My jewelry store has a Halo track light setup directly above the showcases using low voltage 50w halogen mr16 track lights (gimbal ring type) with integrated electronic transformers on each the track heads. I am hoping to replace 50 of these halogens with led mr16s to save on electricity (not to mention the high temperature), but still would like to keep the current track heads(cost reasons) if I can. I have read in many places that magnetic transformers should be used with leds to avoid flickering issues and other compatibilty problems (ie, load detection) when leds are used with electronic transformers.

Question: Is there a simple way to bypass the integrated electronic transformer on each of the track heads so that I can connect one large Magnetic transformer to the track to run all 50 leds? If not, where can I find small enough magnetic transformers to replace the ones in the track heads? The led mr16s I've outsourced will be either 8w or 9w each so I am looking for 110v in 12v out 10w transformers.
that can fit in each of the units. Any and all suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

 

Lets make sure I follow: each track head has its own transformer? If so your track voltage would be 120v. Get a meter and check your voltage output of the track itself. Why do you think your transformers are the electronic type and not magnetic?

Why not just install 12v LED replacement lamps? These guys might point you in the right direction: Super Bright LEDs - MR16, MR11, G4, GU10 Bulbs

You might be disappointed in the light output of equivalent LED lamps. BE sure to check the lumen output and the color rendering.

 

If the bulbs are now 50W that is about 4.2 amps at 12V, and on the 120V side of the transformer that would be 0.42A. If you try to locate a single transformer at one end of the track in order to distribute power to the lights at 12V, that could represent a lot more current on the track than it is designed for. The resulting voltage drop along the track may result in some dim bulbs. The higher efficiency of LED lights may help with this, but it is still not wise to operate things in ways other than intended by design.

I'm not contradicting the previous reply, just giving a reason why it may not be practical to operate the track at 12V. If you measure and find that the track is at 12V, then that would change things. But you'd still need to be careful that you are not changing the design.

Tom

 

Thanks Tom! However, I think I was not very clear. I meant just install 12v lamps in the existing holders that is putting out 12v via the transformers.