Let There Be Light
Replacing standard G4 halogen bulbs typically found in puck-style fixtures with LEDs will lower power requirements while reducing heat and increasing longevity.
Interior lighting has gone through a number of transitions over the years, and halogen bulbs at one time were more fashionable. These bulbs emitted quite a bit of light and were easily tucked inside puck-style fixtures that added a big touch of modernism to any ceiling or under countertops. The downsides are higher energy requirements and tremendous heat — halogen bulbs draw twice the amperage of their incandescent counterparts. Small reason why LEDs quickly — which use only a tiny amount of energy — are now the bulb of choice. Fortunately, it’s easy to swap out the existing halogen bulb with an LED disc, and it only takes a few minutes.
The first step is deciding on the LED bulb that best suits your needs. As usual, the Internet is loaded with product in this arena. There are different light temperatures and lumen ratings. The higher the temperature, the brighter the light. And, the higher the lumens, the brighter the light. You may prefer a higher-temperature LED, rated around 5,000 Kelvin, in areas where bright light is needed, while a softer, more yellow tint of a 3,000-Kelvin bulb may be more desirable in areas where you lounge.
Halogen puck-style fixtures use a standard G4 bulb with two pins that push into a socket. A good replacement that’s easy to work with is a GB Concept LED G4 Bulb, configured in a plastic disc with the standard bi-pin connection. These bulbs are available in warm or daylight versions, draw only 1.8 watts and have brightness rating of 220 lumens. They operate on 12-volt DC power and are dimmable. You can buy a box of 10 bulbs for $24.95 on Amazon.
The installation is straightforward: The hardest part is getting a grip on the fixture’s lens to turn it for removal. Once you pull the existing bulb out — which only requires a pulling motion. — the reflector has to be removed to make room for the new LED disc. This can be done by prying out the edge with a small screwdriver. After the new bulb is inserted into the pin holes, the lens can be reinstalled.
No doubt you’ll be using less energy — as much as 85% as touted by the LED bulb manufacturer — but there will be a little loss in overall brightness, especially when using the warm LEDs. While the LED disc will project a beam angle of 180 degrees, it doesn’t have the benefit of the reflector. If more light is needed, the daylight version can be selected, but quite frankly, most RVs that are equipped with puck-lights will have multiple fixtures, so any overall lighting loss will not be much of an issue for most people, as was the case in the bedroom where this project was completed.
Boondockers will certainly appreciate the lower energy requirement — and everyone will enjoy the reduction of heat normally generated by halogen bulbs.
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