The Ultimate Guide to G4 LED Bi-Pin Bulb

Author:Admin      Publish time: September 8, 2023      Origin: Site

What is a G4 LED Bulb?

A G4 LED Bi-pin bulb is a tiny LED bulb having a bi-pin base. It features two pins at the bottom, having a space of 4mm. The word ‘G4’ refers to the distance of 4mm between the pins.

 

Advantages of G4 LED Bulbs over Conventional Bulbs

A G4 LED light has several advantages over traditional lighting systems. 

Let us get to know about some of them.

Energy Efficient

G4 LED Bi-Pin bulbs convert most of the energy into light. Therefore, these bulbs are several times more energy efficient. A study discloses that LED bulbs require about 75% less energy than traditional bulbs. 

Versatile

You can invest in G4 LED lights of different sizes and color temperatures. Hence, they meet the requirements of a workspace, living room, etc.

Carbon-Neutral

G4 LED bulbs are environmentally friendly. The bulbs do not contain toxic materials like mercury. 

Furthermore, these LED lights are easy to recycle. In addition, their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions is significantly lower than traditional lighting.

Durable

One primary reason G4 LED bulbs are getting popular is their durability. A G4 LED capsule can last up to 50,000 hours, depending on the bulb's quality and usage. You don’t need to worry about frequent replacements with them.  

Miscellaneous

Unlike incandescent bulbs, G4 LED lights do not produce excessive heat. In addition, you do not notice issues like flickering so often. 

G4 LED Bulb Specifications 

To understand the specifications of a G4 LED Bi-Pin Bulb, know the following technical details.

Wattage & Light Output (Lumens) Options

The wattage determines how much electricity power a bulb consumes. Lumens scale the brightness of the light. 

A G4 LED bulb manufacturer produces lights of different wattages, such as 1W, 2w, 3W, 4W, etc. Similarly, the lumens range of G4 LED lights can be as per below:

 

• 50-100 lumens: Ideal for accent lighting
• 100-200 lumens: Suitable for task lighting
• 200-400 lumens: Used for general lighting
• 400-800 lumens: For bright illumination

 Color Temperature

 The color temperature defines the color appearance of the light. It is measured in Kelvin (K). 

G4 LED Bi-Pin bulbs come in different color temperatures. It ranges as per below:

 

• 2700K-3000K: Neutral White Color
• 3500K-4000K: Cool White
• 5000K- 6500K: Warm White

 

Dimmable vs. Non-Dimmable G4 LED Bulbs

A lot of people get confused between dimmable vs. non-dimmable bulbs. Dimmable LED bulbs let you adjust the brightness level. They come with a dimmer switch to adjust brightness. 

On the contrary, non-dimmable G4 LED lights have fixed brightness. 

 

Comparison of G4 LED Bulbs with Other Bulbs

G4 LED vs. G4 Halogen Bulbs

G4 LED bulbs waste a negligible amount of energy heat, unlike G4 halogen bulbs. Therefore, they are more energy efficient. A G4 halogen bulb consumes several times more electricity to emit a similar amount of light. In addition, the lifespan of LED bulbs is longer than halogen bulbs.

G4 LED vs. G9 LED Bulbs

 Both G4 and G9 LED lights are in demand. However, there is a difference in their pin spacing and applications.

A G4 LED bulb has a bi-pin base with a pin spacing of 4mm. On the contrary, G9 bulbs feature a two-pin base. And these pins have a space of 9mm in between.

 Another major difference between them is their usage. Since the G4 LED bulb has lower light output, it has uses in decorative fixtures, cabinets, and work lights. 

G9 LED lights are suitable for both indoor settings and ambient lighting. You can notice their usage in chandeliers, ceiling lights, table lamps, pendant lights, etc.

 

G4 LED vs. GU5.3/MR16: Understanding Different Bulb Bases

As mentioned above, G4 LEDs come with a bi-pin base having two pins with a space distance of 4mm between. On the other hand, GU5.3/MR16 bulbs feature a twist and lock base. They have two pins in the base, with a space of 5.3 mm between them.

 

How to Choose the Right G4 LED Bi-Pin Bulb for Your Needs?

Keep the following points in mind when selecting G4 bulbs for you.

Compatibility with Existing Fixtures

Remember, G4 LED bulbs are suitable for 12 or 24 volts fixtures. If your existing bulbs were on the same volts, you are good to go.

