Collection: FAQs
Please scroll down to find answers to some of the most common questions we are asked about LED lighting products and accessories or LED lighting in general.
We hope you’ll find the answer you’re looking for. If you still need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Lamps and bulbs
Will my current dimmer work with LED bulbs?
Will my current dimmer work with LED bulbs?
When using LED bulbs with dimmers that have been produced for conventional lamps - there can be a mismatch in technology, that can cause issues like flickering; Your existing dimmer may have been designed to dim high-power circuits, whereas LED lamps are low-power products. You should change your existing dimmer for a dimmer designed to work with LED.
- Are you using a non-dimmable lamp with a dimming circuit?
Using a non-dimmable LED bulb in a dimming circuit can cause damage to the LED bulb and/ or dimming circuit. Integral packaging and lamps are marked with text or an icon as non-dimmable or dimmable. - Your existing dimmer switch may be incompatible with the dimmable LED lamp you have purchased.
A common reason is that the LED bulb power load is below the minimum load required by the dimmer. e.g a dimming circuit for a 60W bulb may be installed with a dimmer with a minimum load of 25W. A replacement LED bulb may only be 5-6W falling below the minimum level required by the dimmer. - Incompatible transformer.
If you are using low-voltage lamps (MR16 12V Spotlight) your existing transformer may not be compatible with your LED lamp.
We would advise you to use a qualified electrician to make any changes to your electrical circuits.
How long will an LED lamp last?
How long will an LED lamp last?
The lifetime of a LED lamp is defined in hours. As with all types of lamp, the light output very slowly fades over time. LED lamps do not generally burnout they will still perform after their rated hours e.g 25,000 hours.
The lifetime is the figure stated when the light output is predicted to drop by a significant amount of the original light output where you may consider a replacement, this is partly due the the slow aging of the parts of the lamps such as refractors and other components. External factors such as heat, humidity, switching cycles and power supply will affect the lifetime of an LED lamp.
The longer life of LED means less time spent on lamp changes (important for hard-to-get-at areas) . Also it's great for the environment with less lamps, packaging and transport energy being used.
Switching cycles
All lamps including LED have a number of switching cycles. This is the minimum number of times the bulb can be switched ON and OFF before failure in normal use, lamps may go on to last longer. For a typical value of 12,500 the lamp can be switched ON and OFF once a day for a minimum of 34 years! (Environmental factors such as temperature can affect the value). In general, LED lamps for home or office use are not designed to be switched ON and OFF rapidly.
Do LED lamps fit most existing light fixtures?
Do LED lamps fit most existing light fixtures?
Mr-LED lamps can be used as direct replacements for most of your existing lamps. It's as quick and easy as replacing a conventional bulb.
All the common base types are available in the Mr-LED range, we are very retro-fit friendly.
The Mr-LED team have chosen our LED lamps very carefully, so that they are physically very close in physical dimensions to the traditional bulb shapes that they replace. They should blend in with your light fittings better than some CFL energy saving bulbs that can protrude and can look unsightly.
What do "Warm White and "Cool White" mean?
What do "Warm White and "Cool White" mean?
With LED lighting, especially spotlights you may have the option to choose the "light colour", known as " (Correlated) Colour Temperature (CCT)". Two examples are "Warm White" and "Cool White". There are no rules - the choice is about personal preference and use. CCT is expressed in Kelvin (K).
- A Warm White LED lamp will provide a traditional yellowish colour light, similar to conventional bulbs. This is the most popular choice (2700-3000K).
- A Cool White LED lamp will provide a modern, clean, bright light, that is slightly blue in colour (4000-5000K).
Is fitting an LED bulb like fitting any other bulb?
Is fitting an LED bulb like fitting any other bulb?
Fitting an LED bulb is the same as fitting any other bulb – but you will have to do it less often!
Before you change a bulb please ensure you have a similar LED replacement with the same base fitting, shape and light output.
Before changing or inspecting a bulb always turn OFF the power at the mains. Please take the necessary precautions if working at height. Wait for the current lamp to cool if required. Carefully remove the current lamp making sure you keep safe any clips or fittings. Fit the new LED lamp and switch the power ON and think about the energy savings you are making when compared to a conventional lighting. Sometimes a new light source may take a couple of days to get used to.
Lamps should be changed by a competent person. Please contact a qualified electrician if in doubt or to make any additions or changes to your circuit.
Dispose of old bulbs responsibly, especially CFL lamps that may contain mercury. Bulbs are not normally disposed of into the normal domestic or commercial waste stream, if in doubt check with your local authority.
General lighting
Mr-LED products are instant on - there is no warm up time.
Mr-LED products are instant on - there is no warm up time.
