Hi,
There is actually more than one kind of MR16! MR 16 actually refers to the diameter of the face of the typical MR16 halogen bulb : 1.6". There are actually two bases for MR16, GU5.3 (more common, 2 pins, requires transformer, 12V) or GU10 (less common, 2 "plugs", fits direct into mains, 220~240V). When switching to LED, the more reliable, energy saving option for MR16 may actually be the GU10. This is because GU5.3 requires an external transformer and these may not be very reliable - some transformers can not take the reduced load of LED thus continue drawing high current.
I actually bought some MR16, GU5.3 from one of the popular places for LED light bulbs but they don't work very well though they supposedly use Cree LEDs. Even though it is also advertised as dimmable (according to sales person), they did not work well with my existing dimmers. In terms of colour rendering, LEDs are acceptable, but some may not find it "warm" enough. Brightness is also a concern, I'm not sure that a 3W LED bulb can replace 50W halogen. I think it can probably go up to maybe 30W halogen.
Just thought I would share some of my experience when experimenting with this technology. I wonder whether reliable LED dimmable GU10s are readily available in Singapore.
Caleb Tan
