Sylvania RefLED Retro MR11 GU5.3 2.5W 3000K 36° 12V – glass body, replaces 20W

MR11 size with GU5.3 base — a unique combination

The dimensions of most GU5.3 base spotlights are:

• Standard MR16: diameter 51 mm, base GU5.3 — most common
• This Sylvania special model: diameter 35 mm (MR11 size), base GU5.3 — rarer
• Standard MR11: diameter 35 mm, base GU4 (4 mm pins) — different

This Sylvania model fits luminaires with:

• GU5.3 base but the lamp housing is smaller than 51 mm
• Custom-made luminaires (e.g., imported from the USA)
• Vintage and retro-style luminaires where a small lamp size is part of the aesthetic
• Smaller spotlights and display cases

Check the lamp dimensions before ordering — measure the diameter of your existing halogen to ensure compatibility.

20W replacement — for small ambient lighting

This lamp corresponds to the lighting efficiency of an old 20W GU5.3 halogen lamp — i.e., low power, especially suitable for ambient lighting and decorative luminaires:

• Small spotlights and display case lights
• Ambient lighting in restaurants, hotels, and cafes
• Chandeliers and decorative luminaires where the overall brightness is created by several lamps together
• Table lamps and nightlights
• Maintenance of old furniture luminaires

If you need more light from a single lamp, consider the Sylvania RefLED Retro MR11 GU5.3 4W model (345 lm), which replaces a 35W halogen.

Requires 12V transformer

This is a 12V low-voltage lamp that requires a 12V transformer to operate. This Sylvania model is compatible with both:

• Magnetic transformers (traditional, heavier) — common in old luminaires
• Electronic transformers — light, more modern technology, in almost all new luminaires

Compatibility with electronic transformers depends on the exact model of the transformer — not all may work with this LED lamp. The most common compatible brands are Helvar, Tridonic, Osram, Ledvance, and Vossloh-Schwabe.

Compatible transformers can be found in the Electrical supplies → Transformers category.

Check transformer power

The transformer's power must match the lamp (or the combined power of multiple lamps). For one 2.5W lamp, the transformer should be a minimum of approximately 5W (allow a small reserve). For multiple lamps:

• 5 lamps = 12.5W → transformer at least 15W
• 10 lamps = 25W → transformer at least 30W
• 20 lamps = 50W → transformer at least 60W

Glass body — premium quality

Unlike ordinary plastic LED lamps, this Sylvania RefLED Retro has a full glass body — the same material as traditional halogen lamps:

• More even light distribution than plastic
• No yellowing over time
• Halogen-like appearance — blends seamlessly with old luminaires
• Withstands higher temperatures than plastic

Replaces 20W GU5.3 halogen — 87% energy saving

This 2.5W LED produces the same light output as a traditional 20W GU5.3 halogen. Energy saving is approximately 87%, and the lifetime is:

• 20W GU5.3 halogen: 2,000–4,000 h
• This Sylvania RefLED Retro: 15,000 h — 4–7 times longer

Additionally, 50,000 switching cycles make this an excellent option for luminaires that are frequently switched on and off (e.g., motion sensor lights, bathrooms, storage rooms).

This lamp is not dimmable

Do not install the lamp in a luminaire equipped with a dimmer. The lamp may flicker, stay on at full power, or be damaged.

36° beam angle — wide spotlight

This lamp's 36° beam angle is in the flood category — a wide spotlight suitable for:

• Ambient lighting in hotels, restaurants, and bars
• Small spotlights and display case lights
• Chandeliers and multi-lamp luminaires where the MR11 size fits
• Maintenance of older furniture luminaires

Installation checklist

1. Check that the luminaire has a GU5.3 base (not GU4 or GU10)
2. Measure the diameter of the lamp housing — 35 mm space is needed (not a larger MR16 space)
3. Check that a 12V transformer (magnetic or electronic) is used
4. Check that the transformer's power is sufficient for the total power of the lamps
5. Check that the luminaire does not have a dimmer
6. Turn off the power before installation — do not touch the lamp glass with your fingers
7. Install the lamp in place and turn on the power

Also, check out our other GU5.3 LED spotlights.