Squeezing An Led Spotlight Into A Halogen Fitting

[Greenside]

I have some "Elephant trunk" light fittings that I want to use with MR16 LED 12v bulbs. The fitting is designed for GU4 halogens (rated to 35W so I think it should be OK as far as heat goes) but although the LED bulb (and I gather this is true of a lot of them) looks the same size as a halogen it's actually about 4mm too deep to fit in the lamp holder when it has the cap that supplies the power in place.

I have found one (that comes with a different fitting) where the wires come out from the side which solves the height problem but it's a bit too wide to allow the bulb to turn and I can see hours of frustration and cursing from the top of a ladder if I go that route.

So ideally I'm looking for a round or small square cap with the wires leading from the side or a Cunning Plan to bodge something (safe) together that would solve the problem. Oh yes, I've only got about a week to do it in.

[Crossy]

Since it's low-voltage LEDs with a long (theoretical) life I would solder pigtails directly to the lamp pins and then conceal choc-bloc connectors in the fitting.

Of course we then need to stop the lamps falling out, silicon is your friend.

All far easier to deal with if you have the fitting on your workbench.

[thaibeachlovers]

Since it's low-voltage LEDs with a long (theoretical) life I would solder pigtails directly to the lamp pins and then conceal choc-bloc connectors in the fitting.

Of course we then need to stop the lamps falling out, silicon is your friend.

All far easier to deal with if you have the fitting on your workbench.

Hi Crossy,

re the choc-bloc connectors ( assuming they are what I think they are ), the large size ones from Home Pro are so thin walled that they break with the slightest of pressure.

Can you recommend some other outfit where I can get decent ones, please.

[Crossy]

I just get choc-bloc from my local mom-and-pop electrical emporium. Apparently I'm the only person ever to buy them

[thaibeachlovers]

I just get choc-bloc from my local mom-and-pop electrical emporium. Apparently I'm the only person ever to buy them

Thanks. That'll be on my next trip to the big smoke, then. Local place has sod all.