown Road, Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin, D24 TX98, just off the N7 and well positioned for the M50. The counter is open Monday to Friday 7am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 1:30pm. Website prices are retail, so for trade quantities call 01 401 9907 or email sales@shamrockelectrical.ie. For fittings to put the bulbs in, see downlights, kitchen lights and outdoor wall lights.
