LED bulbs that have a G4 base are a separate group of light sources. They are distinguished by the presence of wire pins in the base, located at a distance of 4 mm. Such bulbs can be connected to a power source of 12V and 220V. The article provides an overview of G4 12V LED bulbs.
Description and purpose
LED bulbs are also called capsule light sources. They are equipped with two wire pins through which current is supplied. The power of such devices is minimal - from 0.8 to 5W. The ability to connect them to 12V and 220V sources significantly reduces the scope of the bulbs. But, despite this, they can be used both for domestic lighting, and for industrial.
The purpose of the LED bulbs G4 to 12V:
- Light bulbs are used in design solutions when it is necessary to equip suspended structures. Slight heating allows the use of bulbs in conjunction with stretch ceilings.
- Light bulbs can be used to decorate interior items.
- Also used for motor vehicles and motorcycles as a backlight and lighting system.
All G4 bulbs are small in size. Especially this performance is noticeable when compared with similar 20W. Products are made so that all the chips are located on the surface, this is due to their compact size. The level of light intensity is determined by the number of diodes in the bulb.
Operating principle
Instead of the base in the G4 12V LED bulbs, two contacts are used located at a specific distance (on the bulb this arrangement is indicated as G4). The design allows you to connect a lighting element of different power in a specially designed connector. Bulbs connected to the 12V network require the installation of a power supply to ensure normal operation.
How does the G4 bulb work? Similar to its LED comrades-in-arms: the production of light energy from an electrical equivalent occurs with the help of a semiconductor crystal and the processes that occur inside it at the time of connection to the network.
A feature of LED bulbs is the ability to convert alternating current to direct current. The process takes place using a driver, built-in or external. Usually, bulbs are not equipped with a 12V driver. It is installed outside the lighting element.
Varieties of lighting elements
The types of LED bulbs G4 12V are distinguished by many characteristics. It is not only the power of lighting and the source of consumption. Let's consider in more detail:
1. By type of installed power supply:
- low voltage - at 12V;
- directly connected to the 220V network.
The difference between them is the location of the power supply (driver) - inside the structure or as a separate unit outside the bulb.
2. Light sources also differ in power - from 0.8W to 5W. Executions can be in whole value, for example, 2W, or in fractional - 1.5W.
3. Flask shape:
- the bulb may be with an open light source - there is no bulb;
- with a glass flask of various shapes - transparent or matte;
- the light bulb may take the form of a disk; this design is called a “tablet."
The number of diodes also differs depending on what type of bulb and its characteristics.
4. By type of color temperature:
- cold light - 5,000 - 6,500 K;
- natural light - 4,000 - 4,500 K;
- warm light - 2 700 - 3 200 K.
5. The angle of the glow of the G4 bulb can be: 160, 180, 280 or 360 degrees.
Usually, on the product box, manufacturers indicate recommendations for replacing the G4 bulb. For example, it is advised to replace the LED analogue of 5W with a 40W incandescent lamp.
Technical characteristics of bulbs
Like any light source, G4 12V LED bulbs have their own technical specifications. They are indicated on the packaging and help the consumer make the right purchase.
G4 bulbs have the following parameters:
- The color temperature of the devices is from 2700 to 6500K.
- Luminous flux from 40 to 600 lm.
- Power supply 12V or 220V.
- The operating time of the light bulb is 35-50 thousand hours.
- The manufacturer is allowed to use bulbs in the range of such a mains voltage: from 150 to 265V.
- Compact size light bulbs. This is important when replacing halogen sources with LEDs, because the element must be freely placed at the installation point.
- The power of the bulb depends on the number of diodes used. But manufacturers rarely provide information about them on the box.
To choose the right bulb, you need to consider the following points:
- the purpose of the acquisition, that is, the area of what area should be equipped;
- what power supply will be used;
- what kind of bulb power is needed.
Although the compact dimensions allow the bulb to be used in almost any lighting device, it is recommended to measure the ceiling before buying. It is also important to choose light bulbs with a high color temperature and a large angle of radiation.
Positive and negative points of using the G4 bulb
LED bulbs G4 12V 20W, like any product, have their advantages and disadvantages.
They differ in such positive characteristics:
- durability and long service life;
- minimum heating during operation and power consumption;
- light bulbs are environmentally friendly and do not require special skills for replacement;
- compact sizes allow the use of bulbs in miniature fixtures;
- bulbs immediately work at full power after switching on;
- the switching frequency of the lighting device does not affect the quality of lighting;
- G4 bulbs are available with a different light spectrum, which allows you to assemble a lighting system suitable for a particular person.
