Your guide to GU10 LED spotlights

Interested in switching to GU10 LED spotlights?

Well cast your eyes over our handy guide below to find out everything you need to know before buying:

What is a GU10 LED spotlight?

The GU10 part refers to the base of the bulb, which has two pins protruding from the bottom and look like a pair of little legs (see below).

GU10 LED spotlights are one of the most commonly used LED spotlights out there, which is largely down to their retrofit design which means no complicated installation is needed - just plug in and switch on.

What wattage do I need?

Most people tend to focus on wattage when it comes to measuring the brightness they need. However, it’s slightly different for LED bulbs. Firstly, the true brightness of LED bulbs is measured in lumens. For instance, a 4.5w LED GU10 spotlight which has 320 lumens produces the same brightness as a 50w halogen. It just consumes a tenth of the energy. It’s also worth noting how beam angle affects brightness. A narrower beam angle (of 45° or less) produces a more concentrated, and thus brighter, light.

Which colour light is best for me?

GU10 LED spotlights come in different colours too. These colours are measured in Kelvins. The lower the Kelvin, the warmer the light, the higher the Kelvin, the cooler the light. You can choose from Cool White, Warm White and Daylight colours. Where you use these colours is entirely up to you. If you want an idea, many customers use Warm White for cosy living areas, Cool White for bathrooms, while Daylight offers a happy medium. You can learn more about colour options here to see how they could look in your home.

Do I need a driver?

No you don’t. GU10s have an in-built driver, so you can just switch your old halogen bulbs with new LEDs and start saving straight away.

Will I need an electrician?

Nope. GU10 LEDs are made to directly fit into any GU10 fitting.

Can I purchase dimmable GU10s?

You can indeed. They only cost a little extra and the best bit is that they can be used with most 3rd party dimmer switches. However, for optimum performance, we advise trailing edge and inductive dimmer switches.

What beam angle do I need?

Beam angle is measured in degrees. A wider beam angle covers more space with light. Your choice of beam angle, like colour variant, is completely down to you. As a guide, we’d advise using wider beam angles in living spaces where many people are gathered round. Narrow beam angles, on the other hand, are often used for decorative purposes or areas where you need focus.

What fitting do I need?

You have a range of different fittings to choose from. At LEDHut, we offer Fire Rated downlight fittings. These have been protected for up to 90 minutes and offer advanced thermal protection and will prevent fire from spreading to ceiling, floors and loft space above. We also offer a Shower Rated downlight fitting which (surprisingly) are perfect for bathrooms as they guard against water entry. Both fittings come in different styles. Choose from white, chrome and brushed steel finishes depending on the look you want to go for (see below).

How much will a GU10 cost me?

When it comes to LED lights, as they get ever-more popular, a lot of companies offer lower prices in return for poor quality bulbs. It’s important to find a happy medium between quality and price. At LEDHut we sell spotlights that offer 25,000 hours of use and are built with the latest technology. Our prices for GU10s start under £5 for the lowest wattage bulbs and go up to approximately £9 for the brightest options.