There are two main types of spotlights: GU10 and MR16. You can tell them apart by looking at their bases. Make sure to turn off the electricity and wear gloves when handling these bulbs, as they can be very hot if they are not LED bulbs.

Differences Between GU10 and MR16

The MR16 has two thin pins at its base, whereas the GU10 has two wider, flat edges at the end of its pins.

Why the Type Matters

Once you know which type of bulb you have, you can decide what to do next. If it’s a GU10, you can easily replace it with a LED GU10. If it’s an MR16, it’s better to switch to a GU10 for two reasons:

• Better lighting options, including reliable dimming. LED MR16s often have poor dimming, but GU10s provide excellent lighting quality.
• Cost savings. MR16s tend to be more expensive and less reliable, which means they might need to be replaced more often.

Changing from an MR16 to a LED MR16 can be tricky as it usually requires changing the transformer to one that’s compatible with LEDs.

How to Switch to GU10

It’s best to hire a qualified electrician for this job, but if you’re familiar with basic electrical tasks, you might choose to do it yourself. You will need a GU10 lampholder, which is the fixture that fits into your ceiling, to install new GU10 bulbs.