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

MR11 size with GU5.3 base — a special combination

The dimensions of most GU5.3 spotlight lamps are:

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

This Sylvania model is suitable for fixtures that have:

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

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

20W replacement — for small-scale ambient lighting

In terms of lighting efficiency, this lamp corresponds to an old 20W GU5.3 halogen lamp — meaning low power, making it particularly suitable for ambient lighting and decorative fixtures:

• Small spotlights and display cabinet lights
• Ambient lighting in restaurants, hotels, and cafes
• Chandeliers and decorative fixtures where overall brightness is achieved by multiple lamps combined
• Table lamps and night lights
• Maintenance of old furniture lighting

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

Requires a 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 older fixtures
• Electronic transformers — lightweight, more modern technology, found in almost all new fixtures

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

You can find compatible transformers in the Electrical Supplies → Transformers category.

Check the transformer wattage

The transformer's wattage must correspond to the lamp (or the combined wattage of multiple lamps). For a single 2.5W lamp, the transformer should be at least about 5W (reserve a small buffer). 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 uniform light distribution than plastic
• No yellowing over time
• Halogen-like appearance — fits seamlessly into older fixtures
• Withstands higher temperatures than plastic

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

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

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

Furthermore, the 50,000 switching cycles make this an excellent choice for fixtures that are switched on and off frequently (e.g., motion-sensor lights, bathrooms, storage rooms).

This lamp is not dimmable

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

36° beam angle — flood light

The 36° beam angle of this lamp is in the flood category — a wide beam suitable for:

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

Installation checklist

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

Also check out the other GU5.3 LED spotlights in our selection.