There was an interesting release from Osram Australia this week.

I had heard rumours of it happening but nothing official. Today I checked the official banned imports list on the Australian Customs website but the halogens werent mentioned only the incandescent lamps

Perhaps they havent got the official law passed yet in the parliament.

In any case this will be an expensive problem for everyone with 12V MR16 downlight. There are tens of millions of these installed across Australia.

Lamp Ban Update – 50 Watt Tungsten Halogen Mirror Reflector Lamps are being phased out

The phase out is part of Australia’s switch to more energy efficient lighting. From April 2012, this included an import ban on 50 Watt extra low voltage 12 volt tungsten halogen multifaceted MR16 dichroic reflector lamps. The average measured wattage for these lamps is now required to be no more than 37 Watts. This means 35 Watt and other new technology lamps may be used.

Why are these lamps not energy efficient?
‘Low voltage’ does not mean low energy. In fact, they consume 50 lamp Watts plus the transformer losses, which are often overlooked because transformers are hidden from view in the ceiling or wall. We also use multiple lamps to illuminate a space.

Will the phase out compromise light quality?
No, the phase out does not have to mean compromising on light quality. The same light output is possible using lower wattage lamps thanks to improved technologies.

What are these lamps used for?
Many downlights and track lights in homes and shops incorporate tungsten halogen multifaceted reflector lamps. They are popular because of their compact size, directional beam, varied intensities and design potential. However, they can reach high temperatures and are expensive to run and replace. Some are of poor quality, have a short life and don’t light the space well.

Hi,

We inherited a 12 volt transformer set up in our garden and I’ve recently
had it OK’d for use by a sparky so I’m looking to buy some spotlights – my
question is how do I know what size cable to order for our garden lights?

Thanking you

Paula Turner

Hi, I have disco lights bought from Big W about 8 years ago. It has a 12
volt globes in them. Bayonet like and small, like what you would put in a
torch. Do you have them and if not what else could I put in there without
blowing it up ha ha. I look forward to your reply.

Charmaine Watson

Hi, can you recommend an automatic motion sensor light for a kitchen pantry?
cheers
Russell

Yes you have read this correctly. Whilst everyone else is trying to produce a LED down light that has the same light output as a standard halogen, the new Osram Coinlight Power LED down light actually produces more light than the standard halogen. The next generation LED downlight has arrived.

This new Osram Coinlight Power MR16 LED Downlight is like nothing we have seen before. Normally LED manufacturers baffle the customer (and us) by quoting their LED downlight output light performance in lumens. We all know that the light output of a halogen reflector globe is measured in Lux so until now it has been impossible to compare apples with apples. This has finally changed – here is a brand name LED with a real comparable test, Osram Halogen MR16 vs the latest in Osram LED technology. See for yourself

Osram Coinlight LED MR16 Comparison Chart

Not only is the light output of the new Osram Coinlight Power LED down light nothing we have experienced before, but the physical design is something worth mentioning too. It has been designed with more cooling fins than most aircraft engines. Due to popular belief LEDs still get hot – damn hot. In the past premature failure of cheapo imported MR16 LED bulbs has mainly been due to the circuit board that the LEDs are attached too simply burning out. The physical LEDs were probably fine when the lights went out and left you in the dark but the circuit board got too hot and died. The Osram Coinlight Power LED unit has a long life rating due its unique heat dissipation design with the cooling fins and this is why Osram can offer a 30,000 hour life with this product

Osram Coinlight Power LED MR16 Halogen Replacement Downlight

The LED lamp face is just 50mm (exactly the same as a standard MR16 halogen). So in the fitting it looks just like a standard halogen except with the energy saving and long life benefits. The other big thing is that it fully dimmable!

We have packaged this great Osram Coinlight Power LED downlight bulb in to a complete kit. LED bulbs, great looking light fitting, dedicated LED driver (not some transformer designed to run halogen lights) and complete with flex and plug lead

For more detailed specs please visit here

I have some halogen down lights that I would like to make more energy efficient

What steps would you recommend…

Keeping and replacing bulbs perhaps transformers

Or replacing with CFL GU10 fittings

Or perhaps another idea

Thanks in advance

Wayne

Hi Daniel,

After much contemplation, I had already come to the conclusion to install Halogen downlights in the new house when I came across your informative article in Lightingpro. One day when the choice has improved and the price is much better, I might look at LED’s.

In the meantime, would you make lamp/fitting recommendations please?

Looks like 12V lamp type with Redback transformers where I want real light (living/kitchen), (some gimble fittings);

Thinking of non-dimmable CFL’s for places where I just want some effect lights – outside under the eaves to light the wall; it’s a broad beam so gimble is not important;

Was thinking of a limited number of LEDS for “night” lights in halls and the like where they can be left on for extended periods.

Best Regards
Roy Flynn

We have numerous halogen downlights in our rented home. They all have square discolouration in the gyproc around them very well demarcated. I think it is related to heat produced by the downlights affecting the gyproc and causing dust etc to attach to this area.

Our landlord is trying to suggest we have damaged the gyproc in some way. There are no other discoloured areas anywhere else on the ceilings.

Could heat from halogen downlights cause this problem?

Thanks

Andy

Hi There

As seen on Today Tonight. Energy saving LED lighting that lasts for 10 years

Sorry we are still waiting for stock to arrive of the LED Magic LED light bulb globes but please register your interest here and we will let you know when stock is available

please email shop@lightingpro.com.au with your return email contact details and how many units you are chasing

Kind regards

Daniel

Hi There

I am the head of the body corporate of our building and currently using incandescent globes in our fittings in the common areas. I would like to use compact fluorescent globes CFL to try and save electricity but also save on our building maintenance costs.

We will get the same life that is quoted by the manufactures if we have the lights on for extended periods at a time?

Looking forward to your response.

Kind regards

Jill