Skip to content

How To Replace A Downlight Globe

More Tips

Shock your friends with this post.

Key Takeaways

  • Switch the power off first: turn off the switch or the whole lighting circuit before you touch any halogen downlight.
  • Know your type: a 12V downlight uses a plug-in globe, while a 240V downlight uses a GU10 globe with live contacts.
  • No light after a new globe? The transformer behind the downlight may be faulty.
  • LED is usually the better fix: if the globe swap does not work, replacing the fitting with an LED downlight is often the most cost effective option.

How to Change and Replace Halogen Downlights

Have you ever wondered how to replace your halogen downlight globes? It can be very tricky, so watch the video to see how it’s done. Troy from Florance Electrical Darwin gives a quick demonstration on how to remove a halogen downlight globe.

How to Remove a Halogen Downlight From the Ceiling

There are two types of downlight design. One is a simple turn clockwise, and the centre of the downlight will fall out of the ceiling to allow access to the light globe. The other simply pulls straight down. In this video, Troy is working on a downlight that pulls straight down.

Be careful while checking which way the downlight centre ring comes free, because if you pull too hard it may damage the gyprock ceiling.

Replacing a 12V Halogen Downlight Globe

The wiring behind the type of downlight in the video is extra low voltage (12V). You can simply unplug the globe from the cable connector and replace it in the existing clamp inside the centre ring of the downlight. Even so, switch the light off at the wall first.

The new globe simply plugs into the existing cable connector. Now, just re-install in the opposite method. Push the centre of the downlight fitting up into the existing frame and turn anti-clockwise whilst ensuring the threads of the fitting line up. It is that easy!

Changing a 240V GU10 Halogen Downlight Globe

There is another type, however, called 240V halogen downlights. These downlights use a GU10 type globe, and the connection points where the globe slots into are live 240V.

Always have the switch or the entire lighting circuit turned off for safety reasons when you are replacing halogen light globes. If you are not sure which type you have, check the globe or call a licensed electrician.

Downlight Still Not Working After Replacing the Globe?

If your downlight still does not function once the globe is replaced, it is a possibility that the transformer behind the downlight, which changes the voltage from 240V to extra low voltage 12V, is faulty. Occasionally this transformer is plugged into a socket that can be safely unplugged and replaced, other times it is hardwired into the electrical circuit.

Our guide on how to test and repair a halogen downlight walks through the process of elimination, from the lamp holder to the transformer.

Please take care, and if you are unsure always call a licensed electrician. You only get one life, so don’t take unnecessary risks.

Why Upgrading to LED Downlights Makes Sense

We would suggest that the most cost effective option is to replace the downlight with an LED downlight if the halogen globe replacement does not work. As the technology is now older, the price of purchasing these products has fallen significantly, making them a cost effective option as a replacement.

Wondering how to replace an LED downlight globe? Switch the power off and release the fitting the same way, then check whether your LED has a replaceable globe or is a sealed unit.

There are many other benefits with changing to LED downlights, including:

  • Reduced energy costs
  • Lower maintenance costs
  • A longer fitting life span
  • Less heat emitted by the light, so air conditioners have less heat to remove from a room

Not sure which globe or fitting to buy? Our post on the difference between LED and CFL light globes explains how the technologies compare.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change a halogen downlight globe?

Turn the power off, then release the centre ring of the downlight by turning it or pulling it straight down, depending on the design. Unplug the old globe from its connector, plug in the new one and refit the centre ring in the reverse order.

How do I know if my halogen downlight is 12V or 240V?

A 12V downlight uses a globe that plugs into a cable connector. A 240V downlight uses a GU10 globe that slots into live contacts. If you are unsure, do not guess, and call a licensed electrician.

Why won’t my downlight work after I replaced the globe?

The most likely cause is a faulty transformer, which changes 240V to the 12V the globe needs. It may be a plug-in unit or hardwired into the circuit. If it is hardwired, a licensed electrician must replace it.

Is it worth replacing halogen downlights with LED?

In most cases yes. LED downlights cost less to run, need less maintenance, last longer and give off less heat, which helps your air conditioner. They are now much cheaper to buy than they once were.

Need Help With Your Downlights?

Our licensed electricians can replace or upgrade your downlights safely. Request a booking or call (08) 8983 3000.