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MR11 bulbs

All MR11 bulbs (also known as GU4 bulbs) run at a low voltage, most often 12 volts. This means that all MR11 12v bulbs require a transformer before they can be connected to the mains electricity supply. In most cases the transformer is built into the light fitting that makes use of the MR11 light bulbs, but in some instances the transformer might be a separate unit.

Because of the small size of an MR11 bulb, (just 35mm) they are often used for decorative purposes rather than for general lighting. They can still produce a lot of light, but not as much as their larger relatives, the MR16 bulb.

Some vehicles and caravans use MR11 bulbs as interior lights, or map reading lights. In these situations, it's usually a good idea to consider replacing the relatively high energy MR11 halogen bulbs with a much more energy efficient LED version. LED MR11 bulbs can produce a lot of light, but being an LED they will use much less power. This puts less stress on the vehicle electrical system, and the battery will be drained much more slowly.

LED lamps also have the added benefit of having a very long life span. Most LED lamps have a rated life of upto 50,000 hours in optimal conditions.

GU4 bulbs

'GU4' refers to the 2-pin electrical connector on the bottom of GU4 bulbs. There are two pins, four millimeters apart. So when referring to a GU4 bulb you are talking about the size and type of the electrical connector. Most of them are GU4 halogen bulbs, although GU4 LED bulbs are also available.

'MR11' indicates the type of bulb, 'MR' stands for Multi-faceted Reflector, and '11' is the diameter of the bulb in eighths of an inch. MR11 bulbs are reflector bulbs that are 11/8ths of an inch in diameter.