A huge variety of all kinds of lamps sometimes leads consumers to a dead end with the inconsistency of the lamps purchased for them. But exactly correct selection light bulbs makes them light sources. It is no secret that modern lamps are divided not only by the models of light sources used in them. There is one more element that underlies the choice. This is the base of the light bulb. So for this, the elements of the light bulb are divided into screw and pin. And since the topic of this article is based on a GU 10 halogen lamp, it is necessary to immediately make a reservation that it belongs to the pin group.

Incidentally, the letter "G" indicates that this fixture belongs to the pin group. The letter "U" indicates that the base pins themselves have flared ends that fit into the slot of the holder. The number "10" is the distance between the pins themselves, measured in millimeters. It should be noted that there are various modifications in lamps of this type, which are indicated by other letters. For example, X, Z, Y and so on, they replace the letter "U" in the marking.

Sometimes a GU 10 halogen lamp is called a "starter" lamp. The whole point, again, in the way it is installed in the lamp holder. That is, the pins are inserted into the groove, and the bulb itself turns all the way. This method is used in fluorescent luminaires, in which a starter is installed in this way.

Why "halogens" are leaving the market

The emergence of LED lamps on the market virtually eliminated halogen sales. This is understandable, because LED lighting devices have a huge number of advantages (we will not talk about them here). Nevertheless, the GU 10 halogen lamp is still used today.

Manufacturers offer several models that differ from each other in terms of performance. It ranges from 10 to 75 watts. The lamps themselves are powered by a 220 volt network.

But here the point is different. Any lamps with a GU 10 base have, so to speak, a directional light beam, so their main application is to organize the illumination of a small area. That is why luminaires with such lamps are most often used not for general lighting, but purely for design needs. Or, in other words, for accent lighting. Therefore, most often such lamps are installed in spotlights.

But the use of such light sources is a huge area. They are mainly used to illuminate shop windows, paintings in art galleries, in libraries above reading tables. In everyday life, they are installed in kitchens to illuminate the working area, in bathrooms, in hallways near the mirror.

It should be noted that specifications halogen GU 10, especially dimensional indicators, may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. But the main ones are almost the same. For example, 35W models.

• The luminous flux is 650 KD.
• Scattering angle 35º.
• Service life up to 2000 hours.
• Most often it is a mirror type lamp with an aluminum reflector.

So, LED bulbs GU 10 replaced halogen ones with the same base. But in view of the fact that the design of the LEDs themselves is completely different from the halogen, then some problems arise when using them. For example, the diffusion of the luminous flux of an LED light source has an angle of 12-36 degrees, which is not always enough for zonal (accent) lighting.

Therefore, very often LED counterparts GU 10 in their design have special diffuser-lenses, with the help of which the range of angular illumination is extended up to 60º. As for the power of the GU 10 LED lamp, which is 3-4 W, it is quite enough to replace a 20-25 W halogen. By the way, the number of LEDs in lamps of this type can be different: from one to three. At the same time, powerful LEDs are installed in the structure, providing required amount Sveta. Today, more and more often, the GU 10 LED lamp is used for the main lighting in offices, bathrooms, they are used to illuminate shop windows and stands.

It should also be noted that LED technologies are being improved, which means that the cost of production is decreasing. Therefore, at present, LED lamps with a pin-type GU 10 base in terms of cost are becoming acceptable.

LED bulbs, are one of the most economical light sources that leading manufacturers and developers of lighting devices can offer to the user at this time. LED lamps MR16 with GU10 base relate to these light sources, and can save a lot of money for the user. MR16 Series LED Bulbs are small lighting devices, but have excellent luminous flux that can cover a large area.

The main developers and manufacturers of these lamps are companies, and. Thanks to these manufacturers, the user can choose the required LED lamp MR16 that will meet all his requirements. Each of the firms has its own varied approaches to manufacturing LED lamps, however, they are all united by the quality of the products and the large range of LED lamps.

MR16 LED lamp Small in size and compact in shape, it is perfect for use in any environment: public buildings, cafes, restaurants, shop windows and domestic use. Very often users use this lamp for spotlights in a suspended ceiling to create decorative lighting in a room.

The lamp is mounted to the mains by means of the base GU10, which is widely used in spotlights. This lamp can easily become an alternative replacement for halogen light sources. MR16 LED lamps with GU10 base operate from 220V and do not require any additional modules or devices for their functioning. By itself base / plinth GU10 appears to be two contacts, so the user just needs to insert them into the slot of the socket under this connector and turn them to a certain moment, thereby fixing the lamp.

