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Selecting the Best Dimmable LED GU10 Spotlights
Dimmable LED spotlights save energy while creating a cosy mood that you can’t get with their non-dimmable counterparts. But they are way more expensive than non-dimmable right?
Actually, not really.
In this guide you’ll find out more about:
- The actual cost differences between dimmable and non-dimmable GU10 spotlights.
- Our top ten current most popular GU10 LED’s.
- Other factors that influence cost and your choice such as dimmer switches.
- Further help and advice for shoppers.
Cost differences between Dimmable & Non-dimmable GU10 LED’s
With the growing popularity and variety of LED products, many manufacturers have been offering them at increasingly competitive prices and excellent quality. It’s now pretty normal to find very little difference in price between dimmable and non-dimmable LED’s.
To illustrate the point, here are some examples from our shop (inc VAT):
| Wattage | Non-dimmable | Dimmable | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3w | £3.56 | £3.58 | + 2p |
| 3.5w | £2.72 | £3.12 | + 62p |
| 5w | £2.50 | £2.72 | + 22p |
| 5.5w | £3.97 | £3.30 | - 67p |
As can be seen, it’s possible to buy dimmable spotlights for less than £1 than its equivalent non-dimmable counterpart – as well as from high quality manufacturers like Philips and Osram.
Our Top 10 Selling Dimmable GU10’s:
| Brand | Wattage | Colour Temperature | Lumens | Life Span (hrs) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sylvania | 5W< | 3000k | 345 | 15,000 | Buy Now |
| Osram | 8W | 3000k | 535 | 25,000 | Buy Now |
| Osram | 8W | 2700k | 535 | 25,000 | Buy Now |
| Osram | 5W | 2700k | 350 | 15,000 | Buy Now |
|
Osram |
4.3W | 4000k | 350 | 25,000 | Buy Now |
|
Energizer |
5W | 3000k | 345 | 15,000 | Buy Now |
|
Philips |
9W | 2700k | 355 | 25,000 | Buy Now |
|
Energizer |
5W | 3000k | 345 | 15 years | Buy Now |
|
Osram |
8W | 4000k | 535 | 25,000 | Buy Now |
|
Sylvania |
5W | 4000k | 345 | 15,000 | Buy Now |
What factors influence the cost of dimmable Gu10’s?
Fittings
LED GU10 spotlights are designed to retrofit existing light fittings. They’re usually ready to install upon delivery.
Dimming Switches
lampIf you’re a newcomer to LED GU10 spotlights, odds are your dimmer switch won’t be compatible. While traditional halogen bulbs use leading-edge switches, dimming LED GU10 spotlights need the more advanced trailing-edge dimmer.
“LED dimmers cost around £15 and an electrician should charge between £35 and £60 to install the switch, so it's affordable to make the change. Don't forget that you also need to make sure that the LEDs you buy are dimmable bulbs.”
Leading Edge / Trailing Edge Switches
Leading-edge switches are designed for older light bulbs and therefore come with a high minimum load. Because LED GU10s are far more energy-efficient, they won’t be able to meet that minimum load. This causes flickering and can shorten the life of the bulb.
Useful to know:
- The Philips Master LED bulb says it’s fully dimmable in any 240v application that has a dimming switch.
- Some brands like Osram make LED GU10s capable of working with both a leading-edge and a trailing-edge switch, such as the Osram 8w LED GU10, the Osram 8w LED, and the Osram 8w LED.
However, we still recommend a trailing-edge switch for a better performance. To avoid flickering and crackling and to give your bulb a longer life, make sure to get a dimmer switch that’s compatible with LED GU10s.
How many LEDs can my Dimmer switch support?
There’s an easy way to find out how many LEDs can be supported by your dimmer switch. Just divide both the minimum and maximum loads by 10. Let’s say your dimmer switch is rated at 100W - 400W. This means when you use this dimmer with an LED bulb, the load must be anywhere between 10W - 40W.
Best LED Dimmer Switch
- Varilight V-Pro 1 Gang, 2 Way LED Dimming Switch
- Available in white and chrome
- Works for both LED and halogen
- Silent, smooth dimming
- Runs 10 lamps from a single switch
- 10 year warranty
Transformers and Drivers
Usually, a transformer isn’t necessary to install dimmable LED GU10 spotlights. However, always check the package for further information.
For instance, the Osram 5.5w LED is a replacement for a high-powered 12v 50w halogen. Because 12v lamps need a transformer, it’s recommended to check the condition of the transformer before fitting to prolong the LED spotlight’s life.
In contrast, drivers are always required. Drivers are equivalent to ballasts. GU10s come with built-in drivers.
CRI
The Colour Rendering Index (CRI) can also influence bulb cost. In essence, this is a measure of how true the colour output will be to the specified Kelvin rating. Higher rated bulbs (measured in CRI %) will reflect a truer colour and generally cost a little more.
Energy Rating
Top rated A++ bulbs will cost more than lower rated bulbs. You can usually check the rating on the bulb packaging.
Warranty
Bulbs with a life span of 25,000 hours will typically cost more than those offering just 15,000. Differences are very subtle and it pays to shop around as some of our top selling bulbs – for example the Osram 4.3w LED Par16 36deg GU10 retails at under £4 inc. VAT.
Lumen Output
It pays to check Lumen outputs before purchase as the same wattage GU10 can produce quite different Lumen outputs. As an example, Osram are renowned for high Lumen output. So always check when choosing your bulbs to see the differences that exist.
More Help & Advice
If you would like more help, try some of the following useful resources:
Stopping your LED’s from flickering, buzzing, glowing and burning out
Find out more about the common problems with LED bulbs and how to fix them.
Your guide to LED Dimmer switches
LED bulbs need a specific type of dimmer switch to work properly, and you need to be using specific dimming bulbs.
Light up your bathroom with LED’s: Advice & Ideas from our team of experts
Our experts Gilly Craft, Ramsey Dawson, Emile Azan, Steph Briggs and Martyn Allen provide ideas for all areas of the bathroom.
How can I upgrade the lighting in my home to LEDs?
This room-by-room guide will take you through how to swap the bulbs in your home to LEDs.
How to upgrade your entire home to LED: a room by room guide
Enhancing your home with LEDs can improve light levels and offer energy-saving potential. Use our guide to find out how.
A guide to LED colour temperatures
Find out the difference between warm white, cool white and daylight.
Downlights – Integrated or GU10
A handy guide for anyone confused between a GU10 LED Downlight and an Integrated LED Downlight.
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Delivery & Returns
Delivery
- Orders above £40 free delivery.
- Bulk purchasing options apply to many products listed in our GU10 ranges.
- Royal Mail Tracked 2nd Class Delivery Under 3ft - £2.96
- Royal Mail Tracked 1st Class Delivery Under 3ft - £4.80
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If you're not happy with your purchase you can return items to us within 30 days of receiving your order providing the goods are unused. To return your items, please e-mail sales@lampshoponline.com with your order number and we will send a returns number and return instructions to you.
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