 Consider Lumens, Color Rendering Index (CRI), and Beam Angle 

As mentioned above, G4 LED bulbs are available in different lumens. Choose it based on how much light you need. 

The Color Rendering Index or CRI represents how perfectly a light represents colors compared to the sunlight. It measures 0 to 100 on the scale. Choose G4 LED lights with at least 80 CRI.

 The beam angle regulates the throw of light. If you want G4 LEDs for spotlighting, choose a narrow beam. Wider beam angles are suitable for general illumination.

Selection Between Warm White, Cool White, and Daylight Color Temperatures

 Warm White G4 LED lights have a Kevin range of 2700K-3000K. They emit soft light making the atmosphere calming.

Cool White G4 LED lights fall between Kevin ranges 4000K-45000K. These lights are ideal for workstations due to their neutral light.

Daylight G4 LEDs have a Kevin range (5000K-6500K). These lights emit lights similar to natural daylight. Therefore, they are suitable commercial places.

 

Installation of G4 LED Bulbs 

 

• Remove your existing halogen bulb from the fixture. Make sure the main line is off, and the bulb is cool.

• Carefully align the base pins of your bulb to the socket slot. Slightly push your bulb and twist it to install it into place.

• Switch the light on to check if it is working correctly.

 

Retrofitting G4 LED Bulbs in Different Fixtures 

Chandeliers

Generally, chandeliers have several halogen bulbs. Replace them with G4 LED bulbs matching their wattage and color temperature.

Desk Lamp

Installing the G4 LED Bi-Pin bulb is straightforward. Insert the bulb in the socket by aligning its pins with the holes in the socket. Next, gently push it to fit securely.

Common Installation Issues & Troubleshooting Tips

Flickering

-Make sure your G4 LED bulbs are appropriately installed into sockets. 

-Ensure the power supply voltage matches your light voltage rating.

-If you are using a dimmer, it must be compatible with your G4 LED bulb.

Overheating

If you are using a higher-wattage G4 LED bulb in the fixture, it may cause overheating. Make sure heat dissipation and wattage capacity are appropriate as per the fixture.

Buzzing Sound

Generally, it happens when your G4 LED bulb is incompatible with the power supply. 

Inconsistent Light

Cheap quality bulbs are the main culprit behind this issue. Always work with a reputable G4 LED bulb manufacturer to get quality products. Make sure the color temperature of the light is perfect for the place.

Dimming of G4 LED Bulbs

Not all G4 LED bulbs are dimmable. These bulbs feature internal circuitry enabling the bulb to adjust brightness as per instruction. The brightness is managed with the help of a dimmer switch. 

Consider the following points when selecting a dimmer switch.

Type of Dimmer

A wide range of dimmer switches are available in the market, such as electronic dimmers, trailing edge dimmers, magnetic dimmers, etc. Get the one that is compatible with your light.

Wattage

Learn about the minimum and maximum load capacity of your switch. It should be under the range of the bulb.

Flickering and Compatibility Issues with a Dimmer

An incompatible dimmer can cause flickering and buzzing noise in the bulb. Ensure both bulb and dimmer have the same power consumption profile.

Sometimes malfunctioned dimmers can be an issue. Therefore, always buy dimming solutions from a trustworthy supplier.

Lifespan and Maintenance of G4 LED Bulbs

A quality G4 LED bulb can last between 15,000 to 50,000 hours. It is almost 15 to 50 times more than a regular incandescent bulb. 

 

To maintain the best performance and longevity of your bulb, consider taking the following steps:

• Prevent your G4 LED bulb from voltage mismatch.
• Choose the appropriate dimmer switch to avoid flickering issues.
• G4 LED bulbs perform well in the temperature range – 20°C to 40°C. 
• Avoid using them in excessively high temperatures.
• Gently clean your bulbs with a soft and dry microfiber cloth frequently. 
• Do not apply liquid cleaner and water.
• Check wiring and other contacts from time to time.
• Inspect for possible signs of cracks and other damage. Replace the bulb if you notice damage.

 

 

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, a G4 LED Bi-Pin bulb has several benefits over traditional lights. It is energy efficient, durable, and contributes to a carbon-neutral environment. 

 In this blog post, we learned about its applications, advantages, installation, and maintenance requirements. At last, we can say that switching to this revolutionary lighting solution can be beneficial in several ways. Even in many countries, governments are doing initiatives to encourage people to use them. Shifting to LED lights can cut down million tonnes of CO2.