Do LED lights need a new transformer or will they work with old ones?

As technology moves on, LEDs are being built with retrofit and replacement in mind and this now includes MR16 low voltage halogen. In 99% of installations, MR16 low voltage halogen lamps are dependent on a transformer, normally an electronic high frequency AC transformer. Some MR16 LED lamps are now manufactured with the above in mind and their technology allows them to run with low voltage electronic transformers.

There are a few important factors to take into consideration when deciding to retrofit LED MR16 lamps with existing transformers built for use with halogen lamps; these include the transformers minimum wattage/load requirements and operating frequency. If the minimum load requirements are not met then the transformer may shut down or fail to operate, and if the frequency is too low the lamp may flicker or cause premature failure of the lamp and/or transformer.

Another specification to check is if the transformers are controlled by a dimmer as most retrofit MR16 lamps are non-dimmable.

Suffice to say it is imperative before any retrofit installation to thoroughly test the compatibility of the MR16 LED lamp with the transformers installed.