Mr-LED lamps are "Instant On", they light up instantly, just like conventional bulbs. They have no annoying warm-up period unlike most CFL bulbs. With LED lamps you enjoy a better performance whilst saving money.
What is the warranty period of Mr-LED products?
What is the warranty period of Mr-LED products?
The warranty provided by Mr-LED varies depending on the product you have purchased. The majority of Mr-LED products have a 3 year or 2 year warranty.
The warranty period is clearly displayed on the packaging and website (product page and pdf spec sheet).
Mr-LED products DO NOT contain mercury - unlike some CFLs.
Mr-LED products DO NOT contain mercury - unlike some CFLs.
LED lighting does not need mercury to be used as part of the lighting process, unlike some CFL bulbs. Mr-LED lamps do not contain mercury or any other hazardous chemicals or materials
Can I use dimmable LED bulbs / lamps with just an On/Off switch (without a dimmer)?
Can I use dimmable LED bulbs / lamps with just an On/Off switch (without a dimmer)?
Yes - This is a good idea if you are thinking of upgrading to a dimmer in the future. Ensure you buy a LED compatible dimmer. Non-dimmable bulbs should NOT be used with a dimmer.
Strips
What is LED strip lighting?
What is LED strip lighting?
An LED strip consists of a Flexible flat substrate (strip or tape) containing electrical tracks on which LEDs are placed at regular intervals. This flat substrate typically has an adhesive backing tape for easy installation. Once installed and a low DC voltage is applied (typically 12V or 24V) the whole length of the strip is illuminated. LED strips make a great addition to any domestic or commercial environment. They are inexpensive, easy to install and can change the look and ambiance of a space instantly.
The options are endless; the appropriate LED strip can be installed indoors or outdoors for various accent lighting in almost any area. The different levels of brightness and colour types available make LED strips very versatile.
LED strip basics
- Mr-LED low voltage strips are rated at 12V DC or 24V DC and require a constant-voltage driver (a type of transformer to convert mains AC voltage to 12VDC or 24VDC).
- Mr-LED strips are supplied in reels of 5 metres or 10 metres. The LED strip can be cut to length but only at special cut points marked on the strip. For example in a kitchen with two runs of 2.5M, you would cut the 5M strip in half (at the cut-point), apply the strip and power each strip with an appropriate driver or power both from the same driver. The strip could also be cut into a number of variations e.g. 4 metre only, 5 X 1 metres, a 3 and 2 metre strip.
- More than one strip can be powered from a single driver (The total wattage of the strips (Length x W/m) must be below 80% of the wattage rating of the 24VDC driver and below 90% of the wattage rating of the 12VDC driver).
- Mr-LED strips can be dimmed with the appropriate driver and compatible dimmer switch.
What do I need to consider when installing LED Strip Lighting?
What do I need to consider when installing LED Strip Lighting?
The following should be considered for any installation of LED Strip Lighting.
- Decide where the strip will be placed and if it will be used for ambient or accent lighting.
- LED strips should be installed on a smooth, stable surface that is clean and dry.
- How much light do you need? Different types of light output are produced by varying the size, number and colour of LEDs on a strip.
- Choose the appropriate IP rating for the area of installation (IP65 or IP67 for bathrooms or outdoors).
- Consider whether you need to conceal the strip, driver and cables.
- Consider whether the strip will be always on or switched on and off and decide if it will be part of your lighting circuit or on a separate switch.
- The final lighting effect will depend on a number of factors including; Size of LEDs, number of LEDs per metre, the angle and position of the strip, the colour temperature, distance and reflectiveness of surfaces and the distance of the observer from the strip. Know what you want and plan your installation accordingly.
- Handy tip: You can evaluate an LED strip by temporarily installing it with a removable tape such as masking tape, and then safely powering it to view the light output, pattern and angle, before finally fixing the strip.
- LED strips and drivers must be installed by a qualified electrician.
Where can LED strips be installed?
Where can LED strips be installed?
LED strips can be installed in a wide range of residential and commercial environments. Popular install locations include:
- Above and under kitchen/bathroom cabinets
- In kick-panels and skirting
- In ceiling coving, as wall washers and around bar areas
- In cupboards, display cases and bar counters
- Around doorways, windows, stairs and embedded into flooring
- Under roof soffits
- In gardens, pathways/driveways and signage
- Lighting for Christmas or other special occasions
- On the rear of TVs, speaker systems and certain gaming machines
What do IP Ratings mean for LED Strip?
What do IP Ratings mean for LED Strip?
Ingress protection determines if an electrical product’s exterior case or enclosure will protect the working parts from water, dust or solid object intrusion, keeping the product electrically safe and lasting longer. Ingress protection testing, or IP testing, provides a repeatable test standard to compare the enclosure protection; IP testing should always be performed at an accredited test laboratory.