Lamp LED MR16 with GU10 base It can be of different power, mainly from 3.5 W to 6 W. The luminous flux directly depends on the power of the selected lamp and can be approximately 230 Lm - 340 Lm. It can be seen from the above technical indicators that this LED lamp consumes 4 - 6 times less electricity compared to halogen light sources, although performance is not inferior to them. The light scattering angle is almost the same for all lamps and is about 35 °, which is a good indicator for spotlights.

Thanks to the built-in reflectors, the light emitted by the diodes is not scattered and is focused to a certain place, creating a point glow. Color temperature of lamps LED MR16 is equal to 2700 K, which is equivalent to pleasant warm lighting, which is well perceived by human eyes. Also, the lamp does not emit any heat, therefore it is widely used for lighting food products or any objects that critically transfer thermal effects to their surface, such as departments of museums and various exhibition exhibits.

All LED LED MR16 lamps with GU10 base have a colossal resource of work / hours, which is about 50,000 hours.

Plinth- an element necessary for fixing the lamp in the holder and supplying electric current to it. Different types of lampholders are used in modern luminaires.

There are many types of plinths. Therefore, before you run to the store for a new lamp for a lamp or sconce, it is important to pay attention to the base of the lamp used in the lamp.

Advice: Modern Chinese chandeliers and lighting fixtures often use lamps with very exotic bases. To avoid the problem of finding replacement bulbs in the future, buy electrical products designed for popular lamp bases.

The base / plinth designation system consists of several elements:

I) The first letter indicates base type:

• "E" indicates that this screw base (Edison base) is one of the most popular (E27, E14);
• The "G" in the name of the base indicates that this pin base is the second of the most popular (G4, GX53);
• "R" means that the base is with a recessed contact (R39, R63);
• "P" indicates focusing cap;
• "B" indicates that this base is pinned (aka bayonet);
• "S" indicates that the base is soffit.

II) Also in the name of the base you will find a number. This is diameter the connecting part of the base or the distance between the pins.

III) The name of the base may contain lowercase letters. They represent the number of contact plates, flexible connections or pins in a given base.

• s = one contact,
• d = two contacts,
• t = three contacts,
• q = four contacts,
• p = five contacts.

Threaded base (E14, E27, E40)

Conventional lighting lamps have a threaded base with an outer diameter of 14, 27 or 40 mm and special coarse thread. Such plinths are called E14, E27 and E40, respectively. Letter designation"E" (Edison / Edison) stands for screw device. The number that follows the letter in the classification corresponds to the outer diameter in millimeters.

Bulbs with E27 socket(ES) - the very "Ilyich's bulbs" to which we are all accustomed. They are most often used in chandeliers, shades, wall and table lamps. E27 base is a threaded system for quick connection of the lamp holder and lamp with a diameter of 27 millimeters. Such lamps are most often powered by an alternating current 220V (AC).

(SES) is also very popular. Lamps with such a base are often called "minions" for miniature classic lamps and sconces. In almost any apartment there is a place where lamps with such a base are installed. Most often it is a kitchen, toilet or bathroom, corridor. E14 lamps are often in the shape of a "candle" (C37), a ball (G45), or a "mushroom" (R63, R50, R39). Such lamps are most often powered by an alternating current 220V (AC). The diameter of this base is 14 mm.

Bulbs with E40 socket(GES) are most often high power and are used in industrial and street lighting. For example, DRL lamps have just such a base. Such lamps are powered by an alternating current 220V (AC). The diameter of this base is 40 mm.

In addition, the following less popular threaded sockets are found:

• E5 - micro base (LES) with a diameter of 5 mm,
• E10 - miniature base (MES) with a diameter of 10 mm,
• E12 - miniature base (MES) with a diameter of 12 mm,
• E17 - small base (SES) with a diameter of 17 mm,
• E26 - Medium plinth (ES) with a diameter of 26 mm.

Pin base (G4, GU5.3, G6.35, GU10, G9, G13, G23, G53, GX53)

It is designated by the letter G. A pin system is used to connect the lamp to the socket. The numbers in the designation show the distance between the centers of the pins (in the figure, this distance is equal to N), and for a larger number of pins, the diameter of the circle on which the centers of the pins are located.

For caps of this type, additional designations are often used, indicating non-interchangeable lamp modifications: U, X, Y, Z. For example, lamps with GX 53 and G53 caps have the same distance between the centers of the pins (53 mm), but require completely different connectors for connection ...

Most commonly found in MR16 halogen and LED lamps, which are used in niche lighting, household lighting, decorative lighting and display lighting. Typically, these lamps are powered by 220V (AC) or 12V (AC / DC). By the way, this base is very popular among LED lamps.

Swivel pin lamps base GU10 also have a standard size MR16, are inserted into the chuck and turned to the stop in a special lock. Therefore, they are used where vibration or external influences can cause other lamps to fall out. Lamps with a GU10 base are usually powered from an alternating current 220V (AC).

