Help identify this bulb

NotAGolf · 3 Dec 2012 at 20:44

I have five spotlights in my kitchen that are recessed under the kitchen units. A couple of bullbs have gone recently so I'm looking to replace them. Trouble is, I didn't put the lights in and there's no info on the bulb itself so I'm no sure what I need. Here's a pic:

After a bit of googling, it seems they are halogen capsule bulbs. Depending on what website I look at, they're also mention in the following acronyms/info: JC, bi-pin, G4, G6.35, G9...

Couple of questions:
- What do the G numbers mean?
- Are they cross-compatible?
- What wattage am I likely to need? There's no markings on the bulb. Obviously I don't want to get something too powerful for the fitting, but conversly I what to see what I'm doing!

Thanks for any help.

Salsa · 3 Dec 2012 at 20:45

G4 20w

Could be a 5w or 10w but I doubt it for under unit lighting as that would be far too low. You probably wont find any above 205w as anything higher comes in a G9 form factor.

You can buy them in any local DIY shed or supermarket.

/Salsa

R.C.Anderson · 3 Dec 2012 at 20:48

Pretty sure they're G4 type bulbs. Usually not cross-compatible.

Wattage, now that depends what they are from, under-unit spots, I would guess at 15-20W.

Salsa · 3 Dec 2012 at 20:49

As a side note I would buy enough to replace all thebulbs in your under cabinet lights. From my experience when one goes the rest are soon to follow.

/Salsa

Soundood · 3 Dec 2012 at 21:45

G4's 20w, as salsa said, change them all in one go, then keep the old working ones to replace any that go in the future

/Soundood

RJC · 3 Dec 2012 at 22:01

Link:

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_In...ex/Lamps_and_Tubes_Index/Halogen_c/index.html

NotAGolf · 3 Dec 2012 at 22:22

Thanks guys. Pack of 12 20W G4's on the way for only a few quid

yozzer2001 · 3 Dec 2012 at 22:29

remember when fitting them dont touch the glass with your fingers

NotAGolf · 4 Dec 2012 at 08:54

yozzer2001 said:
remember when fitting them dont touch the glass with your fingers

Thanks for the heads up. Just had a read up why you shouldn't. I pulled out a working bulb to check it was the bulb and not the fitting that was knackered so that one will probably go now too! Good job I bought a pack of 12!

Bill101 · 4 Dec 2012 at 09:14

Can you trace the wire back. it should end in a transformer which may have its output printed on it as you can get G4 lamps in 6,12,and 24 volts.

JohnnyG · 4 Dec 2012 at 09:41

If they're actually recessed in to the cabinet then you should only put in 10w due to heat dissipation, or lack of it.

NotAGolf · 4 Dec 2012 at 10:21

Bill101 said:
Can you trace the wire back. it should end in a transformer which may have its output printed on it as you can get G4 lamps in 6,12,and 24 volts.

No the wire goes directly into the wall so without ripping out the fitting and part of the wall I can't tell. I got the 12V as these seem to be the most popular.

JohnnyG said:
If they're actually recessed in to the cabinet then you should only put in 10w due to heat dissipation, or lack of it.

No, the fitting is just stuck on the underside. It's about an inch thick. I suspect it's designed to be recessed into the ceiling, but they've just stuck it under the work surface. Looks like a bit of a bodge job tbh but you can't see it unless you get under there.

Jono8 · 4 Dec 2012 at 10:36

Queen wasp