Your guide to MR11 LED spotlights

Thinking of switching to the bright and wonderful world of MR11 LEDs?

Well you’ve come to the right place. Our handy guide will tell you everything you need to find the right MR11 for you.

What is an LED MR11 spotlight?

Lets start with the basics. LED MR11 spotlights have the exact same fitting as MR11 halogen spotlights, with two narrow pins that stick out of the bottom. The most important difference is that LED MR11s run on just 12 volts, while their halogen counterparts run at 240 volts. This may mean you need a transformer to convert the main supply in your home or business to the required 12 volts.

What transformer do I need to run my MR11s?

The transformer you need depends on how many MR11 spotlights you want it to power timesed by the wattage. It’s also advised the total wattage of all bulbs combined doesn’t exceed 80% of the transformer’s wattage. For example, if you choose to power 4 x 4W MR11 bulbs (16W total) from one transformer, you’ll need a 20W transformer. If you want to power 4 x 6W MR11 bulbs, you’ll need a 30W transformer, and so 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 2.4w MR11 LED spotlight which has 170 lumens produces a comparable brightness to 20w standard light. It just consumes a tenth of the energy. It’s also worth noting how beam angle effects brightness. A narrower beam angle (of 45° or less) produces a more concentrated, and thus brighter, light. A wider beam angle will spread the light and create a more subtle glow.

Which colour light is best for me?

MR11 LED spotlights come in different light colours too. These colours are measured in Kelvins. The lower the Kelvin, the warmer the light, the higher the Kelvin (K), the cooler the light. Warm White colours, which measure between 2700-3200K are frequently used in living areas due to the cosy, inviting glow they cast. Cool White creates a fresher, whiter ambience that’s commonly used in bathrooms and measure between 5000-6500K Daylight is a happy medium between the two, with a kelvin rating that sits between 4000-4500k. You can read more about our post on colour options here to see how they could look in your home.

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.

How much will an LED MR11 cost?

As with everything, you need to guard against paying peanuts for a product that doesn’t feature the latest technology or is made with dud components, while still getting value for money. At LEDHut prices can vary from under £4 for the lowest wattage bulbs, to approximately £8 for the brightest MR11s. All are made with the highest quality parts and are designed to last 25,000 hours.