Externally, lamps with GU10 and GU5.3 sockets differ only in thickness and appearance pins.

Designed for MR11 miniature lamps, which are widely used for decorative lighting applications due to their bright spot light. These are mainly low-voltage lamps for 12 / 24V, but they are also found at 220V (AC). The advantages of these lamps are manifested primarily in recessed ceiling luminaires and flexible lighting systems.

Very similar to the previous ones. The distance between the pins is 6.35 mm. These lamps are usually powered from an alternating current 220V (AC).

Plinth G9- also a pin base, in the form of two elongated loops of wire with a distance between the pins of 9 mm. Lamps with G9 base are used in accent and decorative lighting fixtures, in recent times often found in home chandeliers. The pin base is very easy to use - installing and replacing lamps is quick and easy.

Pin base with 13 mm pin spacing. Lamps with this base are most often installed in lamps such as Armstrong, LPO, LVO, LSP and others.

T8 tubular fluorescent and LED lamps have the same G13 base and are analogous.

Plinth G23 is a plinth with 23 mm pin spacing. Lamps with this base are often used in table lamps, shower and bathroom fixtures. The sockets of such lamps have special holes for mounting in conventional wall lamps.

Often used for suspended and suspended ceilings in residential and office premises due to the low height of lamps with such a base (28 mm). Such lamps also turn all the way with a special lock (like lamps with a GU10 base). The distance between the centers of the pins is 53 mm. GX53 lamps usually operate on 220V (AC) and do not need any transformers.

To connect such lamps, a luminaire suitable for the base is usually sufficient; additional sockets are not required.

- "the big brother of the GX53 base". It is absolutely similar to it with the only difference that the distance between the centers of the pins is 70 mm.

Lamp with base G53 It is used in areas where directional lighting is required, for example, to create accent lighting for objects in salesrooms, restaurants, in exclusive boutiques and galleries, in rooms with high ceilings, you can illuminate a stage.

A lamp with such a base is most often used in luminaires with a gimbal-type lamp hinge.

LED lamps with Gu10 socket for 220 V, energy saving 10 times your electricity, they are suitable for direct replacement of incandescent and halogen lamps, mainly for downlights, recessed into the ceiling.

LED energy-saving lamps with matte diffuser follow the shape and dimensions of standard halogen lamps with Gu10, PAR16 base. The gu10 led diode lamps use planar LEDs, which ensure the reliability and efficiency of the light sources.

The efficiency of gu10 LED lamps is 70 lm / W for warm colors and 75 lm / W for cold colors. These bulbs use efficient Samsung planar LEDs, providing 70 lm / W for warm lamps and 78 lm / W for cold lamps. At the same time, the color rendering index of 5 W lamps is provided at a level of> 82 for warm colors and> 75 for cold colors. GU10 LED bulbs use a cylindrical radiator with an increased dissipation area, which helps to reduce the temperature inside the bulb and increase the service life.

The range is represented by the color temperatures of the emitted light - 3000 K and 4200 K. The service life is 40,000 hours.

Lamps with this base are often compared to GU5.3 lamps. They have very similar dimensions: the GU10 are slightly less compact - the diameter of the dome is almost always the same 50 mm, but they are often longer in length. Again, when comparing, it becomes obvious that the GU10s have a more secure swivel mount to the chuck. This allows them to be used in movable and / or vibration-loaded structures.

GU10 LED lamps are designed for 220-240 volts. The angle of radiation of most models, as a rule, is in the range from 20 to 60 degrees (much less often up to 150 degrees), which indicates the nature of the use of lamps - accent, spot lighting.

Historically, GU10 bulbs have been halogen since their inception (see picture on the left) and most often have been in the PAR16 shape. LED lamps similar in shape and base (in the picture on the right) began to appear in 2010 and now they are one of the most popular lamp formats for home and office-shop lighting. In the overwhelming majority of cases, old halogen lamps can be simply replaced with LED counterparts by choosing the right power. Power supplies and transformers are no longer needed here, because these lamps are designed to operate from a standard 220 V network. They instantly turn on and go into operation with a given light output, but this is typical for all LED lamps.

Most manufacturers quote a minimum of 20,000 hours of continuous operation, and some claim 50,000 hours. If we assume that the lamp works for about 3 hours a day (average statistical indicator), then even at 20 thousand hours it will work for more than 18 years. If the lamp is installed in the hotel corridor and never turns off at all, then it will work for more than 2 years. This is a very impressive figure because with this operating mode the most successful halogens "live" for a maximum of six months.

Like all other LED lamps, almost every model is available in two shades of emitted light - warm and cold. You probably already know what that means. But if not, read it.