FabianLast autumn, Philips Hue launched MR16 light sources on the market for the first time. The spots have a particularly small GU5.3 base. However, this is not the actual special feature. Much more important is the power supply, which is not via a conventional 230-volt connection. Instead, a 12-volt transformer is connected upstream.
Regardless of whether you want to convert an existing installation to Philips Hue or install the MR16 spotlights from scratch, a correctly functioning transformer should be used so that there are no technical problems. But which transformer is suitable?
Overview of working transformers for Philips Hue MR16 spots
Unfortunately, I don’t have such small 12 volt spots in use anywhere in my house to be able to provide you with my own experience. However, Philips Hue has published a comprehensive list (PDF-Download) of many compatible and non-compatible transformers. And not just for Germany and Europe, but also for North America, for example.
In the best case scenario, you will find the transformer that you have installed in your home. You can also see how many light sources the transformer works properly with, as there are also big differences here.
Which is definitely obvious: Only in the best case scenario can you simply replace the light sources and everything works as it should.
These MR16 light sources are available to choose from
Philips Hue offers the MR16 spots in two different versions: As White Ambiance with different shades of white and dimming function and as White and Color Ambiance with an additional 16 million colours. The light sources can be purchased as a single or double pack.
The price starts at 39.99 euros for a single spotlight. A cheaper Hue White with a simple dimming function is not currently available. In addition, only the colour version is available in the USA and Canada.
Philips Hue MR16 spots
from $99.99 / £29.99 / €39,99
Hi – I have had a particularly poor experience with the Philips ‘Rest of World’ recommended brand HPM, model MTECOUGAR60. After purchasing three boxes of 10 each (30), we have found that more than 50% have failed to an intermittent 1-2 sec on/off flashing, with some failing right out of the box, while others taking average weeks to a month or two to show up. It is not the Philips bulbs as we have swapped these around to narrow it down to the tx. We have been meticulous in installation, ensuring airflow etc. However, the txs appear to have an auto cutoff that is set too high, specifically not liking the MR16 bulb being operated around 15% of full power – which is the setting we have programmed the bulbs for eg. early morning starts, and lounge ambient lighting for watching tv. Secondly, the txs appear to be overly sensitive to ambient temperature, as the ones that fail repeatedly are in the same slightly warmer position. On closer inspection the tx rating of Ta 40 deg C is a bit surprising, given that this could be easily reached in a ceiling on a hot day where I live in Australia. Based on our experience I would query if the actual Ta might be less than 40 deg. In reality. I am quite patient but our experience in having to replace these transformers on a regular basis is unacceptable. Prior to the Hue system, which I love, we hardly ever had a transformer failure with regular MR16 LEDs. In my opinion, Philips may wish to reconsider this transformer recommendation, or perhaps even test multiple transformers of this brand and model number to verify our experience, or otherwise. Thanks in advance. Kind regards.