MR16 LED Light Bulbs – What’s the difference?

1-minute read – MR16 LED Bulbs by VIRIBRIGHT Comparison

Need help determining which MR16 you need? This article will answer any questions you might have about these compact spotlights.

The Multifaceted Reflector (MR) is the most widely used spotlight in commercial and residential applications. The reflector inside the MR controls the beam angle of the lamp and is available in different beam angles.

MR light bulbs are trendy because of the amount of light they offer compared to the amount of energy consumed. Halogen light bulbs consume less electricity than incandescent, but they still use more energy than LED lamps. Many utility companies encourage their subscribers to switch to LED light bulbs to reduce energy consumption. In return, consumers see a reduction in their energy bills and less heat put off by these bulbs.

MR16 with GU10 base	MR16 with GU5.3 (2-pin) base

There are two base types for MR16 light bulbs, the GU10 (twist) and the two-pin GU5.3 (push to fit). The GU5.3 base commonly operates using 12 volts, while the GU10 operates off 120 volts. Voltages vary significantly across all bulb types, so always check the specifications and ensure your fixture is compatible with the fitting and voltage.

You might have to change your transformer when replacing your low-voltage Halogen MR16 with an LED. Most power supplies require a minimum of a 20 Watt load. Viribright’s MR16s use only 3.2 Watts of energy, and the current transformer may not be able to run this low of a wattage. The current transformer should list the maximum and minimum load capabilities. For your safety, we recommend using an electrician to change out any electrical units.

Have a question about MR16s or other Viribright LED light bulbs? Please email us on our Contact us page.