Cedi shortcomings can be noted:
- with prolonged use, degradation of the crystal occurs, which leads to a gradual decrease in the brightness of lighting;
- LED bulbs have a high ripple coefficient, which is explained by connecting to an AC network;
- due to inconsistency of the luminous flux with analog incandescent lamps, LED sources are not recommended for use in offices or industrial premises;
- quite high cost.
Price and quality of products
Depending on the technical characteristics, the cost of the LED bulb changes. This can be explained by the diversity of radiation intensity and the level of power consumption.
On sale you can find products of such companies: Feron, Navigator, Osram, Philips, Maxus, Eurolamp, Electrum and others. There are light bulbs mainly of Chinese manufacturers, but you can also find Austria. On sale are also products of nameless manufacturers, their cost, as a rule, lower. But the technical specifications do not correspond to the declared ones.
Bulbs with a high color rendering rate and a large angle of radiation are somewhat more expensive than other analogues. For example, you can buy G4 12V LED bulbs in Gomel at a price of 10 rubles. a piece.
When choosing a lighting source, you need to pay attention to the quality of the goods. It is recommended to choose products of manufacturers that have proven themselves in this market segment.
Is it worth replacing a halogen bulb with an LED
Many owners of chandeliers and small spotlights are wondering if it is advisable to put G4 12V LED bulbs instead of halogen ones. Such thoughts arise in people with the aim of saving energy consumption.
What are the differences between light bulbs? If you look at both models closely, you will notice that the “halogen” filament is placed slightly closer to the cap. And in LED analogs, it is located further from the base. This means that the halo of illumination of lamps will vary: in the first case, the entire ceiling is fully illuminated, and in the second - only its external part.
Halogen and LED lamps are similar in color to lighting. So, the "halogen" and LED on 220V shine almost the same yellow light. And the analogs on 12V - with white light, which seems much brighter.
If you need to replace a halogen bulb with an LED, then you should know that the first one shines in all directions, and the second - only in one. In space, such directional light is similar to a light cone. When buying a bulb with one LED, you need to pay attention to the presence of a scattering lens or choose a bulb type "corn".
It is worth noting that buyers prefer LED bulbs. But when buying, they learn a lot of nuances: the shape of the ceiling, the area of the room, the power source and more. With the right LED bulbs, all customers were satisfied with the result.
Positive customer reviews
When buying G4 12V LED bulbs, consumers leave a lot of positive feedback. They noted the following points:
- Light bulb saves budget. They reduce energy consumption, which significantly reduces the cost of lighting the room. Due to the brightness of the products and the long service life (several times more than halogen or incandescent), more and more people prefer such bulbs.
- Especially convenient is the ability to decorate the interior. Light bulbs can be used to illuminate various areas of the room, furniture, and also used in cars.
- Devices designed to mount 12V bulbs are equipped with a driver. This solution increases the life of the lighting component.
- The operation of the bulb does not depend on the polarity of the applied voltage. This means that the light works with any power source.
- On sale you can find LED bulbs equipped with 100 microfarad capacitors. The larger the capacitor has, the less the lamp flickers, which reduces the damage to the eyes.
- Buyers also note the ease of replacing LED bulbs. When working with them, you don’t need to wear gloves, use degreasers or be afraid of burns.
- Light bulbs do not warm the air in the room.
We can say that all buyers of LED bulbs were satisfied with the purchased product. They are happy to recommend it to their friends and acquaintances.
Negative customer reviews
Some buyers of LED bulbs G4 12V note such negative moments of using products:
- There are few reviews of this product on the Internet, and sellers are not aware of all the characteristics of this product. Some buyers had to deal with technical specifications for a long time, because there was no specialist nearby who would help choose a light bulb.
- When buying most Chinese bulbs, the declared power is not justified. Lighting components sometimes shine with a power of two times lower than stated on the package.
- To some customers, the light seemed not bright enough.
- Many complain about the flickering of light bulbs. Representatives of the company say that there should be no flicker. If there are no other factors provoking flicker, then the bulb can be exchanged for another under warranty.
Reviews say that negative moments arise when buying cheap light bulbs. Customers who subsequently purchase products from a trusted manufacturer are satisfied with the purchase.
So, G4 12V LED bulbs are a worthy analogue of lighting components. They have many positive characteristics and allow you to save money on energy consumption. Buyers believe that LED bulbs are worth the purchase.