Intermittent MR16 downward lights

Steve Bowman · Nov 27, 2022

Hi all. Just moved into a new home and I've got 4 of the kitchen downward lights that are out. Tried changing the filaments but it became obvious that the filaments are fine, it's the wiring into the back of the socket that's at fault. My question is how do you de-wire these MR16 GU5.3 sockets? There's nothing obvious on them to unscrew, unlatch etc? The two wires out the back disappear into a false ceiling with no disconnect point there either. I think I'm going to have to cut the wires close to the mounting, strip them back and then splice the two wires from a new mounting onto the old cables? Bit of a pain.

On the bright side I've now got 4 spare filaments for future use!!!

Thank you,

Steve B

brianmoooore · Nov 27, 2022

These are low voltage lamps (12 volts), so somewhere between your fitting and your mains supply, is a transformer if some kind.
Much more likely it's this that has failed than the GU5.3 socket.

littlespark · Nov 27, 2022

if it’s just a simple bezel in the ceiling, the fitting is likely held up by springs. Just needs carefully coaxed out the hole. The transformer will be nearby.

Be careful of fingers! The springs are strong.

Also, if the mr16’s are old halogen type, you might find the ceiling plasterboard is dried out and crumbly where it’s heated up.