Mini spots

Understanding G9 and G4 Pin Fittings: Voltage and Specifications

The difference between G9 and G4 pin fittings primarily lies in their operating voltage and the distance between the pins. This is important for proper installation and compatibility with your fixtures.

Characteristics of G9 LED Bulbs (230V)

G9 LED bulbs are recognizable by their two loop-shaped pins spaced 9 millimeters apart. A major advantage of G9 LEDs is that they can be connected directly to the 230V mains supply, with no separate transformer required. This makes installation straightforward and simple. Despite their compact size, they deliver a remarkable amount of light, making them suitable for both accent and functional lighting.

Features of G4 LED Bulbs (12V)

G4 LED bulbs have two thin pins with a 4-millimeter distance between them. An important distinction is that these bulbs operate on a low voltage of 12V. This means that a suitable transformer is needed to convert the 230V mains power to the required 12V. It is crucial that the transformer is compatible with LED lighting and meets the minimum load requirements of the connected lamps.

The Advantages of LED Mini Spots over Halogen

The shift from halogen to LED technology for mini spots brings significant benefits, both in the short and long term.

• High energy efficiency: LED mini spots use up to 80-90% less energy than their halogen predecessors. This results in a direct and substantial reduction in your energy costs. For example, a 2.7W G9 LED bulb can replace a 25W halogen lamp with comparable light output.
• Long lifespan: While traditional halogen lamps last an average of about 2,000 hours, LED variants offer a lifespan of up to 15,000 hours or more. This means less frequent replacement and reduced maintenance.
• Environmentally friendly alternative: LED bulbs contain no harmful substances like mercury, making them a safe and sustainable choice for both users and the environment.
• Instant light: As soon as LED mini spots are switched on, they immediately provide full brightness, with no warm-up time or annoying flicker.

Practical Considerations for Installation and Replacement

When switching to G9 and G4 LED mini spots, there are some practical points to keep in mind to ensure a smooth transition.

Check the size of the LED bulb

Although LED G9 and G4 bulbs are designed as 1-to-1 replacements, the dimensions of the LED versions can sometimes differ slightly from the original halogen lamps. This is due to the integrated electronics in LEDs. It's wise to compare the dimensions of the new LED bulb with the available space in your fixture before making a purchase.

The right transformer for G4 LED bulbs

For G4 LED bulbs, which run on 12V, a transformer is necessary. It is important that this transformer is suitable for LED lighting. Older halogen transformers may cause issues due to a higher minimum load. This can result in flickering, a buzzing sound, or even non-functioning bulbs. Choose a transformer specifically suitable for LEDs and ensure that the total wattage of the connected G4 LED bulbs falls within the specified range of the transformer.

Light Color and Functionality of Mini Spots

When choosing the right mini spot, it’s not just about the fitting, but also about the desired light color and possible dimming options.

Select the right light color (Kelvin) for every mood

The light color of a bulb, expressed in Kelvin (K), influences the ambiance of a room. For G9 and G4 LED bulbs, various color temperatures are available:

The color rendering index (CRI) of G9 and G4 LED bulbs is generally high (80 or above), ensuring a true-to-life color representation in the illuminated space.

Dimmable G9 and G4 LED Mini Spots

Many G9 and G4 LED mini spots are dimmable, allowing you to adjust the light intensity to suit the situation. This contributes not only to the ambiance, but can also further reduce energy consumption. For dimmable G4 LED bulbs, ensure that the bulb, transformer, and dimmer are all compatible with dimming to avoid unwanted effects like flickering.

Application Areas for Mini Spots

Thanks to their compact size and versatility, G9 and G4 LED mini spots are used in various settings:

• Decorative lighting: Often used in chandeliers, pendant lights, display cases, and wall lights to accentuate specific elements or create a warm ambiance.
• Furniture lighting: Ideal for built-in lighting in furniture such as cabinets, bookshelves, and under kitchen cabinets for countertop illumination.
• Appliances: Commonly used in range hoods, refrigerators, and sometimes even in ovens (note temperature resistance; LEDs are generally not suitable for high oven temperatures).
• Recreational vehicles: G4 12V LED bulbs are widely used in caravans, campers, and boats, providing efficient lighting via a 12V battery.
• Accent lighting: Directional light for highlighting artworks, architectural details, or other objects.

Responsible Disposal of Obsolete Lighting

Since September 2023, traditional halogen bulbs with G4, GY6.35, and G9 fittings have been phased out within the European Union. This means that these bulbs may no longer be newly produced or imported, further encouraging the switch to energy-efficient LED alternatives.

Old halogen G4 and G9 bulbs may be disposed of with general waste, but this does not apply to LED bulbs. Although LEDs contain no mercury, they must be returned to a recycling point due to their electronic components. This supports responsible material reuse and waste reduction.